North Dakota is one of the least visited states in the country, despite the fact that it is one of the most isolated and wild, as well as gorgeous and attractive, states in the country. Despite this, North Dakota surely has a lot to offer visitors.
The majority of the state is covered in seemingly unending wheat fields; however, the badlands in the western part of the state are absolutely breathtaking, with Theodore Roosevelt National Park serving as the unquestionable high point.
The Best Places to Visit in North Dakota
Camping out under the stars and going horseback riding in the North Dakota wilderness are two activities that will stay in your memory for a very long time. Exploring the great outdoors in North Dakota is a pleasant experience.
1. Painted Canyon, Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Theodore Roosevelt National Park is widely regarded as one of the best places in North Dakota to enjoy nature. The naturalist, rancher, and 26th President of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt, had a deep personal connection to the area that is now preserved within Teddy Roosevelt National Park, which bears his name.
The Little Missouri River takes a circuitous route through the park, passing via the area’s Badlands and undulating hills. Hiking or driving through the park are also great ways for visitors to take in the natural beauty of the area and get up close and personal with the grazing bison.
2. Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Theodore Roosevelt National Park is widely regarded as one of the best places in North Dakota to enjoy nature. The naturalist, rancher, and 26th President of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt, had a deep personal connection to the area that is now preserved within Teddy Roosevelt National Park, which bears his name.
The Little Missouri River takes a circuitous route through the park, passing through the area’s Badlands and undulating hills. Hiking or driving through the park are also great ways for visitors to take in the natural beauty of the area and get up close and personal with the grazing bison.
3. Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site
Near Stanton, the Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site is located on land that was formerly used as a camping area by the Mandan and Hidatsa tribes. In order to maintain the local culture, this area has seen the reconstruction of several settlements. This historic site now serves as an introduction to the local ecosystem for day campers, school field trips, and private visitors.
At the Knife River Indian Villages Historic Site, one of the most common things visitors do is stop by the museum that is located on the grounds. This educational facility showcases antiques and remnants from the settlement, in addition to major cultural markers of the people who originally inhabited the region.
4. Heritage Center of the State of North Dakota
The North Dakota Heritage Center is located in Bismarck and provides visitors with an overview of the state’s history from prehistoric times all the way up to the present day. The Heritage Center features four different museum galleries for guests to peruse during their time there.
These include the Adaption, Innovation, and Inspiration Galleries, in addition to a Governor’s Gallery that features rotating temporary exhibits from all around the world.
The museum is home to tens of thousands of unique items and exhibits, some of which include a cast of the skeleton of a Tyrannosaurus Rex and a scale model of the Hubble Space Telescope. Another item of interest that draws a lot of visitors is the Northern Lights Atrium. This architectural marvel made of steel and glass not only greets visitors as they enter the museum but also puts on an impressive show when the sun goes down.
5. Museum of the Plains Indians
The Plains Art Museum may be found in the historic downtown section of Fargo, and it houses a significant collection of artworks created by local, national, and international artists. The permanent collection is comprised of a wide variety of different types of art, including contemporary art, traditional American Indian art, and traditional folk art.
The museum utilizes its space of around 56,000 square feet to stage rotating exhibitions during the course of the year. Visits to Fargo are made more enjoyable by the Plains Art Museum’s display of numerous works of public art and gardens located all around the city. One such piece, the Sodbuster sculpture, can be found in the city’s central business district.
6. Park of Scandinavian Heritage and Culture
The Scandinavian Heritage Park in Minot, North Dakota, provides visitors with a one-of-a-kind perspective on the culture of Scandinavian countries like Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, and Iceland. This open-air museum features an extensive collection of model buildings, monuments, and cultural landmarks that visitors can investigate.
A replica of the Gol Stave Church, a house from the 18th century that was moved from Sigdal, and a Swedish Dala horse that stands 25 feet tall are some of the most popular attractions here. In addition, the grounds feature reproductions of a Danish windmill and a Finnish sauna, both of which are popular destinations for visitors and photographers alike.
7. State Park Named After Abraham Lincoln, Fort Abraham
Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park is a wonderful location to learn about local history, get some exercise on the park’s paths, and spend the night right next to the ocean. Replicas of Native American towns and military structures that have been preserved at the state park pay homage to both the region’s military past and its Native American roots.
Visitors will find reconstructed buildings on-site, such as the Custer House and the reassembled On-A-Slant Mandan Indian Village, among other structures. There are numerous other rebuilt barracks, granaries, and commissary stores surrounding the Custer House.
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The On-A-Slant Indian Village is home to six replicated earthen lodges. These fragments of history that have been rebuilt provide an opportunity to gain knowledge about the past of the landscape.
8. A lake known as Sakakawea
The west-central region of North Dakota is home to North Dakota’s largest reservoir, which goes by the name of Lake Sakakawea. In addition, there are more than 1,500 miles of shoreline, making it a popular location for people who appreciate being near the ocean.
Lake Sakakawea is bordered by two different state parks: Fort Stevenson State Park on the western banks, and Lake Sakakawea State Park on the eastern banks. Both have sophisticated campgrounds that are available for overnight stays. They also provide convenient access to the water by providing public docking areas as well as boat rental services.
9. The Dakota Zoo, Bismarck
The Dakota Zoo in Bismarck, which is located close to the banks of the Missouri River, is a favorite destination for families. Over five hundred animals, representing a wide variety of species from all over the world, call the zoo home. Their collection includes rare and imperiled creatures, such as Bengal tigers, tamarins, and snow leopards, among others.
During the summer, which begins in late April and lasts into September, the zoo is open every day of the week. Spending the day at the institution can be as simple as ambling through the 90-acre grounds and watching the various animals. There are also more areas of the zoo that are well worth seeing, such as the Rose Garden and the shaded play areas.
10. Trail of the Maah Daah Hey
The Maah Daah Hey Trail is considered to be the best-kept secret in North Dakota and is a popular destination for hikers, bikers, and horseback riders. This multi-use path doesn’t allow motorized vehicles to travel through more than 140 miles of North Dakota’s most iconic scenery. The Badlands, the Little Missouri River Valley, and parts of Theodore Roosevelt National Park are among the beautiful places that may be seen along this route.
When it comes to organizing overnight and day hikes along the trail, the Maah Daah Hey Trail Association is the most helpful resource available. Travelers who are up for the challenge can complete the entire trail in a typical span of ten days, and there are ten different campgrounds to choose from along the way. There are a number of trailheads scattered throughout the route, making it possible to embark on scenic day trips.
Conclusion
North Dakota’s craggy badlands, lush forest settings, and water-fed natural features provide seemingly endless vistas to explore. In addition to its breathtaking landscapes, the state provides visitors with a fascinating look into the history and culture of the area through its various museums and historic sites.
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