Deserted and wild, still beautiful, less popular North Dakota is one of the least-visited states in the country, although it certainly has a lot of best places to visit in North Dakota. This is a land of wild horses, Native American Heritage, and a well-populated small town.
Here is the latest list that can be useful for travel in 2024
For travelers, a trip to North Dakota conjures up images of snow, wide-open spaces, and cold. Still, this is a place to reveal your inner explorer with exciting outdoor activities, culture, history, special events, and a wide variety of accommodations.
So if you are looking to experience a really unique part of America that often gets overlooked, here are 11 Best Places to Visit in North Dakota to help you plan your trip.
List of the 11 Best Places to Visit in North Dakota
1. Fargo
This city is located in the Red River Valley Region of North Dakota and it is the largest city in the state. There are so many tourist attractions here to entertain visitors, as well as recreational activities and culture. It has some interesting museums as well as numerous theatres, restaurants, coffee shops, and lots of pretty green spaces.
Attractions
Once famously known as the Gateway to the West, the city has undergone many identity changes since its founding. At one time or another, it has been a fur-trading post, a frontier town, and a ‘divorce capital’.
List of Attractions in Fargo
- plains art museum
- Roger Maris Museum
- Fargo Theatre
- Fargo Air Museum
- Fargo-Moorhead Visitors Center
- Red River Zoo
- Children’s Museum at Yunker Farm
- Bonanzaville, USA
- Hjemkomst Center
What to Do in Fargo
Adventurers willing to explore the largest city in North Dakota will find an under-appreciated art scene, incredible craft beer, cider, and friendly locals in this off-the-beaten-path destination.
List of Things to Do in Fargo
- Belly up to the (snack) bar
- Craft a beer menu
- Stroll along Broadway
- Look at, and sleep among, art
- Nightlife
2. Theodore Roosevelt National Park South Unit
This park is the residence of thousands of wild animals. Divided into three different units—the North and South Units and Roosevelt’s Elkhorn Ranch, it’s one of the best places for scenic drives and up-and-close wildlife encounters.
Attractions
You are almost guaranteed to come across a rally of American bison grazing on the plains. Wild mustangs are a common sight as well, while prairie dog towns are abundant all over the park. If you are lucky, you may even spot pronghorn, elk, coyotes, or bighorn sheep.
List of Attractions in Theodore Roosevelt National Park South Unit
- Scenic Loop Drive
- Bison Sightings
- Boicourt Trail
- Sunset at Wind Canyon
- Prairie Dog Towns
What to Do in Theodore Roosevelt National Park South Unit
Apart from driving the Scenic Loop Drive, which is the one and only way to get around the South Unit, there are many things to do in Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
List of Things to Do in Theodore Roosevelt National Park South Unit
- Hiking
- Wildlife watching
- Horseback riding
- Camping
- Cycling
3. Bismarck
The capital of the state’s small downtown is a great place to hang out, there are lots of nice cafes, restaurants, and shops, as well as the city’s main shopping mall. Surrounded by wheat fields and situated in the Great Plains, summers in the state capital are beautiful, while winters can drag on a bit. Although Bismarck is not blessed with attractions, it has lots of amazing parks and trails for visitors to explore.
Attractions
History, heritage, and the great outdoors are easily found in Bismarck, the capital of North Dakota. Features of interest are the skyscraper State Capitol, built with an Art Deco design during the Great Depression, wonderful city parks, and a great zoo, to name just a few.
List of Attractions in Bismarck
- North Dakota Heritage Center
- Dakota Zoo
- State Capitol
- Lewis and Clark Riverboat Cruises
- Former Governors’ Mansion
What to Do in Bismarck
There are a lot of best places to experience culture and local art. For example, you can visit the North Dakota Heritage Center, Dakota Zoo, and Fort Abraham Lincoln on a day trip to Bismarck.
List of Things to Do in Bismarck
- Bike Trails
- Walking Trails
- Fort Lincoln
- Golf Course’
- Dakota Zoo
4. Theodore Roosevelt National Park North Unit
The Theodore Roosevelt National Park is a beautiful place to visit due to the amazing wildlife and spectacular scenery. The North Unit is a great entry point for tourists to the Badlands; the visitor’s center has exhibits, short films, and displays of the park’s history, animals, and geography.
