Nestled between Minnesota and Montana, North Dakota is a gem to go to on a northern US highway journey. It may not be the obvious of states within the US, particularly with among the ‘huge gamers’ that seize our consideration, however 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 high 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 it is best to plan your journey accordingly.
For example, there’s no level venturing all the way in which to North Dakota when you’re fancying a bit of 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 adjustments throughout your journey to North Dakota.
Anyway, take a peek at our favorite spots in North Dakota 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 at the very least 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 appeal and many to see and do when you arrive.
As soon as right here, be certain 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 wonderful. 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 certain that to go to the close by Hjemkomst Middle. I do know, it’s technically located in Minnesota, however it’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 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 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, when you’ve obtained 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.
Learn extra: Greatest locations in South Dakota to go to
2.) Theodore Roosevelt Nationwide Park
If you wish to discover the good open air when you’re in North Dakota, you must 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 inside the park. Comply with the Ridgeline Path simply off Scenic Loop Drive for a comparatively straightforward hike. It’s a fantastic little taster when you fancy following an extended hike when staying a couple of 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 be capable of cease off at vistas over the Badlands, like this one on Google Maps.
Oh, yeah, and in case you are climbing, be certain 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 secure distance when 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. At the 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 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 proper stopping level when heading north to the Missouri River.
I’ve popped the Google Maps pin right here that can assist you discover it when 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 when 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 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 stress-free 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 it is best to positively cease at whereas road-tripping across the state. Now, we advocate staying in a single day in Bismark. That is very true when you’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 Middle, which homes every little thing from dinosaur skeletons to seasonal displays and occasions all year long. We cherished 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 every little thing.
Additionally, when 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 in case you have children beneath 10 years previous.
Afterwards, for lunch, head to Huckleberry Home. We cherished 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
Virtually 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 truly actually pretty too.
As soon as right here, be certain that to go to the Taube Museum of Artwork. It’s comparatively small however truly 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 truly unbelievable to see, together with the broader park. For example, you possibly can simply park and wander across the park for a couple 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 certain that to strive their brick oven pizza. Their triple gear pizza is so good, particularly when you love a spicy feast.
Learn extra: Greatest locations in Minnesota to go to
7.) Wahpeton
South of Fargo, Wahpeton is a good pit-stop for a couple of hours whereas driving the state line with Minnesota. One of the issues I like about travelling round the USA 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 inside 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 cherished), and so they’re well-known for his or her yummy pizzas (that are so value attempting). Plus, let’s be sincere, it appears like the identical city because the state line runs down the Purple 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 may simply spend about 2-3 hours (or for much longer) having fun with the park itself. Entry is a price, however it’s comparatively low and may be bought upfront (on the park’s web site).
As soon as right here, you’ll be capable of discover the earth lodges and be taught extra concerning the Mandan Native Individuals 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 be taught extra about troopers lives and the event of the broader space.
Additionally, it’s a fantastic space for climbing, with a lot of the assigned trails being comparatively straightforward in case you have good mobility. We cherished 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 pretty and continues for a couple of miles. Higher nonetheless, when you fancy a fully epic hike, you’ll be happy to comprehend 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 possibly can simply select bite-sized chunks when 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 way of North Dakota.
Now, keep in mind I stated 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 be taught 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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