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01 Feb 2025Updated last time
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10 Best Places For Day Trips in North Dakota

Discover the Hidden Gems of North Dakota

Embark on a journey through the rugged landscapes and rich history of North Dakota, where every corner of the state offers a unique story and experience. From the awe-inspiring badlands of Theodore Roosevelt National Park to the peaceful serenity of the International Peace Garden, there's an adventure waiting for everyone. Whether you're a history enthusiast eager to walk in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark at Fort Mandan, a nature lover looking to explore the natural beauty along the Maah Daah Hey Trail, or a culture buff interested in the Scandinavian influences at the majestic Scandinavian Heritage Park, you'll find plenty of reasons to fall in love with the region.

North Dakota's skyline is dotted with tales of the past, present, and future. The Fargo Air Museum brings aviation history to life, while the Enchanted Highway offers a whimsical journey with its larger-than-life sculptures. The state's dedication to preserving its heritage is evident at the North Dakota Heritage Center, where stories of the earth's geological past are told. With rich Native American history presented at Knife River Indian Villages, and military fortitude on display at Fort Abuercrombie, North Dakota invites visitors to delve into the diverse tapestry that makes up its cultural fabric. Join us in exploring the landmarks that make North Dakota a truly unique destination.


Recommended Activities

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    Theodore Roosevelt National Park

    The park is a tribute to President Theodore Roosevelt's conservation legacy and offers spectacular landscapes, wildlife viewing including bison and elk, and the rugged beauty of the badlands.
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    International Peace Garden

    This unique park celebrates peace and friendship between the United States and Canada. Visitors can enjoy beautiful floral displays, serene garden landscapes, and symbolic monuments.
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    Maah Daah Hey Trail

    This 144-mile trail provides some of the best outdoor adventure in the state, offering challenging terrain for hiking, biking, and horseback riding through the scenic Dakota badlands.
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    Knife River Indian Villages

    Visitors can explore the rich heritage and lifestyle of the Northern Plains Indians. The site includes reconstructed earth lodges, a visitor center with historical exhibits, and the opportunity for educational programs.
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    Fort Abuercrombie

    Known as the 'Gateway to the Dakotas,' this military outpost played a significant role in the early frontier days. It is steeped in military history and visitors can see original buildings and fortifications.
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    Enchanted Highway

    This stretch of road features a series of whimsical, giant metal sculptures that line the highway. It's a unique open-air gallery experience that makes for an interesting and fun road trip.
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    Scandinavian Heritage Park

    This beautiful park celebrates the culture and contributions of Scandinavian countries in North Dakota. Features include replicas of traditional buildings, a stave church, and a windmill, among other cultural exhibits.
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    Fargo Air Museum

    The museum boasts of a vast collection of aircraft from different eras of aviation history, providing an educational and inspirational visit for all ages who are interested in the science of flight and aircraft restoration.
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    North Dakota Heritage Center

    As the state's official history museum, it offers a comprehensive look at North Dakota's rich history, from its geologic past to present day, through interactive exhibits and impressive artifact collections.
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    Fort Mandan

    Fort Mandan is the reconstructed winter home of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, offering a historical glimpse into the explorers' journey and interactions with the Mandan Indians during the early 1800s.
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Restaurants

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    The Pitchfork Steak Fondue

    The Pitchfork Steak Fondue

    Enjoy a unique dining experience where steaks are cooked on pitchforks over an open flame, offering a taste of the old West with a view of the North Dakota Badlands.
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    Pirogue Grille

    Pirogue Grille

    Indulge in fine dining with a twist in Bismarck. The restaurant's focus on wild game and seasonal ingredients makes it a culinary adventure.
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    Dakota Harvest Bakers

    Dakota Harvest Bakers

    This Grand Forks bakery offers a unique selection of baked goods made with locally sourced ingredients, including some unexpected flavor combinations.
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    Peacock Alley American Grill & Bar

    Peacock Alley American Grill & Bar

    Located in a historic building in Bismarck, this restaurant offers a mix of traditional cuisine and innovative dishes with a North Dakotan touch.
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  • HoDo Lounge

    In the heart of Fargo, this trendy spot located in the historic Hotel Donaldson is perfect for trying upscale and unusual local cuisine.
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    Laughing Sun Brewing Co.

