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 essentially the most out of your time in North Dakota, we’re sharing a number of the high locations you’ll be able to’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 it’s best to plan your journey accordingly.
As an example, there’s no level venturing all the best way to North Dakota in case you’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 kind) all yr spherical. So, plan forward and ensure to at all times 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 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 essentially the most populous and fairly simple to get to whereas driving alongside Freeway 52.
Now, I’d give your self a minimum of 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 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 per week till, with later evening showings on Thursday till 9 pm.
Afterwards, be sure 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 sure 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, in case you’ve bought 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: Greatest locations in South Dakota to go to
2.) Theodore Roosevelt Nationwide Park
If you wish to discover the good outdoor 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 throughout the park. Observe the Ridgeline Path simply off Scenic Loop Drive for a comparatively simple hike. It’s an incredible little taster in case you fancy following an extended hike when staying a number of days within the space.
In the event you’re not feeling a hike, you’ll be able to 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 mountaineering, be sure 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. All the time hold your eyes peeled, and hold a secure distance in case 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. As we speak, you’ll be able to 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 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 in case 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 among the finest locations in North Dakota to go to as you journey south from the town of Bismark.
It’s a fully beautiful lake in case you’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 outdoor 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 in case you’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 Middle, which homes all the things from dinosaur skeletons to seasonal reveals and occasions all year long. We liked their ice-age reveals and underwater world areas. Simply be sure 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 all the things.
Additionally, in case you’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 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 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 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 really actually beautiful too.
As soon as right here, be sure 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 courses 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. As an example, you’ll be able to 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 to strive their brick oven pizza. Their triple gear pizza is so good, particularly in case 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 number of 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 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 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: 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 among the best 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 price, however it’s comparatively low and will 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 in regards to the Mandan Native People 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 an incredible space for mountaineering, with a lot of the assigned trails being comparatively simple 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: 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 stunning. I nonetheless can’t fairly consider it didn’t exist till the Nineteen 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, in case you fancy a fully epic hike, you’ll be happy to understand 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’ll be able to simply select bite-sized chunks in case you’re a eager hiker.
Learn extra: Greatest locations in South Dakota to go to
10.) Jamestown
West of Fargo, Jamestown is effectively price a go to as you enterprise additional east by way of 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 monumental and simply shy of Frontier Village.
Additionally, don’t neglect to discover the close by North American Bison Discovery Middle. It’s an incredible 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: Greatest locations in South Dakota to go to
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