Attractions
There are some excellent paths and trails that snake away from the center, and a short drive away is the Oxbow Overlook, which offers some wonderful views of the park. Therefore if you want to travel for both units, you need a minimum of two days in the park.
List of Attractions in Theodore Roosevelt National Park North Unit
- Painted Canyon Overlook
- Caprock Coulee Trail
- Buckhorn Trail
- Oxbow Overlook
- Petrified Forest Loop
What to Do in Theodore Roosevelt National Park North Unit
The North Unit provides many beautiful overlooks of the river that cuts through the Badlands from south to north — The Little Missouri River.
List of Things to Do in Theodore Roosevelt National Park North Unit
- Hiking
- 14 Mile Scenic Drive
- Wildlife Viewing
- Camping
- Activities for Kids
5. Minot
It was founded in 1886, Minot has become known as Magic City, due to its rapid growth and expansion – which accounts for the somewhat random sprawl of its outskirts. Although slightly grimy and run-down, the downtown is slowly being restored new businesses, shops, and restaurants have been springing up of late.
Attractions
The town has lost the underworld excitement of its past, but another part of its history – its large population with Scandinavian heritage – is marked in the unexpectedly wonderful Scandinavian Heritage Park. There are also a couple of nature places just beyond the town’s bounds.
List of Attractions in Minot
- Scandinavian heritage park
- Dakota Territory Air Museum
- Oak park
- Railroad Museum & Magic City Express
- Roosevelt Park Zoo
What to Do in Minot
Once nicknamed the “Magic City” for its fast growth in the late 1800s, Minot today is a city of 40,000 that works as a trading center for north-central North Dakota.
List of Things to Do in Minot
- Norsk Hostfest
- Mouse River Community Theater
- Dakota Square Mall
- Margie’s Art Glass Studio
- Blue Rider Bar
6. Grand Forks
The third-largest city in North Dakota, Grand Forks lies on the banks of the spectacularly named Red River of the North but is unfortunately prone to flooding. Home to some exciting and educational museums.
Attractions
With an energetic art and culture scene, as well as some great restaurants on offer, Grand Forks is a happening place with a lot going on.
List of Attractions in Grand Forks
- Ralph Engelstad Arena
- University of North Dakota
- Flood Memorial Monument
- Splashers of the South Seas
- Memorial Park
What to Do in Grand Forks
Shop till you drop at the big box Southside stores and unique Downtown boutiques.
List of Things to Do in Grand Forks
- Alerus Center
- Devils Lake
- Shopping
- Grand Cities Art Fest
- Kings Walk Golf Course
7. Maah Daah Hey Trail
Connecting the North Unit to the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, the 144-mile Maah Daah Hey Trail is one of the most enjoyable mountain biking trails in the country and is simply a delight to travel along.
Whether by bike, foot, or horseback, the stunning badlands all around you are mesmerizing walking through the wilderness alone with your thoughts is a rewarding experience.
Trail
159.6 Kilometer Point-to-Point trail with intermediate difficulty.
Elevation
Ascent: 2,530 m
Descent: -2,620 m
High: 823 m
Low: 604 m
Nine fenced campgrounds are available by gravel-surfaced roads. The campgrounds include potable water, Camping Spurs, hitching rails, picnic tables, fire rings, and accessible toilets.
8. Medora
Many people just use Medora as a gateway to the South Unit of the Theodore Roosevelt National Park, there is much about the famous town that makes it a place worth visiting on its own. Placed in the badlands, Medora is blessed with a breathtaking view. It is Popular and one of the best places to visit in North Dakota.
Attractions
There are loads of great outdoor activities for you to enjoy, whether it’s horseback riding, hiking, or camping.
List of Attractions in Medora
- Badlands Overlook
- Old Town Hall theatre
- Medora Visitor Centre
- North Dakota Cowboy Hall
- Little Missouri National Grassland
What to do in Medora
There are also so many things to do by which you can enjoy your trip to Medora. There is also a big museum which looks at what life in the area used to be like.
List of Things to Do in Medora
- Painted Canyon Overlook
- The Buffalo Gap Gift Shop
- Knotty Pine Peanut Bar
- Perception
- Von Hoffman house
9. International Peace Garden
The International Peace Garden lies right on the border with Canada and straddles the frontier between North Dakota and Manitoba. The garden is absolutely huge and is a tribute to the longstanding friendship and peace that exists between Americans and Canadians.
