The best tourist experiences in North Dakota
“A world of beauty and color and limitless space” is what Theodore Roosevelt said about the state of Dakota, and endless landscapes, fabulous star-full skies, and a whistling wind is what you’ll find, from Theodore Roosevelt National Park in the west to tempting Fargo in the east. North Dakota is a state with plenty of interesting places to visit.
If you’re tired of the typical summer vacation where you just do nothing at the beach for two weeks, then check out the list of spots you can see while driving around the Peace Garden State.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park
The Theodore Roosevelt National Park covers more than 70,000 acres of painted canyons and miles of green hiking trails. It borders Interstate-94 and the Little Missouri River. Along the way, you’ll get the chance to see bison grazing. From Memorial Day through September, rangers lead nature talks and guided tours, as well as evening campfire programs.
North Dakota Heritage Center
Are you a big Jurassic Park fan? If you are then North Dakota Heritage Center is the place for you, where you can stand between a T-Rex and Triceratops and learn all about the prehistoric creatures that roamed Earth many millions of years ago. Get a picture with a mammoth or explore the casts from some truly weird creatures and enjoy doing so with your family. The center is educational and fun for the whole crew.
Maah Daah Hey Trail
This fun-to-pronounce 98-mile trail connects the southern with the northern part of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. There are some serious climbs on the way that you’ll enjoy if you’re a passionate bike rider. The trail goes through rocky badlands and prairie where mule deer, coyotes, golden eagles, bighorn sheep and bison are full-time residents. Hiking and horseback riding are also activities that you can do on the same trail.
International Peace Garden
Incredible flower gardens and trails on the U.S. – Canada border celebrate peace between the two countries. The garden’s 2300 acres are spread half in U.S. and half in Canada. Summer is the best time to visit the garden due to the color splashes, but year-round tours are also available for tourists.
Chateau de Mores State Historic Site
The French aristocrat Marquis de Mores built a 26-bedroom hunting lodge in 1883 that looks at Medora. He was hoping to find his fortune here, but his meat packing business failed. The town he named after his wife Medora von Hoffman prospered. Their home still contains original furnishings.
Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center
Lewis and Clark spent more of their historic journey in North Dakota than in any other state. If you’re near Washburn, stop at the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center to see the exhibits about their expedition. It’s also a great place to learn more about the area’s history.
Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park
If you’re close to Mandan don’t miss visiting the reconstructed earth lodges at On-A-Slant Village at the Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park. The living-history tours offer a visit to the village, the museum, and the Custer House called the Mansion on the Prairie.
Lake Sakakawea and Garrison Dam
One of the largest land dams in the world, Garrison Dam on the Missouri River, was built between 1947 and 1953. Lake Sakakawea is 178 miles from Garrison Dam northwest to Williston and averages 3 miles in width. The lake and its shoreline are famous for boating, sailing, sightseeing, scuba diving, bird-watching, camping, and hunting.
If you ever visit North Dakota, you know where to go and what to do. The state offers plenty of interesting sites that you can introduce your family to and have a nice learning vacation. Good luck!
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