Top Things to do in North Dakota
Top Hotels in North Dakota
- 1. Jasper Hotel
- 2. Best Western Plus Kelly Inn & Suites
- 3. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Fargo-Medical Center
- 4. Home2 Suites by Hilton Fargo, ND
- 5. Radisson Blu Fargo
- 6. Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham Dickinson
- 7. Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Minot
- 8. Best Western Roosevelt Place Hotel
- 9. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Bismarck
- 10. Sleep Inn & Suites Fargo Medical Center
The 10 Best Hidden Gems Things to do in North Dakota, United States
If you’ve never thought much about North Dakota, maybe it’s time you started. Boasting miles and miles of hiking trails, including the Lewis and Clark trail, in addition to multiple museums, golf courses, casinos and amusement parks, North Dakota is bursting with things to do. Situated smack between the Great Lakes and the Pacific Ocean, North Dakota was once called “America’s Most Affordable Vacation Site” by the American Automobile Association. Meriwether Lewis and William Clark are two of North Dakota’s most famous residents. Tracing the courses of the Missouri and Columbia and rivers, the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail stretches through 11 states. Thanks to their explorations, visitors to North Dakota with an interest in history can do some exploring of their own. Bismarck is not only the capital of the state, it’s also home to several Lewis and Clark historical sites including Fort Yates, where the pair stopped to trade with the Mandan Indians. For family fun in Bismarck, don’t miss the Dakota Zoo and Raging Rivers Waterpark. With more golf courses per capita than any other state (11 in Bismarck and Fargo alone), golf lovers are sure to find a course to their liking. Agri-tourism is also a popular activity in North Dakota, which ranks first in the production of spring wheat, durum wheat, sunflowers, barley, honey and other crops.
Restaurants in North Dakota
1. South Unit
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 241 reviews
Popular area of the park for hiking and horseback riding.
Reviewed By dreamspeaker - Middleton, United States
We spent a few hours here on our way out to Yellowstone NP from Wisconsin, thinking it would be a pleasant diversion that would only merit a couple hours. We vastly underrated this park. Even doing a whirlwind tour (driving as much of the loop as we could, part was washed out, and taking two short hikes), it took us about 4 hours, which we were happy to spend. We could have enjoyed it for much longer. This national park has a little bit of everything - bison, prairie dogs, badlands, wild horses, windswept trees and prickly pear cactus, and we even saw a dung beetle! Driving the loop road is very pleasant. I don't think we spent enough time to ensure these were the BEST hikes, but we did hike out onto a trail that poked out into a canyon, and also did the coal vein hike which was very nice because hardly anyone else was out there. My only tip is to be aware of wildlife. On the coal vein hike, we had to stop because a bison was on the path between us and our car and we kept a good distance of at least 25 yards like we were supposed to. Bison can be very dangerous. Apparently, the tourists who pulled in while we waited to proceed were unaware of this and proceeded to approach the bison from behind to try to touch it. Thankfully, the bison only glared at them, but don't do this. Bison are dangerous animals when provoked.
2. Assumption Abbey
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 28 reviews
Reviewed By 630dougg - Gladwin, United States
As we travel across North Dakota we scan the TripAdvisor "Things To Do". Up pops Assumption Abbey. Located on the north edge of the very small community of Richardton sits a beautiful twin spire church with many associated buildings. Stepping into the quiet compound we are met by the monk who waits for the next visitor. We are encouraged to walk and explore the entire facility. A stop in the gift shop results in our purchase of several bars of soap made by one of the 30 monks that stay in the abbey. We are by ourselves as we walk the long hallways and find our way into the church - beautiful. Very peaceful and refreshing for the soul to take in all the serenity. The center courtyard is busy with one of the monks tending to the plants. We talked with 4 of the monks during our short stop and were blessed by their sincerity and calmness.
3. Chateau de Mores State Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 175 reviews
Located southwest of Medora, this site memorializes the life and activities in North Dakota of Antoine de Vallombrosa, the Marquis de Mores, who arrived in 1883. Among his enterprises were a beef packing plant, a stagecoach line, a freighting company, refrigerated railway cars, cattle and sheep raising, land ownership, and a new town, which he called Medora in honor of his wife. The site consists of three separate parts: • The Chateau de Mores and Interpretive Center • Chimney Park (west edge of Medora) • De Mores Memorial Park (downtown Medora) The interpretive center is the gateway to the grounds on which the French nobleman, the Marquis de Mores, built a home in 1883 for his wife, Medora. The permanent gallery features artifacts related to the history of the Marquis, Medora, their families, and the region. Visitors to the de Mores family’s 26-room house see elegant original furnishings ready for guests such as Theodore Roosevelt.
