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Archive for May, 2012

Rough Riders Hotel earns TripAdvisor® Certificate of Excellence

24 May

NEWS
May 24, 2012

For more information contact:
Suzanne Wentz
Marketing Director
Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation
SuzanneW@medora.com
701-223-4800

Rough Riders Hotel earns TripAdvisor® Certificate of Excellence

Medora, N.D. – The Rough Riders Hotel in Medora recently earned TripAdvisor’s® Certificate of Excellence, which honors the hotel’s hospitality excellence.

TripAdvisor®, the world’s largest travel site, gives this accolade only to establishments that consistently achieve outstanding traveler reviews on its site. About 10 percent of accommodations listed on TripAdvisor receive this prestigious award, and qualifying businesses worldwide are eligible.

“We’re honored to be recognized by one of the leading online travel sites – and most importantly our guests – for our hospitality excellence,” said Randy Hatzenbuhler, president of the Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation. “The staff at the Rough Riders Hotel strives to provide our guests with a positive experience ranging from friendly customer service to clean, comfortable accommodations.”

Located in the heart of downtown Medora, the Rough Riders Hotel is operated by the Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation. In 2008, the Rough Riders Hotel was renovated and expanded to feature 68 guest rooms, a conference center, and Theodore’s Dining Room and TR’s Tavern. The hotel dining room and conference facility is available year-round for business meetings, social functions and for guests.

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Medora is located at the entrance to the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. As North Dakota’s #1 vacation destination, Medora offers family entertainment in an Old West atmosphere.

For more information about Medora, visit: www.medora.com.

For more information about Theodore Roosevelt National Park: www.nps.gov/thro/index.htm

About Trip Advisor

TripAdvisor® is the world’s largest travel site, enabling travelers to plan and have the perfect trip. TripAdvisor offers trusted advice from real travelers and a wide variety of travel choices and planning features with seamless links to booking tools. TripAdvisor-branded sites make up the largest travel community in the world, with more than 50 million unique monthly visitors*, and over 60 million reviews and opinions. The sites operate in 30 countries worldwide, including China under daodao.com. TripAdvisor also includes TripAdvisor for Business, a dedicated division that provides the tourism industry access to TripAdvisor’s millions of monthly visitors.

 
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Wentz joins Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation as Marketing Director

22 May

NEWS

For immediate release
May 22, 2012

For more information, contact:
Suzanne Wentz
Marketing Director
Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation
SuzanneW@medora.com
701-223-4800

Suzanne Wentz

Wentz joins Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation as Marketing Director

Medora, N.D. – Suzanne Wentz has been hired as the marketing director for the Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation. In this position, she’ll lead the Foundation’s marketing and public relations strategies.

Wentz has more than 15 years of experience in sales, business development, management and strategic planning. Most recently she was the president/CEO of Odyssey Research in Bismarck. Wentz has a Bachelor’s degree from South Dakota State University.

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Medora is located at the entrance to the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. As North Dakota’s #1 vacation destination, Medora offers family entertainment in an Old West atmosphere.

For more information about Medora, visit: www.medora.com.

For more information about Theodore Roosevelt National Park: www.nps.gov/thro/index.htm

 
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16th annual Bully Expedition encourages 4th-graders to learn North Dakota history outside of classroom

21 May

NEWS
For immediate release
May 21, 2012

For more information, contact:
Dylan Edwards
Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation
dedwards@medora.com
800-633-6721 ext. 8812

16th annual Bully Expedition encourages 4th-graders to learn North Dakota history outside of classroom

Event features a fun-filled day of activities

Medora, N.D.  – Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation’s 16th annual Bully Expedition will take place Sunday, June 10 in Medora.

The event offers fourth graders and their families an excellent opportunity to experience historic Medora and to continue learning about the history of North Dakota outside of the classroom, alongside fellow 4th-graders from across the state.

