Nestled between Minnesota and Montana, North Dakota is a gem to go to on a northern US street journey. It may not be the obvious of states within the US, particularly with among the ‘large gamers’ that seize our consideration, nevertheless it’s value a visit. That is much more true as so lots of the finest locations in North Dakota are dotted throughout the state itself.
So, that can assist you get essentially the most out of your time in North Dakota, we’re sharing among the prime locations you’ll be able to’t miss in your tour across the state. Journey in North Dakota might be various relying on the season you go to. This all means you must plan your journey accordingly.
As an example, there’s no level venturing all the way in which to North Dakota should you’re fancying a bit dip in Lake Sakakawea in winter! Many actions are seasonally dependent, however that doesn’t imply most aren’t doable (in some kind) all 12 months spherical. So, plan forward and ensure to all the time have backup plans in case the climate or atmosphere modifications throughout your journey to North Dakota.
Anyway, take a peek at our favorite spots in North Dakota which you could’t miss. You’ll have a blast!
1.) Fargo
Proper on the jap fringes of North Dakota, Fargo is the largest metropolis you’ll go to within the state. It’s simply essentially the most populous and fairly simple to get to whereas driving alongside Freeway 52.
Now, I’d give your self at the least a one or two night time keep in Fargo. Alhtough it doesn’t have the hustle and bustle of some bigger US cities like New York, it’s nonetheless received a attraction and lots to see and do when you arrive.
As soon as right here, be certain that to get your self right down to the Plains Art Museum. It’s proper within the coronary heart of the historic downtown space of Fargo and is open year-round. Inside, there are heaps of seasonal and everlasting exhibitions that are completely wonderful. Better of all, the Plains Artwork Museum is open 7 days every week till, with later night time showings on Thursday till 9 pm.
Afterwards, be certain that to go to the close by Hjemkomst Center. I do know, it’s technically located in Minnesota, nevertheless it’s only some minutes from the Plains Artwork Museum itself. As soon as inside, you’ll get to discover the area’s Norwegian roots. You’ll get to see the Hopperstad Stave Church and Viking ship. It’s wonderful for all of the household.
Afterwards, be certain that to take a stroll down Broadway North – that is the place a lot of Fargo’s tastiest eating places are located. We love Beer & Fish Company for his or her shrimp and oysters. Although, if that’s not your factor, head to the Toasted Frog. They serve up a tremendous meatball sub for lunch.
Lastly, should you’ve received time, head over to the Fargo Air Museum or Bonanzaville to see all of the totally different displays and Pioneer Village. Each are nice for 2-3 hours of your time.
Read more: Best places in South Dakota to visit
2.) Theodore Roosevelt Nationwide Park
If you wish to discover the good outside when you’re in North Dakota, it’s important to go to Theodore Roosevelt Nationwide Park. It’s a colossal nationwide park and the right place to identify elk and bison within the state.
There are some nice trails to discover throughout the park. Comply with the Ridgeline Path simply off Scenic Loop Drive for a comparatively simple hike. It’s an incredible little taster should you fancy following an extended hike when staying just a few days within the space.
When you’re not feeling a hike, you’ll be able to simply observe the ‘scenic loop drive,’ which takes you thru the park itself. Plus, you’ll have the ability to cease off at vistas over the Badlands, like this one on Google Maps.
Oh, yeah, and in case you are mountaineering, be certain that to all the time watch your step. This space is teeming with wildlife, particularly snakes. You possibly can simply spot prairie rattlesnakes or bullsnakes on a path. All the time hold your eyes peeled, and hold a secure distance should you do come throughout them.
3.) Knife River Indian Villages Nationwide Historic Website
The Knife River Indian Villages Nationwide Historic Website is in Stanton, near the Hidatsa Indians’ preliminary tenting websites. In the present day, you’ll be able to discover the archeological historical past and that of the Northern Plains Indians through the small stroll alongside the village path.
It’s an effective way to study extra about Hidatsa Indians and discover the small museum. Visits will take round 40 minutes, which makes it the right stopping level when heading north to the Missouri River.
I’ve popped the Google Maps pin here that can assist you discover it should you’re driving.
Read more: Best places in South Dakota to visit
4.) Lake Oahe
Spanning the southern fringes of the state, Lake Oahe is likely one of the finest locations in North Dakota to go to as you journey south from the town of Bismark.
It’s a fully attractive lake should you’re fancying an evening or two of tenting. The cosy Stateline Resort can be nice if you wish to decelerate your journey and spend extra time within the nice outside of North Dakota.
Now, there’s not a lot guidelines sights to see at Lake Oahe, however it’s pretty, particularly on a sunny and stress-free day in your route some other place.
Read more: Best places in Minnesota to visit
5.) Bismarck
Because the capital of North Dakota, Bismark is a spot you must undoubtedly cease at whereas road-tripping across the state. Now, we advocate staying in a single day in Bismark. That is very true should you’re driving throughout the state, as there’s lots to see and do for all of the household.
