North Dakota

01 Feb 2025Updated last time

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10 best places for Weekend Getaways For Couples in North Dakota

Discovering the Heart of the North: North Dakota's Hidden Gems

Embark on a journey through North Dakota's breathtaking landscapes, where history and nature intertwine to create an unforgettable experience. From the rugged badlands to serene prairie vistas, this northern state is home to national parks, picturesque small towns, and a rich tapestry of cultural heritage sites that evoke the pioneering spirit of the American Midwest. Each destination offers its own unique allure, beckoning couples to explore the tranquility of state parks, the charm of historic communities, and the untamed beauty of scenic byways. North Dakota's hidden gems provide an idyllic backdrop for romance and adventure, ensuring that every weekend getaway will be etched in memory as a time of connection with both nature and each other. Whether it's the echoes of Theodore Roosevelt's legacy, the Nordic-inspired delights of a heritage park, or the peaceful embrace of unspoiled waterways, North Dakota invites you to step away from the ordinary and immerse yourself in the extraordinary experiences that await within its borders.

Recommended Activities

1
Theodore Roosevelt National Park
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Theodore Roosevelt National Park offers a unique landscape of badlands, rolling hills, and diverse wildlife. It's a prime location for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing, as well as for experiencing the history tied to the 26th U.S. President, Theodore Roosevelt, who found solace and inspiration in this area.
2
Medora
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Medora is a charming small town known as the gateway to Theodore Roosevelt National Park. It provides a quaint atmosphere with historical significance, boasting attractions like the Medora Musical, the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame, and the Bully Pulpit Golf Course, offering entertainment, education, and relaxation for visiting couples.
3
Maah Daah Hey Trail
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The Maah Daah Hey Trail is an epic trail that traverses some of the most beautiful terrains in North Dakota's badlands. Stretching over 100 miles, it's perfect for couples who enjoy long hikes, mountain biking, or horseback riding, providing an immersive experience into the natural beauty and serenity of the area.
4
Fort Ransom State Park
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Fort Ransom State Park is a beautiful area that offers a tranquil getaway with its scenic river valley, wooded hills, and abundant wildlife. It's a perfect spot for couples to engage in activities like canoeing, hiking, horseback riding, and is renowned for the annual Sodbuster Days event, which celebrates the area's pioneer history.
5
Lake Metigoshe State Park
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Lake Metigoshe State Park is nestled within the Turtle Mountains and is known for its clear, pristine lakes surrounded by forested hills. Ideal for couples who enjoy water activities like boating, fishing, and swimming, the park also provides winter sports opportunities and quiet nature trails for year-round exploration.
6
Historic Town of Garrison
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The historic town of Garrison is fondly referred to as the 'Walleye Capital of the World,' attracting fishing enthusiasts to its friendly community. It hosts the annual Dickens Village Festival, transforming into a Victorian-era village with unique shopping, food, and horse-drawn carriage rides, making it a uniquely romantic destination for couples.
7
Cross Ranch State Park
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Cross Ranch State Park offers a serene escape with its preserved stretch of the Missouri River, untouched by ice age glaciers. It's an ideal spot for couples seeking a peaceful environment and activities such as hiking through a mixed-grass prairie, bird watching, or enjoying a stay in a traditional yurt, providing a unique experience in tune with nature.
8
Scandinavian Heritage Park
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Scandinavian Heritage Park is a unique park that celebrates the cultures of Scandinavian countries: Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, and Iceland. Visitors can explore replicas of traditional buildings and monuments, making it a fascinating educational and cultural experience, perfect for those interested in heritage and the charm of Nordic traditions.
9
Rendezvous Region Scenic Backway
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The Rendezvous Region Scenic Backway is a picturesque driving route that winds through the northeastern part of North Dakota, featuring breathtaking views of the Pembina Gorge and the surrounding forested hills. It's a fantastic option for couples who enjoy road trips and outdoor activities such as hiking, birding, and photography, providing a scenic backdrop to a leisurely journey together.
10
Icelandic State Park
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Icelandic State Park is a beautiful destination that offers a glimpse into the heritage of Icelandic immigrants in North Dakota. It boasts natural beauty with Lake Renwick, camping facilities, and trails for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can explore the Pioneer Heritage Center and the Gunlogson Homestead and Nature Preserve, perfect for couples who appreciate natural landscapes, wildlife, and cultural history.