This year’s Bully Expedition will provide students the opportunity to participate in the Amazing Bully Race – a historical scavenger hunt competition, experience the Medora Musical, and receive a vacation journal, bandana, and Bully Fun Pass.  All 4th-graders will be recognized on stage prior to the Medora Musical.  Cost to participate in the Bully Expedition is $5 per student.

The annual Bully Expedition event started in Medora in 1997 and was the brainchild of Jim Petrik, who volunteered to read to 4th-graders in Bismarck. Petrik was an avid supporter of Medora and believed strongly in the Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation’s mission to educate youth about Theodore Roosevelt and his time spent in the North Dakota Badlands.

For more information about the Bully Expedition and to download a registration form, go to: www.medora.com/events.

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Medora is located at the entrance to the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. As North Dakota’s #1 vacation destination, Medora offers family entertainment in an Old West atmosphere.

For more information about Medora, visit: www.medora.com.

For more information about Theodore Roosevelt National Park: www.nps.gov/thro/index.htm

 
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Posted in Education, Medora

 

Winners for 2012 Bully Expedition 4th grade essay contest announced

18 May

NEWS
May 18, 2012

For more information contact:
Dylan Edwards
Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation
dedwards@medora.com
800-633-6721 ext. 8812

Winners for 2012 Bully Expedition 4th grade essay contest announced

Medora, N.D. – Three North Dakota fourth-grade students were selected the top winners of the Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation’s 2012 Bully Expedition essay contest. This annual contest is open to all fourth grade students in North Dakota and ties Theodore Roosevelt’s time in the North Dakota Badlands with the fourth grade curriculum of North Dakota History. Entrants responded to the prompt, “North Dakota is a beautiful place because…”

The winners are as follows:
1st Place
Name: Aleasha Marcotte
School: Saint Anne School, Bismarck
Teacher: Paulette Tescher

2nd Place
Name: Josie Wutzke
School: Rita Murphy Elementary School, Bismarck
Teacher: Clarissa Sailer Wald

3rd Place
Name: Isabel Jain Grueneich
School: Ellendale Public School, Ellendale
Teacher: Mrs. Fastnacht

“The quality of entries this year was very impressive, and it was hard to choose only three winners,” said Randy Hatzenbuhler, president of the Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation. “Every student who submitted an essay did a remarkable job demonstrating their love for North Dakota and explaining why they think North Dakota is a beautiful place. In addition, their strong knowledge of our state’s history was very evident.”

The first prize winner receives a $300 college scholarship and a Bully Vacation Package for a family of four. Second place winner receives a $200 college scholarship and a $50 Medora gift card. Third place winner receives a $100 college scholarship and a $25 Medora gift card. The first, second and third place winners will be recognized onstage prior to the June 10 performance of the Medora Musical.

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Medora is located at the entrance to the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. As North Dakota’s #1 vacation destination, Medora offers family entertainment in an Old West atmosphere.

For more information about Medora, visit: www.medora.com.

For more information about Theodore Roosevelt National Park: www.nps.gov/thro/index.htm

 

 
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Posted in Education, Medora, Medora Musical, Theodore Roosevelt National Park

 

GolfLink rates Bully Pulpit Golf Course as North Dakota’s #1 course

17 May

NEWS
For immediate release
May 17, 2012

For more information contact:
Dave Solga, general manager
Bully Pulpit Golf Course
davids@medora.com
701-623-4655

GolfLink rates Bully Pulpit Golf Course as North Dakota’s #1 course

Medora, N.D. – GolfLink.com’s recent list of North Dakota’s top public and private golf courses ranks Bully Pulpit Golf Course, south of Medora, as the best course to golf in the state.

Dave Solga, Bullly Pulpit’s general manager, is thrilled with Bully Pulpit’s rating as the number one course in North Dakota. “GolfLink’s ratings are done by real players expounding on their experience at golf facilities – good or bad. And because GolfLink.com is geared more for traveling players looking to find a golf vacation, Bully Pulpit’s number one ranking increases the awareness of the course’s high caliber golf experience.”

