MEDORA — A family trip to Medora finds its way onto the calendars of most North Dakotans. The beauty of the Badlands, the atmosphere of the once little cow town now turned into a buzzing tourist mecca with the Medora Musical taking the marquee position for entertainment.
Harold Schaefer had the vision, and the resources, to re-build Medora. Main Street is now the home to the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame, and the State of North Dakota will soon begin construction on the new Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library, which is sure to expand Medora’s summer traffic patterns to an all-year destination for those wanting to see what is sure to be one of the most magnificent presidential libraries ever constructed, not only because of the personality of Teddy Roosevelt, but because of the library’s location overlooking the majestic Badlands of North Dakota.
Finding Love in Medora
Long before the completion of the new T.R. library, however, two young people who have been part of the Medora story for the past 5 years will get married. On September 25, 2022, Taylor Leet of Bismarck and Adam Vogel from Melrose, Minnesota, will tie the knot and become husband and wife.
The two met on the set of the Medora Musical when they were new to the cast and the band in 2017. It’s certainly easy to fall in love with Medora and the surrounding Badlands, but Taylor and Adam say that falling in love, as they have, is also common as many of the cast members, production staff, and even administrative personnel have found romance working The Medora Musical. “Cowboy Chet Wollan, the host of the Medora Musical and Candace Lively Wollan met in Medora,” according to Adam.
As for the soon-to-be newlyweds, Taylor has been on stage with the Burning Hills Singers, and Adam has been lead guitarist, for five years. And maybe 6, as both want to return for the 2022 season.
Most recently found providing entertainment for Romance in Medora - A Valetine's Getaway, Taylor and Adam were quick to announce that their five years together on stage in Medora has led them to get engaged and soon-to-be married.
Both Taylor and Adam have also traveled together for the past two years as part of A Magical Medora Christmas, which tours the Dakotas starting right after Thanksgiving and wraps up just before Christmas.
You may also see Taylor in downtown Medora as part of the Gospel Brunch. “I really love gospel music,” according to Taylor, “and the Gospel Brunch is so much fun.” Adam can also be enjoyed doing a patio gig in Town Square prior to the musical.
What makes Medora special according to Adam, “The people of North Dakota do a great job supporting Medora. Out here, they treat the musicians well, and we get paid well. And I know that I probably won’t be in front of over 3,000 people who give us a standing ovation any place else.”
Taylor grew up in Bismarck, and “she knew all about Medora” according to Adam. “She was the kid on stage, so it means a lot for her to be in [the Medora Musical].” For those who have attended the Medora Musical, the ovation grows in volume anytime a native North Dakotan is introduced as part of the cast or band. “It’s a special place, and this is a special event.” Adam continued, “North Dakotans look out for their own, and we certainly appreciate that part of being in the Medora Musical.”
For Taylor there is an excitement when the cast hits the stage. “It’s nice knowing that the people of the towns and the state really appreciate what we do,” she said.
It’s not unusual for the cast to put in 10-hour days, and the camaraderie and the feeling of family creates a special bond between members of the cast. “The people in the show take ownership, like it’s really their show,” explained Taylor. “There are so many elements throughout the show that the Schafers pushed to have in the show, and that’s what makes it so special.”
When asked about the increased number of events, both Taylor and Adam agreed that it’s a nice addition to the Medora Musical season.
For Taylor, the ovations, the smiles, and the thousands of people who attend the Medora Musical are the reason for the show. “People can look up and tell if you are enjoying what you are doing on stage. You have to show up on time and ready to perform and give it your all. And I feel like the minute that it quits being fun or enjoyable… well, I think it’s time to hang it up, but I haven’t had any inclination to do that yet.”
Romance in Medora
Adam and Taylor are the entertainment in the Rough Riders Hotel conference room before, or after, couples enjoy a “once in a lifetime” white linen dinner in Theodore’s Dining Room.
The evening begins with a Complementary Champagne Social at the Capital Gallery. Visitors to the Harold Schafer Heritage Center will find a museum devoted to the story of North Dakota’s most famous entrepreneur. Harold founded The Gold Seal Company in 1942 and became a beloved proponent of Medora and North Dakota.
“Mr. Bubble,” a feature film on Harold and Sheila Schafer, is shown daily in the center and was produced by the Capital Gallery’s nonprofit foundation.
Check-in time at the hotel is 4 p.m. There are many areas in the hotel to sit and enjoy the view of the Badlands and visit with other couples who are in Medora to enjoy the Romance in Medora weekend. 5 p.m. is the first seating for dinner.
SPECIAL VALENTINE'S DINNER MENU
Appetizer
Bacon-wrapped shrimp with a sweet and sour plum sauce
Soup
Chicken and sausage gumbo with wild rice
Entree
Bacon-wrapped filet topped with a wild mushroom demi and paired with a root vegetable hash and asparagus
Dessert
Strawberry Boston cream pie cheesecake
Tonight, the bartender on duty is John Blake, a veteran of the 2021 summer season in Medora and now has signed on until October 2022 and then who knows?
John is a typical bartender with a lot of stories. “You know, that there are a couple of things about North Dakota that are kinda weird. You would be surprised the number of people that have made North Dakota their 50th state to visit,” he says. The other thing that is weird? “Well, there are a whole lotta people who come to Medora who have sold all of their belongings, kept their keepsakes, but bought an RV or a motorhome and are travelling.”
For right now John says he enjoys the “smallness” of Medora. He starts telling the story about a recent trip to the convenience grocery store, and on the way back he decides to count mule deer and people. “You know it’s a two minute walk, and I counted 30 deer, and no people," he says with a smile.
John is originally from Phoenix and harbors no desire to move back.
In The Rear View Mirror
The Romance in Medora Valentine's Getaway weekend ended with a continental breakfast buffet and a quick drive around Medora for one last look. The road to I-94 climbs a hill on the east side of town and gives you one last panoramic scenic look in your rearview mirror. The scenery is once again magnificent.
But the memories are more than the scenery. It’s people like Adam and Taylor on stage, and John working the bar that really makes the little town of Medora, and the State of North Dakota, so special.
