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 ‘large gamers’ that seize our consideration, however it’s price a visit. That is much more true as so lots of the greatest 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 among the prime locations you possibly can’t miss in your tour across the state. Journey in North Dakota might be various relying on the season you go to. This all means it’s best to plan your journey accordingly.
As an example, there’s no level venturing all the way in which to North Dakota for those who’re fancying slightly 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 at all times 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 which you can’t miss. You’ll have a blast!
1.) Fargo
Proper on the jap 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 at the 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 bought 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 per week till, with later evening 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 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 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 a tremendous meatball sub for lunch.
Lastly, for those who’ve bought 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 whilst you’re in North Dakota, you need 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 incredible little taster for those who fancy following an extended hike when staying a number of days within the space.
In the event you’re not feeling a hike, you possibly can 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 climbing, be sure that to at all times 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 for those who 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. At present, 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 will help you discover it for those who’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 greatest locations in North Dakota to go to as you journey south from the 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 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 it’s best to positively cease at whereas road-tripping across the state. Now, we suggest staying in a single day in Bismark. That is very true for those who’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 the whole lot from dinosaur skeletons to seasonal displays and occasions all year long. We cherished their ice-age displays and underwater world areas. Simply be sure 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 the whole lot.
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 area for teenagers that’s a lot enjoyable, particularly when you’ve got children below 10 years outdated.
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 whilst 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 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.
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 example, you possibly can 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 that to strive their brick oven pizza. Their triple gear pizza is so good, particularly for those who 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 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 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 cherished), 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: 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 the most effective 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, however it’s comparatively low and might be bought prematurely (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 outdated 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 incredible space for climbing, with a lot of the assigned trails being comparatively straightforward when you’ve got 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 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 1000’s of years.
Additionally, the Shoreline Path is fairly beautiful and continues for a number of miles. Higher nonetheless, for those who fancy a fully epic hike, you’ll be happy to comprehend 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: Greatest locations in South Dakota to go to
10.) Jamestown
West of Fargo, Jamestown is nicely 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? Effectively, 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 Heart. It’s an incredible 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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