Exploring North Dakota’s Natural and Cultural Riches: A Travel Guide
With sweeping prairies, historic sites, and outdoor adventures, North Dakota delights visitors with its authentic charm. This guide covers the top sights and activities to experience in the Peace Garden State.
Bismarck – The City of Rivers
As the state capital, Bismarck blends culture, cuisine, and the great outdoors.
Top Sights in Bismarck
- North Dakota State Capitol – Art deco architecture and expansive views.
- North Dakota Heritage Center – Tracing the state’s native cultures.
- Missouri River – Boating, fishing, trails along the river.
- Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park – Custer’s Cavalry fort and reconstructed buildings.
Top Activities in Bismarck
- Dining downtown along the riverwalk
- Exploring the Former Governors’ Mansion
- Shopping and cultural events at the Kirkwood Mall
Fargo – Cosmopolitan and Cultural
Fargo delivers world-class museums and dining with Midwestern hospitality.
Top Sights in Fargo
- Plains Art Museum – Showcases regional and national artists.
- Fargo Air Museum – Aircraft displays and hands-on exhibits.
- Red River Zoo – Exotic animals and native wildlife.
- Fargo Theatre – Historic 1920s movie palace.
Top Activities in Fargo
- Strolling and shopping in Downtown Fargo
- Catching a show at the Fargo Moorhead Community Theatre
- Trying local beers at Fargo Brewing Company
Theodore Roosevelt National Park – Dramatic Landscapes
Badlands, prairies, and petrified forests reveal North Dakota’s natural diversity.
Top Sights in Theodore Roosevelt National Park
- Scenic Drives – Take in panoramic vistas along the 36 mile loop.
- Hiking Trails – Over 100 miles of trails ranging from easy to strenuous.
- Wildlife – Bison, elk, prairie dogs, and over 200 bird species.
- Roosevelt’s Maltese Cross Cabin – Where Roosevelt briefly lived as a rancher.
Top Activities in the Park
- Camping and backpacking
- Horseback riding
- Kayaking and canoeing along the Little Missouri River
- Ranger-led programs on geology, wildlife, and history
Minot – Family Fun
Known as the “Magic City,” Minot entertains visitors with cultural attractions and outdoor recreation.
Top Sights in Minot
- Scandinavian Heritage Park – Immersive Nordic village and cultural center.
- Taube Museum of Art – Rotating contemporary art exhibits.
- Arrowhead State Park – Boating, swimming, fishing on Arrowhead Lake.
- Roosevelt Park Zoo – Bison, elk, and native animals.
Top Activities in Minot
- Trying hands-on exhibits at the Magic City Discovery Center
- Summer concerts in Oak Park
- Year-round recreation at Souris Valley Golf Course
Pembina Gorge – Dramatic River Valley
Carved by glaciers, the lush Pembina Gorge rewards visitors with forests, trails, and scenic outlooks.
Top Sights in Pembina Gorge
- Frost Fire Park – Hiking, skiing, and seasonal events.
- Little Yellowstone – Scenic natural springs.
- Turtle River State Park – Wooded trails and abundant wildlife.
- Pembina Gorge Overlook – Panoramic views from 500 feet above the gorge.
Top Activities in Pembina Gorge
- Canoeing and kayaking the winding Turtle River
- Fishing for walleye and bass
- Mountain biking technical cross-country trails
- Joining naturalist programs
Major Events in North Dakota
Summer Events
- International Peace Garden Flowerfest
- Medora Musical
- WE Fest Country Music Festival
Winter Events
- Frost Fire Winter Theatre Festival
- UND Hockey Games
- Ice Fishing Tournaments
Whether you seek wide open spaces or cultural attractions, North Dakota’s small town charm and natural riches await. Come discover the Peace Garden State!
Northeast
| State | URL |
|---|---|
| Connecticut | Connecticut |
| Delaware | Delaware |
| Maine | Maine |
| Maryland | Maryland |
| Massachusetts | Massachusetts |
| New Hampshire | New Hampshire |
| New Jersey | New Jersey |
| New York | New York |
| Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania |
| Rhode Island | Rhode Island |
| Vermont | Vermont |
Midwest
| State | URL |
|---|---|
| Illinois | Illinois |
| Indiana | Indiana |
| Iowa | Iowa |
| Kansas | Kansas |
| Michigan | Michigan |
| Minnesota | Minnesota |
| Missouri | Missouri |
| Nebraska | Nebraska |
| North Dakota | North Dakota |
| Ohio | Ohio |
| South Dakota | South Dakota |
| Wisconsin | Wisconsin |
South
| State | URL |
|---|---|
| Alabama | Alabama |
| Arkansas | Arkansas |
| Florida | Florida |
| Georgia | Georgia |
| Kentucky | Kentucky |
| Louisiana | Louisiana |
| Mississippi | Mississippi |
| North Carolina | North Carolina |
| Oklahoma | Oklahoma |
| South Carolina | South Carolina |
| Tennessee | Tennessee |
| Texas | Texas |
| Virginia | Virginia |
| West Virginia | West Virginia |
West
| State | URL |
|---|---|
| Alaska | Alaska |
| Arizona | Arizona |
| California | California |
| Colorado | Colorado |
| Hawaii | Hawaii |
| Idaho | Idaho |
| Montana | Montana |
| Nevada | Nevada |
| New Mexico | New Mexico |
| Oregon | Oregon |
| Utah | Utah |
| Washington | Washington |
| Wyoming | Wyoming |
CANADA:
| Province/Territory | URL |
|---|---|
| Yukon Territory | Yukon Territory |
| British Columbia | British Columbia |
| Northwest Territories | Northwest Territories |
| Alberta | Alberta |
| Saskatchewan | Saskatchewan |
| Nunavut | Nunavut |
| Manitoba | Manitoba |
| Quebec | Quebec |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | Newfoundland and Labrador |
| New Brunswick | New Brunswick |
| Ontario | Ontario |
| Nova Scotia | Nova Scotia |
| Prince Edward Island | Prince Edward Island |
GREENLAND
| Destination | URL |
|---|---|
| GREENLAND | GREENLAND |
| Check Out Other Destinations | URL |
|---|---|
| Destinations | Destinations |
