Imagine wide open spaces, huge expanses of grasslands, and farms and skies that go on forever and you’re starting to get an idea of what to expect from North Dakota, located in the heart of America’s famous Great Plains territory. Cities like Fargo, Bismarck, and Grand Forks boast great museums, dining, entertainment, and culture. Here are the best North Dakota destinations.
See the historic sites in Bismarck
Bismarck was originally settled along the east bank of the Missouri River in 1872 by European immigrants and is consequently full of historic sites for you to explore. A prominent city landmark is the North Dakota State Capitol, a 21-storey building surrounded by parks and interpretive walking trails where you can learn about the origins of the city.
Visit unique museums in Fargo
Fargo is North Dakota’s most populous city and visitors will find a wide variety of activities including several good museums, interesting historic sites, and plenty of outdoor recreation.
Things to do:
- Admire folk art at Plains Art Museum
- See historic aircraft at the Fargo Air Museum
- Watch a performance at the Fargo Theatre
Go hiking in Grand Forks
Grand Forks is located along the west bank of the Red River in North Dakota’s Red River Valley and dates back to 1870.
Step back in time in Medora
Visiting the historic town of Medora is a little like stepping back in time to the 1880s, when the town was established along the North Pacific Railway by the French nobleman Marquis de Mores.
Go on a scenic drive in Valley City
Valley City was founded in 1874 around the banks of the winding Sheyenne River in the scenic Sheyenne River Valley. You can discover the highlights of the valley by taking a drive along the Sheyenne River Valley National Scenic Byway (at its best in fall), which follows Native American foot paths and ancient pioneer wagon trails and will lead you past 27 interpretive sites along the river.
Go kayaking in Walhalla
The historic town of Walhalla is located along the Pembina River in the Rendezvous Region of North Dakota, not far from the Canadian border. You can go hiking, biking, and horseback riding in the Pembina Gorge State Recreation Area or the Tetrault Woods State Forest in summer or head to the Frost Fire Lodge and Ski Area in winter for great skiing, tubing, snowboarding, and more.
Enjoy wildlife watching in Jamestown
Located in the heart of the North Dakota prairie, the historic town of Jamestown offers outdoor enthusiasts a great choice of summer and winter activities.
Learn about nature in Garrison
The small town of Garrison is located along the western shore of picturesque Lake Sakakawea and beckons visitors with the promise of outstanding fishing and a host of other outdoor activities for all ages.
Enjoy the scenery in Lisbon
The quaint small town of Lisbon is located along the 63-mile Sheyenne River Valley National Scenic Byway, surrounded by breathtaking North Dakota scenery.
Take a tour of Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Theodore Roosevelt National Park is located where the Great Plains meet the North Dakota Badlands. This national treasure is home to a wide variety of wildlife and offers endless opportunities for outdoor fun.
Drive along The Enchanted Highway
Anyone traveling in western North Dakota should seize the opportunity to take a drive along The Enchanted Highway, which begins at Exit 72 on the I-94 near Gladstone and runs for 32 miles to the little town of Regent.
Admire the Missouri River
The Missouri River is by far the most prominent waterway in North Dakota, featuring several historic places which have been home to a succession of creeds and cultures.
Bike on the Maah Daah Hey Trail
Occupying a prominent position on any serious mountain bikers wish list, the Maah Daah Hey Trail is the longest (and possibly the most arduous) mountain bike route in the U.S. (cyclists make up roughly 75% of users but share the trail with hikers and equestrians).
Have a picnic in Little Missouri State Park
Little Missouri State Park for Couples is located 27 miles north of Killdeer on Highway 22 and offers visitors the chance to immerse themselves in the stark beauty of the North Dakota Badlands, whose intricate stone formations have been shaped by the forces of nature over thousands of years.
Go backpacking in the Little Missouri National Grassland
The Little Missouri National Grassland is located in the North Dakota Prairie Grasslands in western North Dakota and covers over one million acres.
Enjoy fishing in Grahams Island State Park
Grahams Island State Park is located on the western shore of Devil’s Lake, North Dakota’s largest natural lake. The state park is renowned for offering some of the best fishing in the country as well as good wildlife and nature observation from the two hiking trails.
Relax in McDowell Dam Recreation Area, Bismarck
The McDowell Dam Recreation Area is situated just 5 miles from the city of Bismarck and offers an enticing green space where locals and visitors can spend a few hours relaxing and unwinding.
Have a damily picnic Turtle River State Park
Turtle River State Park is located 22 miles west of Grand Forks in a scenic wooded valley along the banks of the Turtle River. You can come and spend the day enjoying a variety of outdoor activities, including picnics, hiking, and mountain biking.
Go ice fishing in Devil’s Lake, North Dakota
Devil’s Lake is North Dakota’s largest natural lake, located about 90 miles west of Great Forks, offering a wide variety of vacation opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts.
Hike on the Caprock-Coulee Trail
The Caprock-Coulee Trail is located in the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. The trail is considered moderate and will suit most hikers with a reasonable fitness level, although if you are bringing young children along, you will need a baby-carrier as the trail is not suitable for buggies.
Enjoy lake views in White Horse Hill National Game Preserve
White Horse Hill National Game Preserve forms part of the Devils Lake Wetland Management District in the heart of the picturesque Prairie Pothole Region of North Dakota.There is also an accessible trail that gives visitors with wheelchairs the opportunity to reach the observation deck overlooking the lake.
Go birwatching in Arrowwood National Wildlife Refuge
Arrowwood National Wildlife Refuge is located along the James River, 26 miles north of Jamestown in east central North Dakota. The refuge, which includes lakes, marshes, and wetlands, was established to provide a sanctuary and breeding ground for resident and migrating birds and other wildlife and is very popular with nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and avid photographers.
See the World’s Largest Buffalo
The World’s Largest Buffalo is an iconic piece of American roadside art and can be found towering over Frontier Village in Jamestown, North Dakota.