    Laughing Sun Brewing Co.

    Not just a brewery, but also a place to enjoy eclectic bites and live music in the artistic atmosphere of downtown Bismarck.
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    Medora's Cowboy Cafe

    Medora's Cowboy Cafe

    Known for its famous 'Cowboy Coffee' and homey breakfasts, it's a quirky spot that captures the essence of the Old West.
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    Salem Sue's Coffee House

    Salem Sue's Coffee House

    Adjacent to the world's largest Holstein cow statue, this charming coffee house offers unique pastries and a quirky stop for a light bite or caffeine fix.
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Hotels

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    The Hotel Donaldson

    The Hotel Donaldson

    An artsy boutique hotel in Fargo with uniquely decorated rooms featuring works by local artists, making for an inspiring stay.
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    Cobblestone Hotel & Suites

    Cobblestone Hotel & Suites

    With a rustic charm that mirrors the historic town of Medora, this hotel provides a quaint stay steps away from a musical theater.
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    Enchanted Castle

    Enchanted Castle

    Located in Regent, this thematic hotel brings you into a fairytale-like setting, complete with a drawbridge and medieval decor.
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    Rough Riders Hotel

    Rough Riders Hotel

    The historic ambiance of this hotel in Medora takes you back to the time of Teddy Roosevelt, blended with modern comforts.
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    The Vegas Motel

    The Vegas Motel

    Bringing a slice of Las Vegas to Minot, North Dakota, stay here for a unique experience complete with casino-style decor.
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    Northern Lights Inn

    Northern Lights Inn

    Offering a cozy stay in Rugby, the self-proclaimed 'Geographical Center of North America', with a light display that mimics the aurora borealis.
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Local Events & Happenings

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    Black Jacket Symphony

    Black Jacket Symphony

    The event will take place at Belle Mehus Auditorium in Bismarck.
    Map IconBelle Mehus Auditorium in Bismarck (34.81 mi)
    Calendar Icon12 Nov 2024
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    The Black Jacket Symphony Presents Led Zeppelin's "iv"

    The Black Jacket Symphony Presents Led Zeppelin's "iv"

    The event will take place at Belle Mehus Auditorium in Bismarck.
    Map IconBelle Mehus Auditorium in Bismarck (35.71 mi)
    Calendar Icon12 Nov 2024
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    Motley Crue

    Motley Crue

    The event will take place at North Dakota State Fair in Minot.
    Map IconNorth Dakota State Fair in Minot (68.62 mi)
    Calendar Icon20 Jul 2024
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    Lil' Wayne

    Lil' Wayne

    The event will take place at North Dakota State Fair in Minot.
    Map IconNorth Dakota State Fair in Minot (68.62 mi)
    Calendar Icon21 Jul 2024
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    Machine Gun Kelly

    Machine Gun Kelly

    The event will take place at North Dakota State Fair in Minot.
    Map IconNorth Dakota State Fair in Minot (68.62 mi)
    Calendar Icon26 Jul 2024
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    North Dakota State Fair Showpass 7/21/2024 - 7/27/2024

    North Dakota State Fair Showpass 7/21/2024 - 7/27/2024

    The event will take place at North Dakota State Fair in Minot.
    Map IconNorth Dakota State Fair in Minot (68.62 mi)
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    Zach Bryan

    Zach Bryan

    The event will take place at Alerus Center in Grand Forks.
    Map IconAlerus Center in Grand Forks (173.54 mi)
    Calendar Icon26 Aug 2024
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Travel Gems from Reddit

  • Reddit Icon

    As others have mentioned: North Dakota is big, as large as (if not larger than) many sovereign nations. It takes 6 to 8 hours just to drive across it the long way; 10 days is ...

    Road trip through North Dakota. Recommendations?

    As others have mentioned: North Dakota is big, as large as (if not larger than) many sovereign nations. It takes 6 to 8 hours just to drive across it the long way; 10 days is ...

