Nicknamed the Peace Garden State, North Dakota is known for its wide-open spaces, prairie landscapes, rich Native American history, and rugged badlands. Whether you're a history buff, nature lover, or road tripper, this guide highlights the best places to visit in North Dakota.
Where is North Dakota?
📍 Location: Northern Midwest, bordering Canada
🌆 Major Cities: Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks, Minot
🌾 Bordering States: Minnesota, South Dakota, Montana
🔗 Visit North Dakota Tourism
🌆 Major Cities: Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks, Minot
🌾 Bordering States: Minnesota, South Dakota, Montana
🔗 Visit North Dakota Tourism
Best Time to Visit North Dakota
🌸 Spring (April-May): Great for wildflowers and fewer crowds.
☀️ Summer (June-August): Ideal for road trips, festivals, and national parks.
🍂 Fall (September-October): Offers cool temps and scenic fall colors.
❄️ Winter (November-March): Great for snowmobiling and winter festivals.
☀️ Summer (June-August): Ideal for road trips, festivals, and national parks.
🍂 Fall (September-October): Offers cool temps and scenic fall colors.
❄️ Winter (November-March): Great for snowmobiling and winter festivals.
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Top Attractions & Destinations in North Dakota
1. Theodore Roosevelt National Park – A Badlands Beauty
Named after the 26th president, this national park features colorful badlands, wild bison, and scenic drives.
🦬 Things to Do in Theodore Roosevelt National Park:
- Drive the Scenic Loop – Explore the North and South Units of the park.
- Hike the Painted Canyon Trail – Easy trail with epic badlands views.
- See Bison, Prairie Dogs & Wild Horses – Spot native wildlife in their natural habitat.
📍 Location: Western North Dakota
🔗 Visit TRNP
🔗 Visit TRNP
2. Fargo – A Hip, Midwestern City
Fargo is a growing cultural hub, blending arts, history, and modern charm.
🏙️ Best Things to Do in Fargo:
- Visit the Fargo Air Museum – Home to WWII aircraft and aviation history.
- Explore Downtown Fargo – Full of local shops, craft breweries, and murals.
- Snap a Photo with the Woodchipper – From the movie Fargo!
📍 Location: Eastern North Dakota
🔗 Visit Fargo
🔗 Visit Fargo
3. Bismarck – The State Capital
Located on the Missouri River, Bismarck offers history, nature, and family-friendly attractions.
🏛️ Top Attractions in Bismarck:
- North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum – Learn about dinosaurs, geology, and Native history.
- Visit the State Capitol Building – The tallest building in North Dakota.
- Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park – Explore reconstructed military posts and Mandan Earthlodges.
📍 Location: Central North Dakota
🔗 Visit Bismarck
🔗 Visit Bismarck
4. International Peace Garden – Borderline Beauty
This garden celebrates peace between the U.S. and Canada with floral displays and quiet trails.
🌼 Things to Do at the Peace Garden:
- Explore the Formal Gardens – Beautiful during spring and summer bloom seasons.
- Visit the Chapel of Peace – A tranquil space to reflect.
- Hike the Surrounding Trails – Enjoy nature walks in a peaceful setting.
📍 Location: North Dakota–Manitoba border
🔗 Visit Peace Garden
🔗 Visit Peace Garden
5. Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site
Preserving the history of the Hidatsa and Mandan people, this site offers archaeological insight and reconstructed earthlodges.
🏞️ Top Experiences at Knife River:
- Tour the Visitor Center – Learn about Native American trade and culture.
- Walk the Village Trail – Pass through historic sites and scenic river views.
- Visit the Earthlodge Reconstruction – Step inside a traditional Native dwelling.
📍 Location: Central-Western North Dakota
🔗 Visit Knife River
🔗 Visit Knife River
Best Outdoor Adventures in North Dakota
🚴 Biking the Maah Daah Hey Trail – A rugged singletrack through the Badlands.
🛶 Canoeing on the Missouri River – Enjoy calm water and scenic bluffs.
🐦 Birdwatching at Chase Lake NWR – Known for white pelicans and prairie birds.
🎣 Fishing on Devils Lake – A top ice fishing and walleye destination.
🛶 Canoeing on the Missouri River – Enjoy calm water and scenic bluffs.
🐦 Birdwatching at Chase Lake NWR – Known for white pelicans and prairie birds.
🎣 Fishing on Devils Lake – A top ice fishing and walleye destination.
Where to Stay in North Dakota
🏨 Unique Hotels & Cozy Inns:
- Hotel Donaldson (Fargo) – A boutique stay in the arts district.
- Rough Riders Hotel (Medora) – Rustic luxury near Theodore Roosevelt NP.
🏕️ Cabins & Campgrounds:
- Cottonwood Campground (TRNP) – A perfect base for hiking and wildlife viewing.
- Icelandic State Park Cabins – A quiet retreat in northeastern North Dakota.
Tips for Visiting North Dakota
✅ Prepare for Changing Weather – Pack layers for wind and sudden shifts.
✅ Bring Binoculars for Wildlife – Especially in TRNP and the Peace Garden.
✅ Explore Scenic Byways – Like the Old Red Old Ten or Sakakawea Scenic Byway.
✅ Visit in Summer or Early Fall – When attractions and parks are fully open.
✅ Bring Binoculars for Wildlife – Especially in TRNP and the Peace Garden.
✅ Explore Scenic Byways – Like the Old Red Old Ten or Sakakawea Scenic Byway.
✅ Visit in Summer or Early Fall – When attractions and parks are fully open.
Nearby Travel Destinations
- Montana – Continue west to Glacier National Park or Billings.
- Minnesota – Head east for lakes, forests, and the Twin Cities.
- South Dakota – Visit Badlands National Park and Mount Rushmore.
Final Thoughts
With its open skies, quiet beauty, and deeply rooted cultures, North Dakota offers an off-the-beaten-path adventure for those who want to slow down and explore. Whether you're stargazing in the Badlands, tracing Native history, or relaxing in a prairie town, the Peace Garden State is full of hidden gems and natural wonders.
For more Midwest travel inspiration, explore our South Dakota Travel Guide and Minnesota Travel Guide.