Pictured above: Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Whether you seek the comfort of modern amenities or the thrill of the great outdoors, North Dakota’s landscape — from the Red River Valley to the rolling hills of the drift prairie — offers endless allure. Immerse yourself in culture by attending a powwow, rodeo or state fair to see where history comes alive. This land is a testament to the legacies of Theodore Roosevelt, George Armstrong Custer, Sitting Bull, Sakakawea and Lewis and Clark. Walk in their footsteps, absorb their stories and create your own unforgettable memories.
OFF THE BEATEN PATH:
The International Peace Garden — A symbol of friendship between the U.S. and Canada, over 200,000 visitors each year come to see the gardens, trails, monuments and a soon-to-be powwow ground celebrating Indigenous culture on both sides of the border.
Enchanted Highway — 32 miles from Gladstone to Regent, the Enchanted Highway is an art trail lined with larger-than-life metal sculptures made from repurposed scrap metal.
Fort Union National Historic Site — “The Grandest Fort on the Upper Missouri River,” Fort Union was the most important Native American fur trading post on the Upper Missouri from 1828-1867.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Explore the Rugged, Beautiful Badlands of Southwestern North Dakota — Scenic vistas, colourful canyons and a petrified forest beckon to be discovered at Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Find stunning views of the Badlands, Painted Canyon, the Little Missouri River, and an open range populated by more animals than people as you spot bison, prairie dogs and other wild creatures.
See the State Capitol — Straddling the Missouri River, two unique cities of Bismarck and Mandan blend into one extraordinary community. Meander the distinct downtowns and miles upon miles of parks and recreational trails.
Beyond the Big Screen — Called “North of Normal,” Fargo is much more than what you’ve seen in the movie (although the woodchipper is there!). The vibrant downtown offers unique lodging, tasty sips and bites, and plenty of entertainment.
NATIVE AMERICAN CULTURE:
Powwows — Celebrations of song, dance, feasting and praying, powwows offer participants and spectators the chance to experience the rich tapestry of Native American traditions first-hand.
MHA Attractions — The Fort Berthold Reservation straddles the north and south shores of Lake Sakakawea, named after the Native American woman who accompanied the Lewis & Clark Expedition. Attractions include the MHA Interpretive Center, Earth Lodge Village, Crow Flies High Butte, Four Bears Bridge, Three Affiliated Tribes Museum and Four Bears Casino and Resort.
Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site — The home of Sakakawea, Native Americans have occupied this site for more than 11,000 years. You can see the remains of three Hidatsa villages and explore the modern museum.
SMALL-TOWN CHARM:
Medora — The gateway to Theodore Roosevelt National Park and the future home of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library, this Old West town is a site for family fun with the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame, Medora Musical, Pitchfork Steak Fondue and Point-to-Point adventure park.
Valley City — Called the City of Bridges, the Hi-Line is one of the highest and longest single-track railroad bridges in the nation. Home to both the North Country National Scenic Trail and the Sheyenne River Valley National Scenic Byway, outdoor adventures abound, along with cultural curiosities at the charming shops and boutiques surrounding the Rosebud visitor centre downtown.
Cavalier — Home to the Pembina County Historical Museum and Courthouse, enjoy the cooling water of Lake Renwick and the Gunlogson Homestead and Nature Preserve at Icelandic State Park west of town. Plan your trip around the annual Motorcycle Ride In and the Off the Charts Music Festival, which are the talk of the town.
All images courtesy of Visit North Dakota Tourism. For more information, visit NDTourism.com
