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 ‘huge gamers’ that seize our consideration, however it’s price 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 will help you get probably the most out of your time in North Dakota, we’re sharing a number of the prime locations you possibly can’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 must plan your journey accordingly.
As an illustration, there’s no level venturing all the way in which to North Dakota for those who’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 type) 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 you could’t miss. You’ll have a blast!
1.) Fargo
Proper 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 Freeway 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 acquired a appeal and lots to see and do when you arrive.
As soon as right here, be sure that 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 night time showings on Thursday till 9 pm.
Afterwards, be 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, be sure 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 Firm 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, for those who’ve acquired time, head over to the Fargo Air Museum or Bonanzaville to see all of the completely different displays and Pioneer Village. Each are nice for 2-3 hours of your time.
Learn extra: Finest locations in South Dakota to go to
2.) Theodore Roosevelt Nationwide Park
If you wish to discover the nice open air 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. Observe the Ridgeline Path 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.
When you’re not feeling a hike, you possibly can simply comply with 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 mountain climbing, be sure that to all the time watch your step. This space is teeming with wildlife, particularly snakes. You may simply spot prairie rattlesnakes or bullsnakes on a path. At all times maintain your eyes peeled, and maintain a protected distance for those who 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 this moment, you possibly can discover the archeological historical past and that of the Northern Plains Indians through the small stroll alongside the village path.
It’s a good way to be taught 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 for those who’re driving.
Learn extra: Finest locations in South Dakota to go to
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 town of Bismark.
It’s a fully beautiful lake for those who’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 open air 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 enjoyable day in your route some other place.
Learn extra: Finest locations in Minnesota to go to
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 for those who’re driving throughout the state, as there’s loads to see and do for all of the household.
As soon as right here, go to the North Dakota Heritage Heart, which homes every part from dinosaur skeletons to seasonal displays and occasions all year long. We liked their ice-age displays and underwater world areas. Simply be 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 part.
Additionally, for those who’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 have youngsters beneath 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 whilst you’re right here.
Learn extra: Finest locations in South Dakota to go to
6.) Minot
Virtually within the centre of North Dakota, Minot is effectively 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 pretty too.
As soon as right here, be sure that to go to the Taube Museum of Artwork. It’s comparatively small however truly actually beautiful and the exhibitions are actually particular. Plus, in addition 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 truly unimaginable to see, together with the broader park. As an illustration, you possibly can 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 overlook to pop into The Ravenous Rooster. Simply be sure that to strive their brick oven pizza. Their triple gear pizza is so good, particularly for those who love a spicy feast.
Learn extra: Finest locations in Minnesota to go to
7.) Wahpeton
South of Fargo, Wahpeton is a superb pit-stop for just a few hours whereas driving the state line with Minnesota. One of the issues I like about travelling round america 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 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 liked), they usually’re well-known for his or her yummy pizzas (that are so price attempting). 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: Finest locations in Minnesota to go to
8.) Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park
Simply on the outskirts of Bismark, Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park is definitely top-of-the-line locations to go to in North Dakota. You may 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 upfront (on the park’s web site).
As soon as right here, you’ll have the ability to discover the earth lodges and be taught 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 previous Fort Abraham Lincoln and Fort McKeen that are nice to be taught extra about troopers lives and the event of the broader space.
Additionally, it’s an awesome space for mountain climbing, with a lot of the assigned trails being comparatively straightforward when you 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: Finest locations in South Dakota to go to
9.) Lake Sakakawea
Lake Sakakawea is the biggest reservoir in west-central North Dakota and is completely stunning. I nonetheless can’t fairly imagine 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 just a few miles. Higher nonetheless, for those who fancy a fully epic hike, you’ll be happy to realize it’s the top (or begin) of the North Nation Nationwide Scenic Path. It stretches throughout a number of states and might take weeks (or months) to finish totally. I’ve by no means even tried the entire path, however you possibly can simply select bite-sized chunks for those who’re a eager hiker.
Learn extra: Finest locations in South Dakota to go to
10.) Jamestown
West of Fargo, Jamestown is effectively price a go to as you enterprise additional east via North Dakota.
Now, bear in mind I stated 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 overlook to discover the close by North American Bison Discovery Heart. It’s an awesome place to be taught extra about buffalo in america and the way populations dwindled over time. Fortunately, this has modified considerably, and populations have recovered, particularly in nationwide parks.
Learn extra: Finest locations in South Dakota to go to
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