Nestled between Minnesota and Montana, North Dakota is a gem to visit on a northern US road trip. It might not be the most obvious of states in the US, especially with some of the ‘big players’ that capture our attention, but it’s worth a trip. This is even more true as so many of the best places in North Dakota are dotted all around the state itself.
So, to help you get the most out of your time in North Dakota, we’re sharing some of the top places you can’t miss on your tour around the state. Travel in North Dakota can be diverse depending on the season you visit. This all means you should plan your trip accordingly.
For instance, there’s no point venturing all the way to North Dakota if you’re fancying a little dip in Lake Sakakawea in winter! Many activities are seasonally dependent, but that doesn’t mean most aren’t doable (in some form) all year round. So, plan ahead and make sure to always have backup plans in case the weather or environment changes during your trip to North Dakota.
Anyway, take a peek at our favourite spots in North Dakota that you can’t miss. You’ll have a blast!
1.) Fargo
Right on the eastern fringes of North Dakota, Fargo is the biggest city you’ll visit in the state. It’s easily the most populous and pretty easy to get to while driving along Highway 52.
Now, I’d give yourself at least a one or two night stay in Fargo. Alhtough it doesn’t have the hustle and bustle of some larger US cities like New York, it’s still got a charm and plenty to see and do once you arrive.
Once here, make sure to get yourself down to the Plains Art Museum. It’s right in the heart of the historic downtown area of Fargo and is open year-round. Inside, there are heaps of seasonal and permanent exhibitions which are totally amazing. Best of all, the Plains Art Museum is open 7 days a week until, with later night showings on Thursday until 9 pm.
Afterwards, make sure to visit the nearby Hjemkomst Center. I know, it’s technically situated in Minnesota, but it’s only a few minutes from the Plains Art Museum itself. Once inside, you’ll get to explore the region’s Norwegian roots. You’ll get to see the Hopperstad Stave Church and Viking ship. It’s amazing for all the family.
Afterwards, make sure to take a stroll down Broadway North – this is where many of Fargo’s tastiest restaurants are situated. We love Beer & Fish Company for their shrimp and oysters. Though, if that’s not your thing, head to the Toasted Frog. They serve up an amazing meatball sub for lunch.
Finally, if you’ve got time, head over to the Fargo Air Museum or Bonanzaville to see all the different exhibits and Pioneer Village. Both are great for 2-3 hours of your time.
Read more: Best places in South Dakota to visit
2.) Theodore Roosevelt National Park
If you want to explore the great outdoors while you’re in North Dakota, you have to visit Theodore Roosevelt National Park. It’s a colossal national park and the perfect place to spot elk and bison in the state.
There are some great trails to explore within the park. Follow the Ridgeline Trail just off Scenic Loop Drive for a relatively easy hike. It’s a great little taster if you fancy following a longer hike when staying a few days in the area.
If you’re not feeling a hike, you can easily follow the ‘scenic loop drive,’ which takes you through the park itself. Plus, you’ll be able to stop off at vistas over the Badlands, like this one on Google Maps.
Oh, yeah, and if you are hiking, make sure to always watch your step. This area is teeming with wildlife, especially snakes. You can easily spot prairie rattlesnakes or bullsnakes on a trail. Always keep your eyes peeled, and keep a safe distance if you do come across them.
3.) Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site
The Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site is in Stanton, close to the Hidatsa Indians’ initial camping sites. Today, you can explore the archeological history and that of the Northern Plains Indians via the small walk along the village trail.
It’s a great way to learn more about Hidatsa Indians and explore the small museum. Visits will take around 40 minutes, which makes it the perfect stopping point when heading north to the Missouri River.
I’ve popped the Google Maps pin here to help you find it if you’re driving.
Read more: Best places in South Dakota to visit
4.) Lake Oahe
Spanning the southern fringes of the state, Lake Oahe is one of the best places in North Dakota to visit as you travel south from the city of Bismark.
It’s an absolutely gorgeous lake if you’re fancying a night or two of camping. The cosy Stateline Resort is also great if you want to slow down your travel and spend more time in the great outdoors of North Dakota.
Now, there’s not much checklist sights to see at Lake Oahe, but it is lovely, especially on a sunny and relaxing day on your route somewhere else.
Read more: Best places in Minnesota to visit
5.) Bismarck
As the capital of North Dakota, Bismark is a place you should definitely stop at while road-tripping around the state. Now, we recommend staying overnight in Bismark. This is especially true if you’re driving across the state, as there’s plenty to see and do for all the family.
