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 ‘huge gamers’ that seize our consideration, but it surely’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 among the prime locations you’ll be able to’t miss in your tour across the state. Journey in North Dakota will be numerous 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 in the event you’re fancying just a little dip in Lake Sakakawea in winter! Many actions are seasonally dependent, however that doesn’t imply most aren’t doable (in some kind) all yr spherical. So, plan forward and ensure to all the time have backup plans in case the climate or setting adjustments throughout your journey to North Dakota.
Anyway, take a peek at our favorite spots in North Dakota that you may’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 no 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 acquired a allure and lots to see and do when you arrive.
As soon as right here, be sure to get your self right 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 every week till, with later evening showings on Thursday till 9 pm.
Afterwards, be sure to go to the close by Hjemkomst Middle. I do know, it’s technically located in Minnesota, but it surely’s just a few 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, be sure 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, in the event you’ve acquired 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 outside when you’re in North Dakota, you need 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 inside the park. Comply with the Ridgeline Path simply off Scenic Loop Drive for a comparatively simple hike. It’s a fantastic little taster in the event you fancy following an extended hike when staying a number of days within the space.
When you’re not feeling a hike, you’ll be able to simply comply with 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 climbing, be sure 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. At all times preserve your eyes peeled, and preserve a secure distance in the event you do come throughout them.
3.) Knife River Indian Villages Nationwide Historic Web site
The Knife River Indian Villages Nationwide Historic Web site is in Stanton, near the Hidatsa Indians’ preliminary tenting websites. Right now, you’ll be able to 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 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 right here that will help you discover it in the event 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 among the finest locations in North Dakota to go to as you journey south from town of Bismark.
It’s a fully beautiful lake in the event 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 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 elsewhere.
Learn extra: Greatest locations in Minnesota to go to
5.) Bismarck
Because the capital of North Dakota, Bismark is a spot you need to positively cease at whereas road-tripping across the state. Now, we advocate staying in a single day in Bismark. That is very true in the event you’re driving throughout the state, as there’s a lot to see and do for all of the household.
As soon as right here, go to the North Dakota Heritage Middle, which homes all the things from dinosaur skeletons to seasonal reveals and occasions all year long. We liked their ice-age reveals and underwater world areas. Simply be sure to offer 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 all the things.
Additionally, in the event 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 you probably have children below 10 years previous.
Afterwards, for lunch, head to Huckleberry Home. 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.
Learn extra: Greatest locations in South Dakota to go to
6.) Minot
Nearly within the centre of North Dakota, Minot is nicely 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 sure to go to the Taube Museum of Artwork. It’s comparatively small however truly actually beautiful 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 unbelievable 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 neglect to pop into The Ravenous Rooster. Simply be sure to attempt their brick oven pizza. Their triple gear pizza is so good, particularly in the event 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 inside the city’s limits. Sure, you’ll solely spend 5 minutes or so seeing it, but it surely’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), they usually’re well-known for his or her yummy pizzas (that are so value making an attempt). Plus, let’s be sincere, it looks like the identical city because the state line runs down the Crimson 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 probably the greatest 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, but it surely’s comparatively low and will be bought upfront (on the park’s web site).
As soon as right here, you’ll be capable of discover the earth lodges and study extra concerning the Mandan Native People who as soon as lived within the wider area. Not solely that, you’ll be capable of see previous 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 a fantastic space for climbing, with many of the assigned trails being comparatively simple you probably have good mobility. We liked 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 stunning. I nonetheless can’t fairly consider it didn’t exist till the Fifties, because it’s been current in North Dakota for 1000’s of years.
Additionally, the Shoreline Path is fairly pretty and continues for a number of miles. Higher nonetheless, in the event you fancy a fully epic hike, you’ll be happy to understand it’s the top (or begin) of the North Nation Nationwide Scenic Path. It stretches throughout a number of states and may take weeks (or months) to finish totally. I’ve by no means even tried the entire path, however you’ll be able to simply select bite-sized chunks in the event you’re a eager hiker.
Learn extra: Greatest locations in South Dakota to go to
10.) Jamestown
West of Fargo, Jamestown is nicely value a go to as you enterprise additional east by North Dakota.
Now, bear 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 monumental and simply shy of Frontier Village.
Additionally, don’t neglect to discover the close by North American Bison Discovery Middle. It’s a fantastic 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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