Nestled between Minnesota and Montana, North Dakota is a gem to go to on a northern US highway journey. It won’t be the obvious of states within the US, particularly with a few of the ‘big players’ that seize our consideration, nevertheless it’s price a visit. This is much more true as so most of the greatest locations in North Dakota are dotted throughout the state itself.
So, that can assist you get probably the most out of your time in North Dakota, we’re sharing a few of the high locations you may’t miss in your tour across the state. Travel in North Dakota could be numerous relying on the season you go to. This all means it’s best to plan your journey accordingly.
For occasion, there’s no level venturing all the way in which to North Dakota for those who’re fancying a little bit dip in Lake Sakakawea in winter! Many actions are seasonally dependent, however that doesn’t imply most aren’t doable (in some type) all yr spherical. So, plan forward and ensure to all the time have backup plans in case the climate or setting modifications throughout your journey to North Dakota.
Anyway, take a peek at our favorite spots in North Dakota which you can’t miss. You’ll have a blast!
1.) Fargo
Right on the japanese fringes of North Dakota, Fargo is the most important metropolis you’ll go to within the state. It’s simply probably the most populous and fairly straightforward to get to whereas driving alongside Highway 52.
Now, I’d give your self not less than 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 appeal and many to see and do when you arrive.
Once right here, ensure that to get your self all the way 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. Best of all, the Plains Art Museum is open 7 days per week till, with later night time showings on Thursday till 9 pm.
Afterwards, ensure 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 Art Museum itself. Once 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, ensure that to take a stroll down Broadway North – that is the place lots of Fargo’s tastiest eating places are located. We love Beer & Fish Company for his or her shrimp and oysters. Though, if that’s not your factor, head to the Toasted Frog. They serve up an incredible meatball sub for lunch.
Finally, for those who’ve received time, head over to the Fargo Air Museum or Bonanzaville to see all of the completely different reveals and Pioneer Village. Both are nice for 2-3 hours of your time.
Read extra: Best locations in South Dakota to go to
2.) Theodore Roosevelt National Park
If you wish to discover the nice outside when you’re in North Dakota, you must go to Theodore Roosevelt National 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 inside the park. Follow the Ridgeline Trail simply off Scenic Loop Drive for a comparatively straightforward hike. It’s an awesome little taster for those who fancy following an extended hike when staying just a few days within the space.
If you’re not feeling a hike, you may 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 if you’re climbing, ensure that to all the time watch your step. This space is teeming with wildlife, particularly snakes. You can simply spot prairie rattlesnakes or bullsnakes on a path. Always maintain your eyes peeled, and maintain a secure distance for those who do come throughout them.
3.) Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site
The Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site is in Stanton, near the Hidatsa Indians’ preliminary tenting websites. Today, you may discover the archeological historical past and that of the Northern Plains Indians by way of the small stroll alongside the village path.
It’s an effective way to be taught 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 right here that can assist you discover it for those who’re driving.
Read extra: Best locations in South Dakota to go to
4.) Lake Oahe
Spanning the southern fringes of the state, Lake Oahe is without doubt one of the greatest locations in North Dakota to go to as you journey south from the town of Bismark.
It’s a fully attractive lake for those who’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 beautiful, particularly on a sunny and enjoyable day in your route some place else.
Read extra: Best locations in Minnesota to go to
5.) Bismarck
As the capital of North Dakota, Bismark is a spot it’s best to undoubtedly cease at whereas road-tripping across the state. Now, we suggest staying in a single day in Bismark. This is particularly true for those who’re driving throughout the state, as there’s loads to see and do for all of the household.
Once right here, go to the North Dakota Heritage Center, which homes every part from dinosaur skeletons to seasonal reveals and occasions all year long. We liked their ice-age reveals and underwater world areas. Just ensure that to provide 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 every part.
Also, for those who’re travelling with the broader household, go to North Dakota’s Gateway to Science. It’s an interactive studying and museum area for teenagers that’s a lot enjoyable, particularly when you have 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 extra: Best locations in South Dakota to go to
6.) Minot
Almost within the centre of North Dakota, Minot is nicely price 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 truly actually beautiful too.
Once right here, ensure that to go to the Taube Museum of Art. It’s comparatively small however really actually attractive and the exhibitions are actually particular. Plus, in addition 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 really unbelievable to see, together with the broader park. For occasion, you may 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. Just ensure that to strive their brick oven pizza. Their triple gear pizza is so good, particularly for those who love a spicy feast.
Read extra: Best locations in Minnesota to go to
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 across the United States is discovering some fairly obscure and kitsch spots to see.
Wahpeton is not any completely different, particularly because it has the world’s largest catfish statue inside the city’s limits. Yes, 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. Yes, it’s technically in Breckenridge (Minnesota), however their lasagne is so good (which I liked), they usually’re well-known for his or her yummy pizzas (that are so price attempting). Plus, let’s be sincere, it looks like the identical city because the state line runs down the Red River that separates Wahpeton and Breckenridge.
Read extra: Best locations in Minnesota to go to
8.) Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park
Just on the outskirts of Bismark, Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park is definitely the most effective locations to go to in North Dakota. You 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 could be bought upfront (on the park’s web site).
Once right here, you’ll have the ability to discover the earth lodges and be taught extra in regards to the Mandan Native Americans 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 be taught extra about troopers lives and the event of the broader space.
Also, it’s an awesome space for climbing, with a lot of the assigned trails being comparatively straightforward when you have good mobility. We liked the Little Sioux Trail, which takes you thru the native prairie and stretches for simply over one mile.
Read extra: Best locations in South Dakota to go to
9.) Lake Sakakawea
Lake Sakakawea is the biggest reservoir in west-central North Dakota and is completely lovely. I nonetheless can’t fairly imagine it didn’t exist till the Fifties, because it’s been current in North Dakota for hundreds of years.
Also, the Shoreline Trail is fairly beautiful and continues for just a few miles. Better nonetheless, for those who fancy a fully epic hike, you’ll be happy to understand 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 may simply select bite-sized chunks for those who’re a eager hiker.
Read extra: Best locations in South Dakota to go to
10.) Jamestown
West of Fargo, Jamestown is nicely price a go to as you enterprise additional east by North Dakota.
Now, keep in mind I stated one thing about quirky spots to see within the US? Well, Jamestown has one place that matches the invoice—the World’s Largest Buffalo Monument. It’s huge and simply shy of Frontier Village.
Also, don’t neglect to discover the close by North American Bison Discovery Center. It’s an awesome place to be taught extra about buffalo within the United States and the way populations dwindled over time. Thankfully, this has modified considerably, and populations have recovered, particularly in nationwide parks.
Read extra: Best locations in South Dakota to go to
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