LEGACY PROJECT

A Legacy of Trailblazers:

Pioneering the Next Chapter of the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame

Floor plans and renderings shown are not final.

The North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame stands as a testament to the rugged determination and pioneering spirit of the American West. Founded with a mission to preserve and celebrate our state’s ranching, rodeo, and Native American history, the NDCHF | Center of Western Heritage & Cultures has become an essential institution, honoring the past while educating today’s generation. The NDCHF serves as a vibrant cultural landmark, drawing visitors from across the nation who seek to connect with the storied history of the Northern Plains.

As we reflect on the impact of the NDCHF, it is impossible to ignore the need for growth and expansion to accommodate our ever-growing audience and the increasing number of historical artifacts entrusted to our care. The time has come to revitalize our facility, ensuring that we not only preserve more of our state’s history but create new, interactive, engaging experiences for visitors of all ages. Through renovation and expansion, we envision a Hall of Fame that continues to stand as a beacon of western heritage, education, and community pride.

Our founding members started with nothing more than a mission. Three decades later, our current board of directors has prioritized discussion about our next 30 years. Due to the tremendous support of NDCHF Trustees and members, the Hall has grown greatly. The need for more space is evident, as we strive to better tell the stories of our people, our way of life, and our impact on the state and nation.

No One Can Tell Our Story Better Than We Can

As part of our design development plan, we envisioned more than just an event center—we’re creating a space that fosters education and engagement. Our expansion includes a strong commitment to educational programming, featuring seminars, conferences, and classroom-style presentations that highlight North Dakota’s significant influence on national agriculture, as well as the rich traditions of ranching and the rodeo lifestyle. By integrating these learning opportunities into our facility, we aim to provide a dynamic environment where visitors, industry professionals, and the next generation of agricultural leaders can connect, share knowledge, and celebrate the region’s lasting impact.

Now is the Time

After months of productive conversation, our diverse board has determined that now is an appropriate time to significantly move the NDCHF in the future. With the 2026 opening of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library, our local community will be greatly impacted. Tourism attendance and spending are expected to increase exponentially, as coming attractions encourage multi-day stays in Medora. With committed leadership, an invested Board of Directors, a growing Trustee and Donor base, and a heightened local and statewide reputation, the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame | Center of Western Heritage & Cultures currently possesses a measure of stability that warrants serious consideration of an expansion and renovation project.

Since August of 2024, on a commission from the Board of Directors, Rick Thompson (Executive Director), and Tess Howie (Associate Director/Museum Curator), along with a Steering Committee comprised of Dr. Gerald Stokka (Board President), Marv Semrau (Board Treasurer), and board members Steve Tomac and Gene Veeder, worked through Pre-design and Design Development phases with JLG Architects. Beginning with the expressed needs of our organization, ideas were discussed, and concepts developed, resulting in multiple presentations to the full Board, and now – with great excitement – to you.

Legacy Project Goals and Objectives

Before any conversations about design and construction could commence, the Steering Committee defined a solid set of guidelines for the project. Every decision made has been, and will continue to be, made in alignment with these objectives in mind:

This ambitious project is not just about bricks and mortar; it is about breathing new life into the stories that define our region. Imagine larger exhibit spaces, cutting-edge multimedia presentations, and expanded event/learning facilities that will allow us to host a full schedule of educational programs, community gatherings, and celebrations of western heritage. With these enhancements, we can better serve our members, visitors, and future generations who wish to experience the rich culture of North Dakota’s cowboy legacy.

Legacy Project Guiding Principles

Honor our past; remain true to our history and vision while being forward-thinking.
Maintain respect for the rural community.
Attract and delight new visitors to educate and share the history of our western culture.
Create spaces to increase our artifact collection with efficiency to properly house them.
Develop educational programming, with focused presentations that highlight North Dakota’s significant influence in agriculture, rodeo history, and Native American culture.
Provide flexible, year-round, all-weather event space to accommodate our own events and as an asset to the community, open to the public.
Provide technology to enhance exhibits and accommodate all kinds of event types.

Floor plans and renderings shown are not final.