    /r/northdakota
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    When you have time, take a road trip over to the area between Turtle Mountain and Lake Metigoshe. So pretty! Don't drive 2 - go N and take back roads, esp. 43. The back roads ...

    My thoughts on ND as a visitor.

    When you have time, take a road trip over to the area between Turtle Mountain and Lake Metigoshe. So pretty! Don't drive 2 - go N and take back roads, esp. 43. The back roads ...

    /r/northdakota
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    The Bismarck Mandan CVB has an art guide you can download and use for reference. Best outdoors is Medora. Walk the Maah Daah Hey to get away from people. The North Unit of TRN...

    Travel to North Dakota to learn more about the state

    The Bismarck Mandan CVB has an art guide you can download and use for reference. Best outdoors is Medora. Walk the Maah Daah Hey to get away from people. The North Unit of TRN...

    /r/northdakota
  • Reddit Icon

    Im planning an impromptu trip to North Dakota day after tomorroow. What are the must do things to make the most out of my time ? My initial plan was black hills in SD, but I w...

    Are 2-3 days enough for Theodore Roosevelt national Park?

    Im planning an impromptu trip to North Dakota day after tomorroow. What are the must do things to make the most out of my time ? My initial plan was black hills in SD, but I w...

    /r/northdakota
  • Reddit Icon

    Added North Dakota this summer. East side is pretty flat but western end has some scenic spots. Was honestly surprised by Fargo on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon. There was a ...

    Help with North Dakota: only one state to go!

    Added North Dakota this summer. East side is pretty flat but western end has some scenic spots. Was honestly surprised by Fargo on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon. There was a ...

    /r/roadtrip
  • Reddit Icon

    Hi, my friend and I (from the UK) are talking about doing a road trip through North Dakota at some point. At the moment we're thinking of travelling from Bemidji, MN to Rapid ...

    Seeking Road Trip advice

    Hi, my friend and I (from the UK) are talking about doing a road trip through North Dakota at some point. At the moment we're thinking of travelling from Bemidji, MN to Rapid ...

    /r/northdakota

Music for Your Journey

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    Gene Autry - Home On the Range

    Gene Autry - Home On the Range

    Capture the essence of North Dakota's open landscapes and wildlife with this classic western folk song.
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    Kenny Chesney - American Kids

    Kenny Chesney - American Kids

    John Mellencamp's hit reflects on the American spirit, perfectly complementing a drive through the heartland's prairies and small towns.
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    roger weeks - North Dakota

    roger weeks - North Dakota

    Experience a sense of longing and the beauty of rural life through Lyle Lovett's poignant lyrics.
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    Darius Rucker - Wagon Wheel

    Darius Rucker - Wagon Wheel

    This modern classic's upbeat tune and references to traveling through the country can set the mood for any road trip.
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    John Denver - Take Me Home, Country Roads

    John Denver - Take Me Home, Country Roads

    John Denver's iconic song about returning home to a beloved place resonates with the scenic drives in North Dakota.
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    The Radio Stars - Rockin' the Bakken

    The Radio Stars - Rockin' the Bakken

    A song dedicated to the oil fields of North Dakota, perfect for understanding the state's recent boom.
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    The Doobie Brothers - Black Water

    The Doobie Brothers - Black Water

    The Doobie Brothers' hit, with its smooth rhythm and reflective lyrics, complements the calm flow of North Dakota's rivers.
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    Steppenwolf - Born To Be Wild - Single Version

    Steppenwolf - Born To Be Wild - Single Version

    Hit the open road with Steppenwolf's rock anthem that's all about freedom and adventure.
    Listen on Spotify
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    Bruce Springsteen - Badlands

    Bruce Springsteen - Badlands

    This Bruce Springsteen song captures the grit and determination of the frontier, mirroring the spirit of North Dakota's badlands.
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    Beyoncé - AMERICA HAS A PROBLEM (feat. Kendrick Lamar)

    Beyoncé - AMERICA HAS A PROBLEM (feat. Kendrick Lamar)

    Simon & Garfunkel's classic is a contemplative track ideal for cruising the highways and reflecting on the vast landscapes.
    Listen on Spotify
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