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 among the ‘massive gamers’ that seize our consideration, nevertheless 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 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 will 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 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 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 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 simple 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 bought a appeal and many to see and do when you arrive.
As soon as right here, be certain 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 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 to go to the close by Hjemkomst Middle. I do know, it’s technically located in Minnesota, nevertheless 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 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, for those who’ve bought 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 good outside when you’re in North Dakota, you must 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 an amazing little taster for those who fancy following an extended hike when staying a number of days within the space.
If you happen to’re not feeling a hike, you possibly can simply observe 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 in case you are climbing, be certain to at all times watch your step. This space is teeming with wildlife, particularly snakes. You may simply spot prairie rattlesnakes or bullsnakes on a path. All the time preserve your eyes peeled, and preserve a secure 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. At this time, you possibly can 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 be taught 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 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 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 beautiful lake for those who’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 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 someplace else.
Learn extra: Finest locations in Minnesota to go to
5.) Bismarck
Because the capital of North Dakota, Bismark is a spot you must 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 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 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 certain 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 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 area for youths that’s a lot enjoyable, particularly when you’ve got 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 when you’re right here.
Learn extra: Finest 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 really actually pretty too.
As soon as right here, be certain to go to the Taube Museum of Artwork. It’s comparatively small however really 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 really unbelievable to see, together with the broader park. As an illustration, 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 certain 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 a number of 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 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, nevertheless 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 value making an attempt). Plus, let’s be trustworthy, it seems like the identical city because the state line runs down the Purple 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 the most effective 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, nevertheless it’s comparatively low and will 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 Individuals 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 amazing space for climbing, with many of the assigned trails being comparatively simple when you’ve got 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 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 hundreds of years.
Additionally, the Shoreline Path is fairly pretty and continues for a number of miles. Higher nonetheless, for those who 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 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 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 value a go to as you enterprise additional east by way of North Dakota.
Now, keep in mind I mentioned 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 huge and simply shy of Frontier Village.
Additionally, don’t neglect to discover the close by North American Bison Discovery Middle. It’s an amazing place to be taught extra about buffalo in america and the way populations dwindled through the years. 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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