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
Top 10 Nature & Parks 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. River Bend Overlook
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 40 reviews
A scenic area in the North Unit.
Reviewed By M5335WQdans
The views are absolutely stunning. The landscapes, the wildlife was all incredible to see. We got quite a few close up encounters with buffalo. This is definitely worth the trip. If you are in the area, it is a must stop. I highly recommend both the north and south units. They are both incredible.
3. 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!
4. 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.
5. Butte St. Paul Historic Park
6. Medicine Wheel Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 8 reviews
7. 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
8. 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!
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!
