MEDORA, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Formal recognition for the 2026 class of inductees to the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame will commence Friday, June 12th, with a dinner celebration at the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame in Medora. The induction award ceremony follows at 1:00pm on Saturday, June 13th, at Tjaden Terrace in Medora and is open to the public.

This year’s North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame inductees in their respective categories are:

Oak Coulee Ranch, Morton County Ranches
Charles Bahm, Morton County Pre-1940s Ranching
James P. Langley, Benson County Modern Era Ranching
Buddine Fredericks, McLean County Pre-1970s Rodeo
Jeff Gorrell, McKenzie County Modern Era Rodeo
Jeff Kvamme, Foster County Modern Era Rodeo
Howard Bubel, Oliver County Rodeo Arena
Virgil, McKenzie County Rodeo Livestock
Richardton Saddle Club, Stark County Special Achievement
Fred Berger, Morton County Leaders of Ranch & Rodeo
Wayne Halvorson, Mountrail County Cowboy Long Rider
Dale Pahlke, Burleigh County Legacy Award
Legacy Award Recipient Chosen

From time to time, the NDCHF Board of Directors elects to present a “Legacy Award” to an individual who has demonstrated exemplary service as an NDCHF board member or trustee, having positively impacted the development, growth, and well-being of the NDCHF | Center of Western Heritage & Cultures. Long recognized for his support of community – specifically relating to youth, rodeo, and the western way of life, this year’s recipient of the Legacy Award is Dakota Community Bank & Trust President, Dale Pahlke. At noon, Saturday, June 13, immediately preceding the Induction Ceremony at Tjaden Terrance, the Miss Rodeo North Dakota organization will hold its Coronation Ceremony. The North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame has long been a supporter of the Miss Rodeo North Dakota organization. Both the Coronation and Induction Ceremony are open to the public.