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
Things to do in North Dakota, United States: The Best Outdoor Activities
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. Oxbow Overlook
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 32 reviews
The ease with which wildlife can be seen in this part of Theodore Roosevelt National Park is matched only by zoos.
Reviewed By krogersku - Johnston, United States
The Oxbow Overlook is at the end of the 14 mile road in the north unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Bathroom facilities are available. Three picnic tables are at the site. The only issue with having a picnic there is the strong prairie wind. If you are going to eat a picnic lunch there plan accordingly with your food choices. The views as expected are fantastic.
2. Caprock-Coulee Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 22 reviews
Take this self-guiding hiking trail through the North Dakota wilderness; at just under five miles in length, it won't wear you out.
Reviewed By gingersnaps527 - Spearfish, United States
This is a beautiful and, as it turned out, an exciting hike. We were hiking and taking plenty of photos on the well-maintained trail. On the way back, we spotted three buffalo on the trail. The buffalo saw us as well. We hike up a ridge and waited them out. This was a good lesson for me as I wore regular tennis shoes rather that hiking boots. There was a ton of cacti everywhere on the ridge. Always be prepared even if you think you're going on an easy hike!
3. Crow Flies High Butte
4. Chahinkapa Zoo
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 79 reviews
Reviewed By Sunseekergirl77 - Moorhead, United States
Chahinkapa zoo and park is a great little small town zoo. It is the biggest zoo around for several hours going any which way. Definitely worth a stop to spend a day! Love the addition of the orangatun, my daughter's favorite!
5. Fargo Marathon
6. Butte St. Paul Historic Park
7. 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.
8. Buckhorn Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6 reviews
An 11-mile hiking trail featuring a wild prairie dog town - they may look cute but these critters bite!
9. 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.
10. Little Missouri State Park
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