GolfLink.com calculates its list from an objective range of factors, including the preferences of up to one million or more visitors to the site every month. As a result of this, GolfLink.com deems its list ofBest North Dakota Golf Courses the definitive online guide to North Dakota’s top golf courses.

The complete list can be found at: http://www.golflink.com/top-golf-courses/state.aspx?state=ND#ixzz1v4A2HdQD

For more information about Bully Pulpit Golf Course, its rates and vacation packages, visit: www.medora.com/bully-pulpit.

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About Bully Pulpit Golf Course

Designed by world renowned golf course architect, Dr. Michael Hurdzan, Bully Pulpit is nestled in the rugged buttes and vistas of the North Dakota Badlands, just south of Medora, N.D. This 18-hole golf course has been nationally recognized by the likes of Golf Digest, GOLF magazine, and The Links. Bully Pulpit features five tees, ranging in length from a comfortable 4,750 total yards from the forward tees to a challenging 7,166 at the tips. www.medora.com/bully-pulpit

 
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Medora Musical cast features two North Dakotans

17 May

Medora Musical cast features two North Dakotans

Season preview performances scheduled in Fargo and Bismarck

Medora, N.D. – Two North Dakota residents will take the stage as Burning Hills singers in this year’s production of the Medora Musical.

Misti Koop of Grand Forks is an alumna of Red River High School and East Grand Forks Senior High (Minn.). After graduating from Gustavus Adolphus College with a degree in Music Education, Koop taught band for four years and then earned a master’s degree in Theatre Arts from the University of North Dakota. Since then, she’s toured with Jesus Christ Superstar in 2008-09, ArtsPower’s children’s musical Harry the Dirty Dog in 2010, and most recently performed at the Smith Family Theater in Pigeon Forge, Tenn.

Bismarck resident Parish Mechling received her B.F.A. in Musical Theatre from the University of Oklahoma and has since been performing, teaching, and choreographing with various professional theatres and universities in the Midwest. Most recently, Mechling danced her way on top of the Mediterranean with Carnival Cruise Lines, and can be seen as a tap demonstrator in Cathy Roe’s production video: Intermediate/Advanced Tap Routines with Lyn Cramer. Originally from Oklahoma, Mechling now resides in Bismarck.

The remaining 10 Burning Hills singers are: Mark Bailey Capalbo, Saranac Lake, N.Y.; David Collins, Nashville, Tenn.; Daniel Crary, Billings, Mont.; Mike Engh, Billings, Mont.; Kevin Korczynski, Bel Air, Md.; Alicia Magliaro, Brookfield, Conn.; Lauren Mikeal, Waco, Texas; Ken Quiricone, Stratford, Conn.; Lindsey Spencer, Lexington, Ky.; and Kimberly Steffan, Spencer, Iowa.

Free season preview performances of 2012 Medora Musical

Get a preview of this year’s show and see the entire cast of the Burning Hills singers perform live. Both performances are free and open to the public.

Thursday, May 24
Fargo
1 p.m.
West Acres Mall, Food Court

 

Friday, May 25
Bismarck
1 p.m.
Kirkwood Mall, South Court (by Coldwater Creek)

The Medora Musical kicks off June 8 and features nightly performances at 8:30 p.m. MT through September 8.

Tickets to the Medora Musical can be purchased now by calling 1-800-MEDORA-1 or online at www.medora.com. Hotel reservations can be made by calling 1-800-MEDORA-1.

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About the Medora Musical

Celebrating its 48th season in 2012, the Medora Musical is a professionally produced, high energy, Western style revue set in the 2,852-seat Burning Hills Amphitheater in the North Dakota Badlands. Audiences are treated to an exciting array of song and dance routines performed by the Burning Hills Singers and accompanied by the on-stage band, the Coal Diggers. This family friendly show is dedicated to the legacy of President Theodore Roosevelt and his time spent in the Badlands.

