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 number of the ‘large gamers’ that seize our consideration, however it’s value a visit. That is much more true as so most of the finest locations in North Dakota are dotted throughout the state itself.
So, that will help you get essentially the most out of your time in North Dakota, we’re sharing a number of the high locations you’ll be able to’t miss in your tour across the state. Journey in North Dakota may be various relying on the season you go to. This all means you need to plan your journey accordingly.
For example, there’s no level venturing all the way in which to North Dakota should you’re fancying somewhat 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 at all times 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 can’t miss. You’ll have a blast!
1.) Fargo
Proper on the japanese 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 straightforward to get to whereas driving alongside Freeway 52.
Now, I’d give your self not less than a one or two evening keep in Fargo. Alhtough it doesn’t have the hustle and bustle of some bigger US cities like New York, it’s nonetheless obtained a attraction and lots to see and do when you arrive.
As soon as right here, make sure that to get your self all the way down to the Plains Artwork 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 superb. Better of all, the Plains Artwork Museum is open 7 days per week till, with later evening showings on Thursday till 9 pm.
Afterwards, make sure that to go to the close by Hjemkomst Heart. I do know, it’s technically located in Minnesota, however 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 superb for all of the household.
Afterwards, make sure 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 Firm for his or her shrimp and oysters. Although, if that’s not your factor, head to the Toasted Frog. They serve up an incredible meatball sub for lunch.
Lastly, should you’ve obtained time, head over to the Fargo Air Museum or Bonanzaville to see all of the completely different reveals and Pioneer Village. Each are nice for 2-3 hours of your time.
Learn extra: Greatest locations in South Dakota to go to
2.) Theodore Roosevelt Nationwide Park
If you wish to discover the good outdoor whilst you’re in North Dakota, it’s a must to go to Theodore Roosevelt Nationwide Park. It’s a colossal nationwide park and the proper 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 straightforward hike. It’s an awesome little taster should you fancy following an extended hike when staying a number of days within the space.
If you happen to’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 be capable of cease off at vistas over the Badlands, like this one on Google Maps.
Oh, yeah, and if you’re mountaineering, make sure that to at all times watch your step. This space is teeming with wildlife, particularly snakes. You’ll be able to simply spot prairie rattlesnakes or bullsnakes on a path. All the time hold your eyes peeled, and hold a protected 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. Right this moment, 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 proper stopping level when heading north to the Missouri River.
I’ve popped the Google Maps pin right here that will help you discover it should you’re driving.
Learn extra: Greatest 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 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 also be nice if you wish to decelerate your journey and spend extra time within the nice outdoor 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 other place.
Learn extra: Greatest locations in Minnesota to go to
5.) Bismarck
Because the capital of North Dakota, Bismark is a spot you need to 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 Heart, which homes every little thing from dinosaur skeletons to seasonal reveals and occasions all year long. We beloved their ice-age reveals and underwater world areas. Simply make sure 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 little thing.
Additionally, should you’re travelling with the broader household, go to North Dakota’s Gateway to Science. It’s an interactive studying and museum area for youths that’s a lot enjoyable, particularly when you’ve got children below 10 years outdated.
Afterwards, for lunch, head to Huckleberry Home. We beloved their cheese buttons and their salmon rilletes. Plus, it’s a pleasant place to go for wine or a cocktail whilst you’re right here.
Learn extra: Greatest locations in South Dakota to go to
6.) Minot
Nearly within the centre of North Dakota, Minot is effectively 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 truly actually beautiful too.
As soon as right here, make sure that to go to the Taube Museum of Artwork. It’s comparatively small however really actually attractive and the exhibitions are actually particular. Plus, additionally they organise grownup portray lessons all year long, that are so enjoyable.
Afterwards, go to the Scandinavian Heritage Park and see the stave church. It’s really unimaginable to see, together with the broader park. For example, you’ll be able to simply park and wander across the park for a number of hours and see a lot. We love the Finnish Sauna and the Dala Horse.
Oh, and don’t overlook to pop into The Ravenous Rooster. Simply make sure that to attempt their brick oven pizza. Their triple gear pizza is so good, particularly should you love a spicy feast.
Learn extra: Greatest locations in Minnesota to go to
7.) Wahpeton
South of Fargo, Wahpeton is a superb pit-stop for a number of hours whereas driving the state line with Minnesota. One of the issues I really like about travelling round the USA is discovering some fairly obscure and kitsch spots to see.
Wahpeton isn’t any completely 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, however 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 beloved), and so they’re well-known for his or her yummy pizzas (that are so value making an attempt). Plus, let’s be sincere, it appears like the identical city because the state line runs down the Pink River that separates Wahpeton and Breckenridge.
Learn extra: Greatest locations in Minnesota to go to
8.) Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park
Simply on the outskirts of Bismark, Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park is well among the best locations to go to in North Dakota. You’ll be able to simply spend about 2-3 hours (or for much longer) having fun with the park itself. Entry is a value, however it’s comparatively low and may be bought prematurely (on the park’s web site).
As soon as right here, you’ll be capable of discover the earth lodges and study extra in regards to the Mandan Native Individuals who as soon as lived within the wider area. Not solely that, you’ll be capable of 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 awesome space for mountaineering, with many of the assigned trails being comparatively straightforward when you’ve got good mobility. We beloved the Little Sioux Path, which takes you thru the native prairie and stretches for simply over one mile.
Learn extra: Greatest locations in South Dakota to go to
9.) Lake Sakakawea
Lake Sakakawea is the most important 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.
Additionally, the Shoreline Path is fairly beautiful and continues for a number of 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 Nation Nationwide Scenic Path. It stretches throughout a number of states and might 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.
Learn extra: Greatest locations in South Dakota to go to
10.) Jamestown
West of Fargo, Jamestown is effectively value a go to as you enterprise additional east via North Dakota.
Now, keep in mind I mentioned one thing about quirky spots to see within the US? Nicely, 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 overlook to discover the close by North American Bison Discovery Heart. It’s an awesome place to study extra about buffalo in the USA and the way populations dwindled over time. Fortunately, this has modified considerably, and populations have recovered, particularly in nationwide parks.
Learn extra: Greatest locations in South Dakota to go to
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