Restaurants

The Pitchfork Steak Fondue
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The Pitchfork Steak Fondue
Dining here offers an unusual experience as you watch your steak being cooked on a pitchfork over an open flame. It's not just a meal; it’s a performance.
Peacock Alley
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Peacock Alley
Located in a historic building in Bismarck, this restaurant and bar serves classic American cuisine with a twist, and its storied past adds to the dining experience.
Pirogue Grille
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Pirogue Grille
Featuring locally sourced ingredients, Pirogue Grille offers a gourmet twist on traditional North Dakotan dishes, making it an unusual find in the state.
The HoDo Restaurant
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The HoDo Restaurant
Located in the historic Hotel Donaldson in Fargo, HoDo offers artistic dishes in an eclectic environment, coupled with rooftop dining for a unique ambiance.
Salem Sue's Coffee Cup
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Salem Sue's Coffee Cup
This eatery is named after the World's Largest Holstein Cow statue nearby, offering hearty meals in a place full of character and charm.
Badlands Pizza Parlor
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Badlands Pizza Parlor
In the midst of rugged terrain, enjoy an unusual selection of pizzas in a Wild West-themed setting, complete with cowboy charm.
Dakota Taphouse
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Dakota Taphouse
An eatery that doubles as a rustic tap house offering a memorable dining experience with local brews paired with North Dakotan cuisine.
Nordic Barn
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4.7
Nordic Barn
A Scandinavian-themed restaurant set in a barn, providing an immersive experience with traditional Nordic dishes and a cozy, unusual atmosphere.
4.7

Hotels

The Enchanted Castle
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The Enchanted Castle
An actual castle in the small town of Regent, this hotel offers a fairytale-themed stay with modern amenities, making it a unique and magical retreat.
Hotel Donaldson
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Hotel Donaldson
In the heart of Fargo, the Hotel Donaldson is known for its artsy rooms, each individually designed by local artists, a true showcase of North Dakotan culture.
The Bison Ranch
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The Bison Ranch
Stay in a working bison ranch near the Missouri River, offering guests the chance to experience North Dakota's western lifestyle and bison herding.
Northern Lights Inn
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Northern Lights Inn
Situated in Rugby, also known as the geographical center of North America, this inn offers a cozy stay with the potential to witness the Aurora Borealis.
Riverdale High Lodge
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Riverdale High Lodge
Converted from a high school, this quirky lodge in Riverdale maintains many of its classroom aesthetics, creating an unusual and nostalgic accommodation experience.
Rough Riders Hotel
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Rough Riders Hotel
Combining the old with the new, this hotel in Medora provides a Western-themed stay in the style of Teddy Roosevelt's time, furnished for the contemporary traveler.

Local Events & Happenings

Motley Crue
Motley Crue
The event will take place at North Dakota State Fair in Minot.
North Dakota State Fair in Minot (39.38 mi)
20 Jul 2024
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Lil' Wayne
Lil' Wayne
The event will take place at North Dakota State Fair in Minot.
North Dakota State Fair in Minot (39.38 mi)
21 Jul 2024
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Machine Gun Kelly
Machine Gun Kelly
The event will take place at North Dakota State Fair in Minot.
North Dakota State Fair in Minot (39.38 mi)
26 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.
North Dakota State Fair in Minot (39.38 mi)
N/A
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Black Jacket Symphony
Black Jacket Symphony
The event will take place at Belle Mehus Auditorium in Bismarck.
Belle Mehus Auditorium in Bismarck (64.37 mi)
12 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.
Belle Mehus Auditorium in Bismarck (65.22 mi)
12 Nov 2024
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Zach Bryan
Zach Bryan
The event will take place at Alerus Center in Grand Forks.
Alerus Center in Grand Forks (174.77 mi)
26 Aug 2024
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