North Dakota Travel Guide
Friendly People & Tranquil Beauty from the Badlands to the Plains…
North Dakota is one of the most underrated states in the United States, offering the tranquil beauty of the prairies to the Badlands.
On our visits, we made it to Theodore Roosevelt National Park, where we witnessed bison roam freely against a backdrop of colorful rock formations and rolling hills.
North Dakota offers a glimpse into American frontier history. The Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site and the Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site offer a glimpse into the past to the fur trade era.
Cities like Fargo and Bismarck are cities, but with small-town charm. Fargo is an incredible cool city with a great arts scene too.
Outdoor adventures include areas like Pembina Gorge, known for its hiking trails and scenic river views, or getting on the water on Lake Sakakawea, one of the state’s largest reservoirs.
Whether you’re wanting to visit the state’s vast prairies, learning about Native American culture and history, or enjoying outdoor adventures, North Dakota has it.
Oh, and North Dakota also has world’s largest turtle, the world’s largest snowmobile, and the world’s largest snowmobile-riding turtle all in one spot known as Tommy the Turtle in Bottineau – one of our favorite roadside attractions we’ve ever encountered to this day!
Quick Tips for Visiting North Dakota
When is the best time to visit North Dakota?
The best time to visit North Dakota is during the summer months from June to August and early fall from September to October.
Summer brings warm temperatures ideal for outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and exploring the state’s national parks and landscapes.
In early fall, you can experience comfortable weather with cooler temperatures and stunning foliage as the leaves change color across the prairies and along the river valleys.
Spring (March to May) offers budding trees and blooming wildflowers, although temperatures can still be chilly, especially in March and April.
Winter (December to February) brings cold temperatures and snowfall, making it a popular time for winter sports enthusiasts to enjoy activities like skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing in places like the Turtle Mountains and Pembina Gorge.
How Much Time Do I need in North Dakota?
To explore North Dakota thoroughly, plan for a minimum of 5-7 days. This will allow enough time to visit places like Theodore Roosevelt National Park, known for its badlands scenery and wildlife viewing opportunities while also visiting a few towns or cities.
For a more comprehensive experience, especially if you’re interested in historical sites such as the Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site or exploring the Scandinavian heritage in towns like Minot, extending your stay to 7-10 days would be ideal to fit more of the state’s attractions in one visit.
What is North Dakota most famous for?
North Dakota is most famous for its landscapes – specifically its prairies, badlands, and Native American heritage.
Some of the state’s cultural attractions include sites like the Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site and the Lewis and Clark Trail.
Fargo, the largest city, is known for its arts scene and the iconic Woodchipper from the movie Fargo.
North Dakota also is a haven for outdoor adventures like fishing and boating on its lakes and rivers.
The International Peace Garden on the Canadian border symbolizes international friendship and is a popular destination for travelers.
What’s the best way to get around North Dakota?
The best way to get around North Dakota on a visit is by car. This is a great road trip destination and there really aren’t public transportation options.
Must Try Food in North Dakota
One must-try dish in North Dakota is the famous hotdish, a comforting casserole made with ground beef, potatoes, and canned vegetables. This is most commonly served at private gatherings or family dinners, but you might catch it on a menu, especially in cities like Fargo.
Knoephla soup is a hearty German-Russian dish with dumplings in a creamy broth with vegetables like potatoes and carrots. This soup is especially popular during the cold winter months.
Local game meats are also something special to North Dakota, like pheasant or walleye, a freshwater fish abundant in the state’s waterways.
North Dakota has its own tart berries native to the region know as chokecherry which you can find in desserts like pie or preserves.