As soon as right here, go to the North Dakota Heritage Center, which homes the whole lot from dinosaur skeletons to seasonal displays and occasions all year long. We liked their ice-age displays and underwater world areas. Simply be certain that to present your self 90 minutes to wander round.
For breakfast, head over to Kroll’s Diner. They make a colossal six-egg omelette that’s well-known within the state. Plus, it’s scrumptious—even when I couldn’t end the whole lot.
Additionally, should you’re travelling with the broader household, go to North Dakota’s Gateway to Science. It’s an interactive studying and museum house for teenagers that’s a lot enjoyable, particularly when you’ve got children beneath 10 years outdated.
Afterwards, for lunch, head to Huckleberry House. We liked their cheese buttons and their salmon rilletes. Plus, it’s a pleasant place to go for wine or a cocktail when you’re right here.
Read more: Best places in South Dakota to visit
6.) Minot
Nearly within the centre of North Dakota, Minot is properly value stopping for an in a single day keep to discover the broader space. You see, it’s one of many bigger city areas within the area and really actually pretty too.
As soon as right here, be certain that to go to the Taube Museum of Art. It’s comparatively small however truly actually attractive and the exhibitions are actually particular. Plus, additionally they organise grownup portray courses all year long, that are so enjoyable.
Afterwards, go to the Scandinavian Heritage Park and see the stave church. It’s truly unimaginable to see, together with the broader park. As an example, you’ll be able to simply park and wander across the park for just a few hours and see a lot. We love the Finnish Sauna and the Dala Horse.
Oh, and don’t neglect to pop into The Starving Rooster. Simply be certain that to attempt their brick oven pizza. Their triple gear pizza is so good, particularly should you love a spicy feast.
Read more: Best places in Minnesota to visit
7.) Wahpeton
South of Fargo, Wahpeton is a good pit-stop for just a few hours whereas driving the state line with Minnesota. One of the issues I really like about travelling round america is discovering some fairly obscure and kitsch spots to see.
Wahpeton isn’t any totally different, particularly because it has the world’s largest catfish statue throughout the city’s limits. Sure, you’ll solely spend 5 minutes or so seeing it, nevertheless it’s fairly quirky so far as issues go.
Afterwards, head for lunch at Wilkin Drink & Eatery. Sure, it’s technically in Breckenridge (Minnesota), however their lasagne is so good (which I liked), and so they’re well-known for his or her yummy pizzas (that are so value making an attempt). Plus, let’s be trustworthy, it looks like the identical city because the state line runs down the Crimson River that separates Wahpeton and Breckenridge.
Read more: Best places in Minnesota to visit
8.) Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park
Simply on the outskirts of Bismark, Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park is definitely the most effective locations to go to in North Dakota. You possibly can simply spend about 2-3 hours (or for much longer) having fun with the park itself. Entry is a value, nevertheless it’s comparatively low and might be bought prematurely (on the park’s website).
As soon as right here, you’ll have the ability to discover the earth lodges and study extra in regards to the Mandan Native People who as soon as lived within the wider area. Not solely that, you’ll have the ability to see outdated Fort Abraham Lincoln and Fort McKeen that are nice to study extra about troopers lives and the event of the broader space.
Additionally, it’s an incredible space for mountaineering, with a lot of the assigned trails being comparatively simple when you’ve got good mobility. We liked the Little Sioux Path, which takes you thru the native prairie and stretches for simply over one mile.
Read more: Best places in South Dakota to visit
9.) Lake Sakakawea
Lake Sakakawea is the biggest reservoir in west-central North Dakota and is completely stunning. I nonetheless can’t fairly consider it didn’t exist till the Nineteen Fifties, because it’s been current in North Dakota for hundreds of years.
Additionally, the Shoreline Path is fairly pretty and continues for just a few miles. Higher nonetheless, should you fancy a fully epic hike, you’ll be happy to realize it’s the tip (or begin) of the North Country National Scenic Trail. It stretches throughout a number of states and may take weeks (or months) to finish absolutely. I’ve by no means even tried the entire path, however you’ll be able to simply select bite-sized chunks should you’re a eager hiker.
Read more: Best places in South Dakota to visit
10.) Jamestown
West of Fargo, Jamestown is properly value a go to as you enterprise additional east via North Dakota.
Now, bear in mind I mentioned one thing about quirky spots to see within the US? Properly, Jamestown has one place that matches the invoice—the World’s Largest Buffalo Monument. It’s huge and simply shy of Frontier Village.
Additionally, don’t neglect to discover the close by North American Bison Discovery Middle. It’s an incredible place to study extra about buffalo in america and the way populations dwindled through the years. Fortunately, this has modified considerably, and populations have recovered, particularly in nationwide parks.
Read more: Best places in South Dakota to visit
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