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 Things to do Good for Kids 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. Ralph Engelstad Arena
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 318 reviews
Reviewed By matthewmX8701PV - Kearney, United States
The atmosphere, the food, the fans, the band, all of it. If you ever get a chance to take in a University of North Dakota hockey game in this facility, it is fantastic! I have been to a few NHL arenas, but none that have the feel of the Ralph!
2. Grahams Island State Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 33 reviews
Reviewed By ShelleyK134
We drove through the park to preview it prior to planning a trip here later. The campgrounds were clean and well kept. Boat ramps are available, play areas for kids in picnic grounds, and park rangers at info center/bait shop as well as throughout the park were friendly and helpful. We will definitely consider returning with our traveling/fishing friends. Recommend reserving specific campsites or cabins in advance of visit.
3. 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.
4. Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 237 reviews
Rich in both military and early Native American history, Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park is your destination! The North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department is the state agency charged with administering selected parks and recreation areas that are deemed to have state-wide or regional significance. In addition, the department has responsibility for the following functions: ◾Off-highway vehicle planning and safety program ◾Snowmobile safety programs and trails ◾Nature Preserves Act ◾Outdoor recreation grants and statewide recreation planning ◾State Scenic Byways Program The mission of the North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department is to provide and enhance outdoor recreation opportunities through diverse parks and programs that conserve the state's natural diversity. Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park in North Dakota is one of the outstanding historic areas within the state. The park is made historically important because within its boundaries are the ruins of On-A-Slant Mandan Indian Village and the Fort Abraham Lincoln cavalry and infantry posts. Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park is located 7 miles south of Mandan, ND, on Highway 1806. For those touring the historic fort buildings and Mandan Village, interpretive passes are required in addition to the vehicle entrance fee. There are daily tours of the Custer House and the On-A-Slant Indian village (May - September). Amenities ◾1,006 acres ◾Campground ◾Electrical ◾Reservations ◾RV Dump station ◾Showers ◾Cabins ◾Visitor center ◾Historic buildings ◾Interpretive tours ◾Picnic shelters ◾Playground ◾Horse corrals
Reviewed By emmypie88 - Fargo, United States
I visited Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park while on a family vacation in Bismarck. We spent 6 hours there and were never bored. We found a quiet place to have lunch near the visitor's center and attended the guided tours that were offered of General Custer's house, and the On-A-Slant Mandan Indian Village. They were both very informative and well done. The landscape of the park is breath taking, especially from the top of the hill, where you can get a 30-mile birds-eye-view of the Missouri River Valley. This is a great spot to go if you like the outdoors and want to make sure your kids are tired at the end of the day! It was great fun!
5. Knife River Indian Villages Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 77 reviews
Reviewed By Duendeky - Bargersville, United States
If you really appreciate the history of Native Americans and of the American westward expansion this place is a must visit. The beside is a simple one filled with information. The Rangers were incredibly helpful and had much information. We did this in conjunction with visiting Fort Mandan and the Lewis and Clark interpretive Center and had a couple of observations that were really eye-opening towards us. Visiting the Earth Lodge here at Knife River you will see an incredible way that people lived on the Plains. And then if you walk into the small rooms in Fort Mandan you will realize that you would much rather live in an earth Lodge any day then in the bedrooms in the fort.
6. Newman Outdoor Field
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 159 reviews
Reviewed By 755cindya - Cancun, Mexico
The Fargo RedHawks are always fun to watch! Most nights have a giveaway if you come early or fireworks after. Very affordable for a family adventure.
7. West Acres Shopping Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 122 reviews
As the region's premier shopping destination, West Acres Shopping Center is home to over 120 stores, including 4 major department stores, and exclusive stores.
Reviewed By gabes953
One of the last great malls left. It's has tall ceilings, bright lights, and not only well kept, but very nice. Food court is decent but Crave is awesome. Selection of stores is definitely the best in region, not even close. Plenty of stuff to do with kids, including an arcade, play land, giant fountain, art studio, fish tanks, and movie theaters behind the mall. Baseball fans may like the Roger Maris wing, even has an original Yankee Stadium seat
8. North Dakota State Capitol Building
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 286 reviews
Tours begin on the hour. Monday through Friday: 9:00 am, 10:00 am, 11:00 am, 1:00 pm, 2:00 pm, 3:00 pm. Memorial Day through Labor weekend tours are offered. Saturday: 9:00 am, 10:00 am, 11:00 am, 1:00 pm, 2:00 pm, 3:00 pm. Sunday: 1:00 pm, 2:00 pm, 3:00 pm.
Reviewed By 66Marla - Lewisville, United States
After visiting the Heritage Museum, we walked over to the Capitol building. The beautiful wood paneling in the Senate and House of Representatives rooms was magnificent. We took the elevator to the 18th floor and were able to view the city. This gave us a nice perspective on the area. Returning to the first floor we looked at all of the paintings in the Rough Rider Hall of Fame, those from North Dakota who brought fame to the state. Short but great visit.
9. 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.
10. The Dakota Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 313 reviews
The Dakota Zoo was founded in 1961 by Marc & Betty Christianson with the help of a host of dedicated volunteers. The Dakota Zoo opened its gates on June 3, 1961 on 15 acres of developed land, with 75 mammals and 23 birds, and 40,000 visitors passed through the gates that first year. Today, thanks to the continued support of members, visitors, donors and volunteers, the Dakota Zoo has grown to a 90 acre facility housing 600 animals, birds, reptiles and fish representing 125 species and visited by more than 150,000 people each year.
Reviewed By UCFKnightsFan - Orlando, United States
I have been to about 90 zoos around the world. This zoo was great! I really enjoyed it. Spaced out well with nice walking paths, nice habitats / exhibits / biomes. Great complement of species.....Transcaspian Urial, Siberian Musk Deer, Pronghorn, Elk, Bison, Aoudad, Mouflon, White Bengal Tiger, Snow Leopard, Grizzly Bear, Coati, Pine Marten, Reeve's Muntjac, Tammar Wallaby, Mexican Gray Wolf, Fisher, North American River Otter, Lynx, Arctic Fox, Mountain Lion / Puma, Bobcat, etc. They also have a wonderful and well-designed children's area. The admission was only $10.00. A great bargain for a zoo such as this. I was in the gift shop and was chatting with the two employees working (Paige and Troy). They were GREAT! Very friendly, personable, and wonderful to chat with. I HIGHLY recommend a visit to the Dakota Zoo!
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