Once here, visit the North Dakota Heritage Center, which houses everything from dinosaur skeletons to seasonal exhibits and events throughout the year. We loved their ice-age exhibits and underwater world areas. Just make sure to give yourself 90 minutes to wander around.
For breakfast, head over to Kroll’s Diner. They make a colossal six-egg omelette that is famous in the state. Plus, it’s delicious—even if I couldn’t finish everything.
Also, if you’re travelling with the broader family, visit North Dakota’s Gateway to Science. It’s an interactive learning and museum space for kids that’s so much fun, especially if you have kids under 10 years old.
Afterwards, for lunch, head to Huckleberry House. We loved their cheese buttons and their salmon rilletes. Plus, it’s a nice place to go for wine or a cocktail while you’re here.
Read more: Best places in South Dakota to visit
6.) Minot
Almost in the centre of North Dakota, Minot is well worth stopping for an overnight stay to explore the wider area. You see, it’s one of the larger urban areas in the region and actually really lovely too.
Once here, make sure to visit the Taube Museum of Art. It’s relatively small but actually really gorgeous and the exhibitions are really special. Plus, they also organise adult painting classes throughout the year, which are so fun.
Afterwards, visit the Scandinavian Heritage Park and see the stave church. It’s actually incredible to see, along with the wider park. For instance, you can easily park and wander around the park for a few hours and see so much. We love the Finnish Sauna and the Dala Horse.
Oh, and don’t forget to pop into The Starving Rooster. Just make sure to try their brick oven pizza. Their triple gear pizza is so good, especially if you love a spicy feast.
Read more: Best places in Minnesota to visit
7.) Wahpeton
South of Fargo, Wahpeton is a great pit-stop for a few hours while driving the state line with Minnesota. One of the things I love about travelling around the United States is finding some pretty obscure and kitsch spots to see.
Wahpeton is no different, especially as it has the world’s largest catfish statue within the town’s limits. Yes, you’ll only spend five minutes or so seeing it, but it’s pretty quirky as far as things go.
Afterwards, head for lunch at Wilkin Drink & Eatery. Yes, it’s technically in Breckenridge (Minnesota), but their lasagne is so good (which I loved), and they’re famous for their yummy pizzas (which are so worth trying). Plus, let’s be honest, it feels like the same town as the state line runs down the Red River that separates Wahpeton and Breckenridge.
Read more: Best places in Minnesota to visit
8.) Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park
Just on the outskirts of Bismark, Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park is easily one of the best places to visit in North Dakota. You can easily spend about 2-3 hours (or much longer) enjoying the park itself. Entry is a cost, but it’s relatively low and can be purchased in advance (at the park’s website).
Once here, you’ll be able to explore the earth lodges and learn more about the Mandan Native Americans who once lived in the wider region. Not only that, you’ll be able to see old Fort Abraham Lincoln and Fort McKeen which are great to learn more about soldiers lives and the development of the wider area.
Also, it’s a great area for hiking, with most of the assigned trails being relatively easy if you have good mobility. We loved the Little Sioux Trail, which takes you through the native prairie and stretches for just over one mile.
Read more: Best places in South Dakota to visit
9.) Lake Sakakawea
Lake Sakakawea is the largest reservoir in west-central North Dakota and is totally beautiful. I still can’t quite believe it didn’t exist until the 1950s, as it’s been present in North Dakota for thousands of years.
Also, the Shoreline Trail is pretty lovely and continues for a few miles. Better still, if you fancy an absolutely epic hike, you’ll be pleased to know it’s the end (or start) of the North Country National Scenic Trail. It stretches across multiple states and can take weeks (or months) to complete fully. I’ve never even attempted the whole trail, but you can easily choose bite-sized chunks if you’re a keen hiker.
Read more: Best places in South Dakota to visit
10.) Jamestown
West of Fargo, Jamestown is well worth a visit as you venture further east through North Dakota.
Now, remember I said something about quirky spots to see in the US? Well, Jamestown has one place that fits the bill—the World’s Largest Buffalo Monument. It’s enormous and just shy of Frontier Village.
Also, don’t forget to explore the nearby North American Bison Discovery Center. It’s a great place to learn more about buffalo in the United States and how populations dwindled over the years. Thankfully, this has changed significantly, and populations have recovered, especially in national parks.
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