North Dakota

01 Feb 2025Updated last time

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10 Best Places For Weekend Getaways From Bismarck, ND

Welcome to Your Next Adventure

Are you looking for an escape from the humdrum of daily life in Bismarck, ND? Whether it's the call of historical sites that intrigue your inner historian or the lush landscapes that promise serenity and adventure, there's a weekend getaway waiting for you. Discovering the Dakota's hidden gems or venturing a little further into the neighboring states can offer a refreshing change of scenery and a much-needed break. From the historical streets of Deadwood, where the echoes of the Old West still resonate, to the tranquil shores of Lake Sakakawea, perfect for a tranquil retreat, our curated getaways invite you to explore, relax, and rejuvenate. With each destination offering its own unique blend of culture, nature, and entertainment, you're sure to find the perfect spot to create new memories. So pack your bags and get ready to embark on a journey that will leave you with stories to tell and experiences to cherish!

Recommended Activities

1
Medora
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Medora is the gateway to the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, where you can explore the rugged beauty of the Badlands. It's also home to the Medora Musical and the historic Chateau de Mores. The town offers a charming blend of history, culture, and outdoor activities.
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Lake Sakakawea
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Lake Sakakawea, one of the largest man-made reservoirs in the United States, is perfect for fishing, boating, and camping. Its clear waters and expansive shoreline offer recreation and relaxation, as well as beautiful views and an abundance of wildlife.
3
Devils Lake
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Devils Lake is the largest natural body of water in North Dakota, providing a hot spot for fishing, particularly for its excellent walleye and perch fishing. The area is also popular for birdwatching, hunting, and various water sports. Its surrounding parks and nature reserves offer opportunities for hiking and wildlife observation.
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Fargo
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Fargo, known for its friendly atmosphere and cultural attractions, offers a variety of experiences, including the historic Plains Art Museum, Fargo Air Museum, and the unique Red River Zoo. The vibrant downtown area is full of local shops, restaurants, and entertainment options.
5
Minneapolis
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Minneapolis is a dynamic city with a rich mix of culture, art, and nature. Visit the Walker Art Center, enjoy a performance at the Guthrie Theater, or explore the Chain of Lakes. The city is also known for its excellent dining scene and the iconic Mall of America.
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Theodore Roosevelt National Park
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Theodore Roosevelt National Park offers breathtaking landscapes, abundant wildlife, and a deep sense of tranquility. Explore the scenic drives, hiking trails, and the rugged terrain that once inspired a president. Witness herds of bison, wild horses, and elk in their natural habitat.
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Rapid City, SD
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Rapid City serves as the gateway to the Black Hills and Mount Rushmore National Memorial, offering a blend of history and natural beauty. Visit the interactive Journey Museum, stroll the City of Presidents walk, and explore nearby natural attractions like Badlands National Park.
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Deadwood, SD
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Deadwood is steeped in Wild West lore, featuring historic sites related to figures like Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane. This National Historic Landmark offers reenacted shootouts, historic tours, and gaming, all set in the scenic Black Hills.
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Itasca State Park, MN
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Itasca State Park is notable for being the source of the Mississippi River. Visitors can walk across the headwaters, enjoy over 100 lakes, hike extensive trails through old-growth pine forests, and partake in various outdoor recreational activities such as boating and birdwatching.
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Jamestown, ND
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Jamestown offers a slice of classic Americana with attractions such as the National Buffalo Museum and the live herd of bison, which includes the famous albino bison, White Cloud. The city also features the Frontier Village with its historic buildings and antique cars, providing a glimpse into pioneer life.

Restaurants

The Pitchfork Steak Fondue
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The Pitchfork Steak Fondue
A unique dining experience in Medora where your steak is cooked on a pitchfork fondue style, offering impressive views of the Badlands.
Pirates Bight
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Pirates Bight
An adventurous dining spot located in the Black Hills, where a pirate-themed setting meets a family-friendly atmosphere and tasty fare.
The Boiler Room
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The Boiler Room
Situated in Fargo, this eatery is uniquely located in a former boiler room, known for its quirky industrial ambiance and inventive dishes.
Space Aliens Grill & Bar
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Space Aliens Grill & Bar
A galactic-themed restaurant in Bismarck where extraterrestrial decor and an arcade create a fun, out-of-this-world dining experience.
Izzy's Lounge
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Izzy's Lounge
An ice bar in Lake Sakakawea where you can enjoy cool drinks in a literally cool setting, complete with ice sculptures, during the winter months.
Safari Car Wash Cafe
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Safari Car Wash Cafe
A car wash turned cafe in Jamestown, offering the unusual experience of dining while watching vehicles get cleaned through large windows.
The Kitchen
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The Kitchen
Located in Minneapolis, this innovative restaurant gives a new meaning to farm-to-table as it operates in conjunction with an urban farm on premises.
Kuchenmeister's Sausage Kingdom
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Kuchenmeister's Sausage Kingdom
An eccentric restaurant in Rapid City, where German cuisine meets Dakotan influences, all in a castle-like setting with a medieval vibe.

Hotels

The Hotel Donaldson
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The Hotel Donaldson
In Fargo, The Hotel Donaldson boasts unique, artist-inspired rooms that offer a blend of luxury and local culture, providing an immersive and stylish stay.
Alex Johnson Hotel
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Alex Johnson Hotel
A historic hotel in Rapid City, featuring Native American and Germanic Tudor architecture, giving guests a taste of the area's heritage.
The Rough Riders Hotel
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The Rough Riders Hotel
Located in Medora, this hotel exudes Old West elegance and is perfectly suited for those looking to immerse themselves in the area's historic charm.
The Enchanted Castle
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The Enchanted Castle
An unexpected fairytale castle experience in the town of Regent, offering a touch of magic and luxury amidst the plains of North Dakota.
Deadwood's Celebrity Hotel
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Deadwood's Celebrity Hotel
Themed around celebrity, this hotel in Deadwood is an attraction itself, filled with a collection of Hollywood memorabilia and themed rooms.
The Covington Houseboat
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The Covington Houseboat
Stay on a houseboat on the Mississippi River in Minneapolis for a different kind of hotel experience with scenic city and river views.

Local Events & Happenings

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 (48.92 mi)
12 Nov 2024
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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 (49.03 mi)
12 Nov 2024
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Motley Crue
Motley Crue
The event will take place at North Dakota State Fair in Minot.
North Dakota State Fair in Minot (139.34 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 (139.34 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 (139.34 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 (139.34 mi)
N/A
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Gabriel Iglesias
Gabriel Iglesias
The event will take place at Red River Valley Fair in West Fargo.
Red River Valley Fair in West Fargo (142.93 mi)
1 Jul 2024
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