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Top 19 Places to Visit in North Dakota

  1. The Badlands: A ruggedly beautiful destination for those seeking adventure and wildlife spotting in North Dakota. Hiking and biking trails aplenty, visitors can take in the stunning views and explore the great outdoors.
  2. Theodore Roosevelt National Park: This park is a gem for outdoor enthusiasts, offering breathtaking vistas, hiking trails, and the chance to spot some wildlife. Drive, hike, or bike through the park to take in the natural beauty and get your heart pumping.
  3. Maah Daah Hey Trail: This 144-mile trail winds its way through the Badlands, offering stunning views of North Dakota’s wilderness. A mecca for thrill-seekers and nature-lovers alike, this trail is not to be missed.
  4. Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park: History buffs and nature lovers alike will find something to love at this state park. Explore the well-preserved historic fort, hike the scenic trails, or simply bask in the beautiful surroundings.
  5. Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site: Get a glimpse into the fascinating culture and history of the Mandan Indians at this national historic site. Reconstructed earth lodges and exhibits showcase the tribe’s way of life in a way that’s both informative and entertaining.
  6. Bismarck: North Dakota’s capital city, home to cultural attractions, museums, and outdoor recreation opportunities. Whether you’re exploring the vibrant downtown or venturing out to nearby parks, there’s plenty to keep you entertained.
  7. Fargo: A buzzing city in North Dakota, known for its lively downtown, cultural scene, and the prestigious North Dakota State University. Take in the many festivals, art galleries, and theaters to get a taste of Fargo’s unique flavor.
  8. North Dakota Heritage Center: Delve into the rich history and culture of North Dakota at this museum, featuring exhibits on everything from the state’s indigenous peoples to modern-day residents. A must-visit for those looking to gain a deeper understanding of the state.
  9. North Dakota State Capitol: This stunning and historic building serves as the home of the North Dakota General Assembly. Take a tour to marvel at the impressive architecture and learn about the state’s government. Just be sure not to cause a ruckus during a session!
  10. North Dakota State Capitol: A beautiful and historic building that serves as the home of the North Dakota General Assembly. Visitors can take a tour of the Capitol to see its impressive architecture and learn about the state’s government. Just don’t try to run for office without a good pair of shoes – those marble floors can be slippery.
  11. International Peace Garden: A unique and peaceful park that straddles the border between the US and Canada. Visitors can stroll through the botanical gardens or take in the many sculptures and monuments dedicated to promoting peace. Just don’t forget your passport – you might accidentally end up in Canada. Eh?
  12. The Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site: A national historic site dedicated to the fur trade in the 1800s. Visitors can learn about the history of the site and explore the reconstructed trading post. Just don’t try to trade your phone for a beaver pelt – it won’t work.
  13. The Chateau de Mores State Historic Site – a proper grand state historic site, all dedicated to the life of Marquis de Mores. Here you can explore the Chateau de Mores, a rather fancy 26-room hunting lodge built in the late 19th century. All very posh. And don’t forget to learn about the history of the area, darling.
  14. The North Dakota Oil Museum – for those who love their black gold, this museum is a must-visit. Here you can learn about the discovery of oil in North Dakota and how it’s impacted the state’s economy. And of course, you’ll also get a lesson on the technology used to extract it. Quite fascinating, really.
  15. The Red River Zoo – here’s a zoo that’ll make you feel like a proper explorer. See animals from all over the world, from tigers to camels and kangaroos. It’s a regular safari, but without all the danger.
  16. The Dakota Zoo – now this is a zoo that celebrates the wild of North Dakota. You can see animals native to the area, like bison, elk, and wolves. It’s a proper treat to see these beasts in their natural habitat, don’t you think?
  17. The Fort Buford State Historic Site – for those interested in the Indian Wars, this historic site is a proper gem. Explore the fort’s restored buildings and learn about its role in the conflict. It’s all rather educational, but don’t worry, it’s not all stuffy history.
  18. The Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation – if you’re a fan of the great outdoors and theatre, then this foundation is the bee’s knees. Attend live performances, explore museums, and experience the beauty of the area. It’s a proper cultural feast for the senses.
  19. The Enchanted Highway – now, this is a proper road trip destination. Take a drive and see unique and quirky metal sculptures, including the world’s largest scrap metal sculpture. It’s all very enchanting, and it’ll give you a story to tell the grandkids.