north dakota tourism

10 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in North Dakota

Written by Brad Lane Updated May 4, 2023

Author Brad Lane has enjoyed extensive travels throughout North Dakota .

The rugged badlands, lush woodland settings, and water-fed natural features of North Dakota provide seemingly endless landscapes to explore. As well as stunning scenery, the state presents a fascinating glimpse into the history and culture of the region through its museums and historic sites.

Visitors to North Dakota often spend time outdoors at places like Theodore Roosevelt National Park or Lake Sakakawea. Indoor tourist attractions include the North Dakota Heritage Center in Bismarck or the Plains Art Museum in Fargo.

Discover more places to visit with our list of the top attractions and things to do in North Dakota.

1. Theodore Roosevelt National Park

2. national buffalo museum, 3. knife river indian villages national historic site, 4. north dakota heritage center, 5. plains art museum, 6. scandinavian heritage park, 7. fort abraham lincoln state park, 8. lake sakakawea, 9. dakota zoo, bismarck, 10. maah daah hey trail, map of tourist attractions in north dakota.

Theodore Roosevelt National Park is one of the top outdoor destinations in North Dakota. Named after the naturalist, rancher, and 26th president of the United States, the national park still encompasses the same landscapes that once enamored Roosevelt himself.

The Little Missouri River winds its way through the rolling hills and Badlands of the park. Visitors are encouraged to hike or simply drive through the park to appreciate the natural beauty alongside free-roaming bison.

The park is geographically separated into a North and South Unit , as well as the additional Elkhorn Ranch Unit, where Roosevelt himself spent much time among the Badlands. Plenty of hiking trails and designated scenic drives are a big draw to the North and South Units, as well as visitor resources.

The Painted Canyon Visitor Center provides engaging information and one of the best viewpoints in the park in the South Unit. The Maltese Cross Cabin is also in the South Unit, restored to the era in which President Theodore Roosevelt called it his temporary home.

Camping is one of the popular things to do in the park. RV and tent camping is abundant here in two different campgrounds. All camping is considered primitive, with no hookups or shower facilities. Campgrounds do have drinking water and flush toilets. Campsite reservations are available six months in advance.

Approximately halfway between Bismarck and Fargo on Interstate 94, drivers can see the world's largest, albeit concrete, bison from afar outside the National Buffalo Museum . Its living counterparts graze at its feet; among them are rare albino bison .

Visitors learn everything about the great beasts that once roamed the American West within the National Buffalo Museum . The 6,000-square-foot facility has several exhibits regarding the near extinction of buffalo in the American West, and the efforts to reintroduce them into the landscape.

The Frontier Village at the museum includes a collection of old pioneer buildings , with a barbershop, church, drugstore, jailhouse, schoolhouse, post office, and many more. Visitors to Frontier Village tour the historic sites, enjoy stagecoach and pony rides, and partake at the on-site old-fashioned soda fountain .

Address: 500 17th Street SE, Jamestown, North Dakota

The Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site is on an old camping ground of the Mandan and Hidatsa Indians near Stanton. Several villages have been rebuilt here to preserve the culture. Today, this historic site introduces camps, field trips, and individuals to the native environment.

Checking out the museum on the grounds is a popular thing to do at the Knife River Indian Villages Historic Site. This educational facility features artifacts and relics from the village, as well as significant cultural emblems of the people native to the area.

Patrons also enjoy walking the Village Trail , checking out the reconstructed earth lodge, and hiking the various trails that wind throughout the scenic landscape. Different activities and events take place at Knife River Indian Villages throughout the year, including games, craft shows , and ceremonies , all of which really bring the historic site to life.

Address: 564 County Road 37, Stanton, North Dakota

In Bismarck, the North Dakota Heritage Center offers an overview of North Dakota history from prehistoric to modern times. Visitors to the Heritage Center have four museum galleries to peruse, including Adaption, Innovation, and Inspiration Galleries, as well as a rotating Governor's Gallery with temporary exhibits from around the world.