Medora is located at the entrance to the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. As North Dakota’s #1 vacation destination, Medora offers family entertainment in an Old West atmosphere.

For more information about Medora, visit: www.medora.com. For more information about Theodore Roosevelt National Park: www.nps.gov/thro/index.htm

 
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Posted in Medora, Medora Musical

 

Bully Pulpit Golf Course opens 18 holes today

09 May

NEWS
For immediate release
May 9, 2012

For more information contact:
Dave Solga, general manager
Bully Pulpit Golf Course
davids@medora.com
701-623-4655

Bully Pulpit Golf Course opens 18 holes today

Special Spring rate available through Memorial Day

Medora, N.D. – All 18 holes of Bully Pulpit Golf Course will be available for play starting today, May 9. The 2012 golf season initially kicked off with the opening of nine holes in March.

Dave Solga, Bullly Pulpit’s general manager, says the course is in great shape and that golfers have been eager for the full course to open.

Solga notes that golfers enjoy three distinct environments when they play at Bully Pulpit: the beauty of open, links style holes that play alongside the Little Missouri River; the challenge of the tree-lined fairways in traditional American-style golf; and the awe-inspiring wonder of the signature Badlands holes.

Golfers can enjoy a special spring golf rate of $69 for 18 holes and golf car. This rate is available until Memorial Day.

For more information about Bully Pulpit Golf Course, its rates and vacation packages, visit: www.medora.com/bully-pulpit.

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About Bully Pulpit Golf Course

Designed by world renowned golf course architect, Dr. Michael Hurdzan, Bully Pulpit is nestled in the rugged buttes and vistas of the North Dakota Badlands, just south of Medora, N.D. This 18-hole golf course has been nationally recognized by the likes of Golf Digest, GOLF magazine, and The Links. Bully Pulpit features five tees, ranging in length from a comfortable 4,750 total yards from the forward tees to a challenging 7,166 at the tips. www.medora.com/bully-pulpit

 
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New fun and adventure await Medora’s summer visitors

09 May

NEWS
May 8, 2012

For more information contact:
Dylan Edwards
Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation
dedwards@medora.com
800-633-6721 ext. 8812

New fun and adventure await Medora’s summer visitors

Medora, N.D. – The summer travel season kicks off with National Travel and Tourism Week, May 5-13. And this year, more adventure and fun await visitors to Medora. The Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation has a variety of new activities and attractions, ranging from kids’ activities and entertainment to shopping and history, in store for its summer guests.

“In addition to the fun activities we’ve always provided our visitors, there’s a lot more to take in this year,” said Randy Hatzenbuhler, president of the Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation. “Kids of all ages will get a thrill bungee jumping or rock climbing at our new Family Fun Center. Historians have more opportunities to delve into the past, and shoppers can bring home souvenirs made in the U.S.A. And, of course, the Medora Musical boasts new variety acts, some nationally known.”

New Family Fun Center & re-opened Badlands Shooting Gallery

In addition to the existing family activities like mini golf, guests can enjoy the Family Fun Center. This newly-created fun center is entertainment for all ages and features the world’s largest inflatable slide, a bungee jump and rock climbing wall. And back by popular demand is the Badlands Shooting Gallery. This long-time favorite returns in its original spot, around the corner from the Old Town Hall Theater.

Medora Musical variety acts

This year’s Medora Musical spectators will be entertained not only by the talented Burning Hills Singers and Coal Diggers band, but also by variety acts ranging from a Hip Hop roller skating crew featured on  NBC’s hit show “America’s Got Talent” to a popular comedian featured on CMT and an illusionist.

  • June 8 – 30:               Breaksk8, Hip Hop roller skating dancing crew featured on NBC’s hit show America’s Got Talent
  • July 1 – 28:                George Casey, comedian
  • July 29 – Aug. 18:    Etta May, character comedian featured on CMT’s Comedy Stage
  • Aug. 19 – Sept. 8:    Sammy Cortino, illusionist

Tickets to the Medora Musical can be purchased now by calling 1-800-MEDORA-1 or online at www.medora.com.