Attractions
The International Peace Garden has a variety of things to do to occupy the youngest and oldest visitors. For any visit, you should plan at least 3-4 hours.
List of Attractions in the International Peace Garden
- Carillon Tower
- Remains of the World Trade Center
- Floral Clock
- Peace Chapel
- Dedication Cairn
What to do in International Peace of Garden
There are a lot of things to do where you can enjoy and experience nature. To enjoy everything the Peace Garden has the best beautiful nature to enjoy.
List of Things to Do in International Peace of Garden
- Hiking
- Bike trails
- Picnic
- Sightseeing
- Canoeing
10. Fort Union Trading Post
Located on the border with Montana and lying next to the Upper Missouri River, the Fort Union Trading Post is a reconstructed version of one that used to exist here in 1828. A most important historical site, the post is where various Indian tribes came to exchange furs and buffalo skins for guns, blankets, and beads.
Attractions
Fort Union is one of the best places for history lovers to study more about North Dakota’s fascinating past.
List of Attractions in Fort Trading Post
- Garden
- Picnic Area
- Missouri River
- Guns
- Blankets
What to Do in Fort Union Trading Post
It is one of the best places, you can do a lot of things by which you can enjoy your trip without any issues.
List of Things to Do in Fort Union Trading Post’
- Museum/ Bookstore/Films
- Living History Programs
- Junior Trader Program For Kids
- Bodmer Overlooking Hiking Trail
- Period Historical Dress Program
11. Lake Culture and Cuisine in Williston
Williston’s town lake culture is based around the water since it’s situated along Lake Sakakawea. This is a great place to go fishing and boating. You can also learn a bit about history here when you visit the Fort Union Trading Post and Fort Buford. It is one of the best places to visit in North Dakota.
Attractions
Discover your own favorite places in Williston while learning something new along the way. Make memories as you explore the natural wonders and some historical sites, retracing the footsteps of pioneers past, who ventured through Williston long ago.
List of Attractions in Williston
- Lake Sakakawea
- Lewis and Clark State Park
- Frontier Museum
- James Memorial Art Center
- The Old Armory
What To Do in Williston
You can also study a bit about history here when you visit the Fort Union Trading Post and Fort Buford. Another popular thing to do in the Williston area is to take an Oil Country tour.
List of Things to Do in Williston
- Painted Woods Sporting Range
- Eagle Ridge Golf Club
- Sitting Bull
- Camping
- Brigham Playground
12. Scandinavian Heritage Park
The Scandinavian Heritage Park is a popular tourist attraction located in Minot, North Dakota. The park celebrates the Scandinavian culture and heritage that has had a significant impact on the state’s history and identity.
Here are some of the highlights of the Scandinavian Heritage Park:
Gol Stave Church: The Gol Stave Church is a replica of a traditional Norwegian church that was built in the 12th century. The church is made entirely of wood and features intricate carvings and details.
Dala Horse: The Dala Horse is a traditional Swedish wooden horse that is painted in bright colors and decorated with intricate designs. The Dala Horse is a symbol of Swedish culture and is a popular souvenir item.
Heritage Center: The Heritage Center is a museum that showcases the history and culture of the Scandinavian people who settled in North Dakota. The museum features exhibits on immigration, agriculture, and traditional crafts.
Nordic Pavilion: The Nordic Pavilion is a replica of a traditional Scandinavian farmhouse. The pavilion features displays of traditional Scandinavian cooking, weaving, and woodworking.
Norwegian Rosemaling: Norwegian Rosemaling is a traditional style of painting that features intricate floral designs. Visitors can learn about this traditional art form and watch demonstrations by local artists.
Statues: The park features several statues of famous Scandinavians, including Leif Erikson, the Norse explorer who is believed to have been the first European to reach North America.
Bottomline
North Dakota definitely has so much more to offer than your imagination. It makes this place beautiful and exciting for tourists. So I hope this blog will help you to find the best places to visit in North Dakota and the best things to do.
When you go for a tour of this beautiful state, Throughout this city, you will find many interesting things to do, and this place has some awesome natural wonders. Here at treknova, all we do is just keep you updated with wanderlust stuff from all around the world.
So I hope this blog and information will help you to organize your trip and enjoy it without any stressful situations. Thank you for reading this and please share your experience with us.
Don’t forget to share your experience with us, Thank you.
Suggested Next Read: 7 Best Places to Visit in Delaware(USA): Fun Places To Go
