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
What to do and see in North Dakota, United States: The Best Things to do Good for Big Groups
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. 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!
4. Old Town Hall Theater
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 69 reviews
Reviewed By milldawn - Flower Mound, United States
We took in The Teddy Roosevelt Show our first night in town. It was entertaining and educational. The actor had you believing he really was T Roosevelt. It was a great introduction before visiting the national park the next day. The theater was well kept and comfortable. Because of Covid they suggested everyone wear masks and spread out in the general admission seating. It would have been helpful to have a staff member to help people choose appropriate social distanced seats. We moved twice before the show after people sat right next to us. I would highly recommend this show. The cost of $18 a piece was worth every penny.
5. Fire Hall Theatre
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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!
10. Fort Mandan
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 89 reviews
At Fort Mandan, the Lewis and Clark Expedition spent a winter at the urban center of the Northern Plains. The friendships they forged there, such as with Sacagawea, Chief Sheheke, and others, shaped the course of American history. Immerse yourself in their experience with a full-scale, fully-furnished replica of the fort. Fort Mandan is enhanced by a visitors center with exhibits and a kids’ play area, picnic shelters, a playground, and interpretive hiking trails in the forest along the Missouri River. Closed October 1 - April 1.
Reviewed By Questovia - Minot, United States
I was delighted with the attention to detail that went into this fort. They have recreated the rooms inside the stockade that one can almost imagine them being occupied. The interpreter that we had did a splendid job of answering our questions.