 

Opening of the historic Von Hoffman house

As part of the Foundation’s historic preservation and restoration initiative, the Von Hoffmann house has been restored to showcase its historical significance. Formerly the home of the Medora Doll House, the Von Hoffmann house now features a collection of original furniture and period furnishings. Here, visitors can learn about two of Medora’s well-known families and enjoy the gallery of the Ferris family’s correspondence with their friend Theodore Roosevelt.

Made in the U.S.A Mercantile

This new shop provides a unique patriotic shopping experience. The Made in the U.S.A. Mercantile offers a wide variety of souvenir gifts made entirely in the U.S.A., including “Pride of Dakota” items.

A Teddy Roosevelt Salute to Medora

Theodore Roosevelt comes to life in this new, vivid presentation. Learn about Theodore Roosevelt as President, husband, father, soldier and hunter. Much of this new show focuses on Roosevelt’s time in the North Dakota Badlands. Roosevelt is portrayed by Joe Wiegand, who has performed this role nationally, including a White House appearance in celebration of TR’s 150th birthday.

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About Medora

Medora is located at the entrance to the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. As North Dakota’s #1 vacation destination, Medora offers family entertainment in an Old West atmosphere.

For more information about Medora, visit: www.medora.com. For more information about Theodore Roosevelt National Park: www.nps.gov/thro/index.htm

About National Travel and Tourism Week (May 5-13, 2012):

National Travel and Tourism Week, held annually in May, is a salute to travel and tourism in America. It’s a tradition first celebrated in 1984. It was established as National Tourism Week when the U.S. Congress passed a joint resolution in 1983 designating the week to be celebrated in May. In a White House ceremony, President Ronald Reagan signed a Presidential Proclamation urging citizens to observe the week with “the appropriate ceremonies and activities.”

www.ustravel.org/marketing/national-travel-and-tourism-week

 
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Medora showcased in Midwest Living magazine

03 May

NEWS
May 3, 2012

For more information contact:
Dylan Edwards
Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation
dedwards@medora.com
800-633-6721 ext. 8812

Medora showcased in Midwest Living magazine

Medora, N.D. – Flip through the current issue of Midwest Living and you’ll see familiar North Dakota landscapes and attractions. The North Dakota Badlands, Medora and area destinations were showcased in a feature travel story in the regional publication’s May/June issue that recently hit the news stand.

The six-page spread includes vibrant images of Bully Pulpit Golf Course, Theodore Roosevelt National Park, the Maah Daah Hey Trail and other places to eat, stay and play. Midwest Living’s Travel Editor Kendra Williams narrates her visit to Medora, highlighting attractions like the Medora Musical, Theodore’s, Rough Riders Hotel and other locally owned businesses.

“It’s quite spectacular to have the North Dakota Badlands, Medora and local tourism businesses highlighted in a feature story of Midwest Living,” said Randy Hatzenbuhler, president of the Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation. “This is a great opportunity to create awareness about the wonderful vacation offerings in western North Dakota, from our world-class golf and mountain biking to family-friendly entertainment and history. Midwest Living reaches our key target markets, and I’m excited to see the effects of this article.”

Midwest Living is a regional publication that celebrates the interests, values and lifestyles of Midwestern families. It provides readers – almost one million strong – with region-specific information, focused on travel and events, food and dining, home and garden, as well as lifestyle features. Its stories cover Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, North and South Dakota, Ohio, Wisconsin and Missouri.

The online version of the article New Frontiers, which features the Medora area, can be found at: www.midwestliving.com

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Medora is located at the entrance to the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. As North Dakota’s #1 vacation destination, Medora offers family entertainment in an Old West atmosphere.

For more information about Medora, visit: www.medora.com. For more information about Theodore Roosevelt National Park: www.nps.gov/thro/index.htm

 
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Posted in Bully Pulpit Golf Course, Medora, Medora Musical, Theodore Roosevelt National Park