Reviewed By ScubaLynch - North Fort Myers, United States
This is a great way to learn how the town of Medora started and about the family behind it. The interpretive center as well as the actual historic home (with a lot of original items) are very well done. There are friendly docents in the house who will provide extra details and answer questions. The view from the home is very pretty.
4. Enchanted Highway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 252 reviews
Large, man-made sculptures line this scenic highway.
Reviewed By wearmanyhats - Perham, United States
If you have the time and enjoy unique experiences, consider driving from Highway 94 to Regent, with stops along the way to view the extra large metal sculptures. The artist who decided to build these sculptures never had worked with large metal pieces before. It was remarkable to see all the different ideas he came up with. I get the idea that the artist will get continue his work as time goes on. This was a lovely drive.
5. North Unit
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 154 reviews
One half of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, separated from the rest of the park by almost 50 miles.
Reviewed By pasweet - Dayton, United States
I find it interesting to read the reviews that tout either the north or south unit of the park as best. They each have their good points. I would recommend going to the south unit visitors center first as it is more complete. There is no prairie dog town in the north section and the south has several huge active towns. We saw more animals in the south but we did see several herds of buffalo in the north including some animals very near the road. Three things the north unit uniquely has include: —way fewer people — cannon ball concretions which are very cool structures —the most popular view in all of North Dakota which includes the little Missouri River and the badlands. In fact this view was a contributing factor in this land becoming a federal park (according to the park ranger) In my view both sections offer unique natural experiences and everyone who can should visit both
6. Painted Canyon Overlook
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 245 reviews
Begin your visit to the Teddy Roosevelt National Park with a spectacular view of the Badlands, a flat desert landscape broken by petrified wood and rock formations.
Reviewed By workhardplayhard27 - Mantorville, United States
If you don't have time for a visit to Theodore Roosevelt National Park this overlook gives you a small taste of what you are missing. The vistas at this rest stop are breathtaking, especially at dawn and dusk when the light changes the appearance of the various rock hues. There is no charge for this overlook, plenty of parking, and public restrooms. Really no excuse not to take a stop her.
7. Scandinavian Heritage Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 339 reviews
Reviewed By mgalex - Bothell, United States
This park is absolutely gorgeous and tells so much of the Scandinavian heritage that helped build this country. Showing many of the historic places and things that they loved and brought with them to teach people here the true history of those countries and their ancestors that came here and worked so hard to create a new life. Most people never have the opportunity to go to their family's home country but they can gain so much about that life by visiting here. THe Museum is free but they do ask for a donation.
8. Petrified Forest Loop
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 51 reviews
16-mile scenic drive in the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
Reviewed By BEAUTIFULBADLANDS - Wilton, United States
The trail is varied from grasslands to Badlands hillsides, which makes it more rewarding when arriving at either of the marked collections of petrified sequoia tree stumps. Technically, the area is not part of the Theodore Roosevelt National Park, but is actually part of the Theodore Roosevelt Wilderness Area. It is within the fenced confines of the park, so bison and wild horses can range in the area. It is very pristine -- displaying the landscape just as it has been for centuries. (Imagine trying to cross this region in a wagon train!) Yes, it's a bit challenging to find the trail head, about 5 miles north of Interstate 94. It's not well marked, so pay attention as you drive north on West River Road. Even though we hike it a couple times a year, we can miss the turn. (I missed it last week when I was on my own. My wife, the map freak wasn't with me. Yikes!) The road to the Petrified Forest trail head is on your right as you travel north on West River Road. If it has been raining or snow melting, the last mile or so can be very muddy. The sign boards provide good information. The trail heads westerly, and then splits off. I like the north route because it's a bit easier. However, the south trail provides some great exercise until you get to the hillside with the stumps -- some taller than I am (6 foot). Along the way, elk and deer scat indicate they like grazing in this grassland. Bison, too. Generally though, wildlife siting's are more rare here than in the actual park -- across the Little Missouri River. Of all the hiking I do in the Badlands and the two units of the TRNP, this is probably the most "moderate" of all the trails. It is not easy, so don't be fooled.
9. Dakota Territory Air Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 72 reviews
Founded in 1986, the Dakota Territory Air Museum has evolved into a significant historical depository honoring the men, women and machines that have impacted the rich history of aviation. Displays include an impressive collection of WWII aircraft and general aviation aircraft, a full scale replica of the Wright Flyer, many artifacts and much more! The museum has become a viable and important historical resource for the region and the state of North Dakota. The museum is open from Mid-May through Mid-October. Hours during the open season are Monday through Saturday 10:00am - 5:00pm and Sunday 1:00pm - 5:00pm.
Reviewed By B1325TZpatrickh
Excellent staff and great displays. The WWII memorabilia is both unusual and enlightening. Best military exhibit in Minot.
