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 a number of the ‘huge gamers’ that seize our consideration, however it’s value 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 can assist you get probably the most out of your time in North Dakota, we’re sharing a number of the high locations you may’t miss in your tour across the state. Journey in North Dakota may be numerous relying on the season you go to. This all means you must plan your journey accordingly.
For 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 kind) all yr spherical. So, plan forward and ensure to all the time have backup plans in case the climate or surroundings modifications throughout your journey to North Dakota.
Anyway, take a peek at our favorite spots in North Dakota that you could’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 a minimum of 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 allure and many to see and do when you arrive.
As soon as right here, ensure 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 night time showings on Thursday till 9 pm.
Afterwards, ensure that to go to the close by Hjemkomst Middle. 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 wonderful for all of the household.
Afterwards, ensure 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 acquired time, head over to the Fargo Air Museum or Bonanzaville to see all of the totally different reveals 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 outside 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 right place to identify elk and bison within the state.
There are some nice trails to discover inside the park. Observe the Ridgeline Path simply off Scenic Loop Drive for a comparatively straightforward hike. It’s a fantastic little taster for those who fancy following an extended hike when staying just a few days within the space.
Should you’re not feeling a hike, you may simply observe the ‘scenic loop drive,’ which takes you thru the park itself. Plus, you’ll be capable to cease off at vistas over the Badlands, like this one on Google Maps.
Oh, yeah, and in case you are mountaineering, ensure that to all the time watch your step. This space is teeming with wildlife, particularly snakes. You’ll be able to simply spot prairie rattlesnakes or bullsnakes on a path. At all times hold your eyes peeled, and hold a protected 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. As we speak, you may discover the archeological historical past and that of the Northern Plains Indians by way of 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 right stopping level when heading north to the Missouri River.
I’ve popped the Google Maps pin right here that can assist 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 greatest locations in North Dakota to go to as you journey south from the town of Bismark.
It’s a completely 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 beautiful, 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 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 Middle, which homes every little thing from dinosaur skeletons to seasonal reveals and occasions all year long. We beloved their ice-age reveals and underwater world areas. Simply ensure that 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 every little thing.
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 you probably have children below 10 years outdated.
Afterwards, for lunch, head to Huckleberry Home. We beloved 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 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 beautiful too.
As soon as right here, ensure that to go to the Taube Museum of Artwork. It’s comparatively small however really 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 really unimaginable to see, together with the broader park. For example, you may 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 ensure that to attempt 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 the US 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 beloved), and so they’re well-known for his or her yummy pizzas (that are so value attempting). Plus, let’s be sincere, 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 among the best locations to go to in North Dakota. You’ll be able to 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 be capable 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 be capable to 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 a fantastic space for mountaineering, with a lot of the assigned trails being comparatively straightforward you probably have good mobility. We beloved 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 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 beautiful and continues for just a few miles. Higher nonetheless, for those who fancy a completely 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 absolutely. I’ve by no means even tried the entire path, however you may 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 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 huge and simply shy of Frontier Village.
Additionally, don’t overlook to discover the close by North American Bison Discovery Middle. It’s a fantastic place to be taught extra about buffalo in the US 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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