Places to Visit in North Dakota: 6 Great Places to Visit in the Peace Garden State

The tiny western village of Medora perches on the edge of the south unit of Theodore Roosevelt State Park. The park’s rugged badlands bluffs, eerie petrified forest and photogenic wildlife (think chattering prairie dogs and graceful wild horses), as well as the small town’s quaint cowboy atmosphere combine to create North Dakota’s most popular tourist destination.

The Scenic Loop Drive, accessible overlooks and beginner-friendly hiking trails whisk nature newbies to the top of craggy cliffs and over the postcard pretty Little Missouri River Valley with minimal effort. Hardier types can explore the backcountry trails and hike through a coal vein inside the park, or set out for Roosevelt’s Elkhorn Ranch and the rugged, 144-mile Maah Daah Hey Trail just outside its borders.

The Missouri River and its tributaries shaped the landscape and history of central North Dakota. Bismarck-Mandan serves as a base for exploring interactive sites on the land where indigenous nations built empires and Lewis and Clark wintered on their journey west.

Tour a Mandan earthlodge and hear meadowlarks sing high above military installations and riverside trails at Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park. Wave to the wolves, camels and primates from the train at Dakota Zoo, then head to the free North Dakota Heritage Center and State Museum to see dinosaurs and Ice Age creatures, hear indigenous languages and drive a tractor simulator. Or drive to Washburn to step into history (and a reconstructed winter camp) at the hands-on Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center and Fort Mandan.

This northern North Dakota college town has long been a popular destination for sports fans and Canadian tourists who come for UND hockey (the hottest ticket in town) and affordable shopping. However, Grand Forks is also great option for an active family vacation.

Snack on covered potato chips from Widman’s Candy Shop as you stroll past the sculptures in the tiny pocket parks. Indulge in locally-sourced comfort food on the Ely’s Ivy patio before walking to The Greenway along the Red and Red Lake Rivers. It’s larger than Manhattan’s Central Park and dotted with parks, public pools, shore fishing spots and miles of mixed-use trails. See the city from the water with canoe, kayak and paddle board rentals from the Boathouse on the Red.

North Dakota’s largest city pulses with energy. Packed with accessible art, great restaurants, and revitalized outdoor spaces, it’s an easy and affordable weekend getaway for couples and culture lovers.

Take a photo under the Fargo Theatre marquee, then check out dozens of interactive murals, sculptures and sidewalk mosaics on a public art walk. Purchase art from regional makers at Unglued, Gallery Four or Dakota Fine Art, visit the free Plains Art Museum, then window shop the curated shops and boutiques. Hit Broadway Square for outdoor movies, live music and a Saturday farmers market and access a bike share station to pedal the riverside trails. Or drive to Lindenwood Park to rent bikes and kayaks.

Nature lovers who want to see more bison, longhorn cattle and bighorn sheep than other humans will love the north unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, outside Watford City. It’s quieter and greener than its southern counterpart and even less crowded. A 28-mile scenic byway passes secluded hiking trails and two of the most striking overlooks in the entire state.

Go deeper into nature by hiking or biking the gorgeous and grueling single-track Maah Daah Hey Trail, which skirts ice caves, riverbanks and backcountry camping spots. Fuel up with locally sourced steak and potatoes at Outlaws Bar and Grill.

The towering trees, lush gardens and crystal-clear lakes along the Canadian border are a breath of fresh air. Cruise the gently rolling hills of the 53-mile Turtle Mountain Scenic Byway, the backbone of this leisurely, outdoor-oriented road trip.

Hike idyllic Lake Metigoshe State Park’s 15 miles of wooded trails or rent kayaks and canoes to paddle the gentle waters. Another 18 miles of multi-use trails and 10 miles of ATV terrain weave through Turtle Mountain State Forest. Then straddle the North Dakota-Manitoba border at the International Peace Garden. It’s home to more than 155,000 flowers, cacti and succulents and quiet, meditative spaces.