The museum contains thousands of different artifacts and displays, ranging from a Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton cast to a scale model of the Hubble Space Telescope. The Northern Lights Atrium is another popular point of interest . This steel and glass piece of architecture welcomes guests to the museum and provides an eye-catching spectacle at night.

The immersive landscapes of the Capital Arboretum Trail at the Heritage Center also draw some interest. For warmer months, refreshments are available at the on-site James River Café . The Heritage Center is open every day of the year, expect major holidays. Admission is always free.

Address: 612 East Boulevard Avenue, Bismarck, North Dakota

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Bismarck

The Plains Art Museum is home to an impressive collection of works by regional and national artists in the historic downtown district of Fargo. Contemporary art, as well as traditional American Indian art and traditional folk-art feature prominently in the permanent collection.

The museum presents changing exhibitions throughout the year within its 56,000 square feet of space . The Plains Art Museum also presents various public art and gardens throughout the city that enhance any visit to Fargo, including the homage-to-history Sodbuster sculpture located downtown.

Youth and family programs are available at the Plains Art Museum, as well as adult workshops . The event calendar also has something going on nearly every night of the week, including family movie nights, book clubs, and low-sensory Mondays. The museum is open seven days a week. Admission is free for all ages.

Address: 704 First Avenue North, Fargo

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Fargo

The Scandinavian Heritage Park in Minot offers a unique look at Scandinavian culture in Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, and Iceland. This outdoor museum includes numerous replica buildings, statues, and cultural points of interest to explore.

Visitor favorites include the replica Gol Stave Church , an 18th-century home transported from Sigdal, and a 25-foot-tall Swedish Dala horse on display. The replicas of a Finnish sauna and a Danish windmill are also on the grounds and are popular spots for visitors and photographers.

Attractions are not heated at Scandinavian Heritage Park, and the summer is the best time to visit. The park offers tours of the various on-site buildings between approximately mid-May and late September. The end of the season at Heritage coincides with the annual Norsk Høstfest , which takes place at the fairgrounds every year.

Address: 1020 South Broadway, Minot, North Dakota

Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park is a great place to engage with history, hike some trails, and spend the night next to the water. The state park reflects both its military history and Native American roots with replica villages and still-standing military buildings.

On-site, visitors find reconstructed buildings, like the Custer House and the reassembled On-A-Slant Mandan Indian Village . The On-A-Slant Indian Village features six recreated earth lodges, and the Custer House is accompanied by several other restored barracks, granaries, and a commissary store. These reconstructed pieces of history offer an opportunity to learn about the legacy of the landscape.

For recreation, the nearly 20 miles of trails attract hikers, bikers, and horseback riders. These non-motorized routes span several directions throughout the park, navigating shrublands and woodlands. The newest trail in the park, the 2.2-mile Keller Loop Trail, connects to the longer Scouts Trail for those interested in a longer hike.

To extend your stay at Fort Abraham Lincoln, the state park also offers a modern campground near the shores of the Missouri River, complete with showers and flushing toilets. Nearly 100 sites are available, with over 80 sites including electricity and water hookups. All sites have an affordable overnight rate.

Address: 4480 Fort Lincoln Road, Mandan, North Dakota

Lake Sakakawea is North Dakota's largest reservoir , located in the west-central part of the state. And with more than 1,500 miles of shoreline, it's a popular place to enjoy the water.

Two state parks are close to the shore of Lake Sakakawea: Fort Stevenson and Lake Sakakawea State Park on the eastern banks. Both offer overnight options, with modern campgrounds . They each also have easy access to the water, with public-access docks and boat rentals.

Sailing, kayaking, and motorboating are popular activities associated with Lake Sakakawea, and the lake offers year-round fishing opportunities . Lake Sakakawea State Park has a marina with boat slips available. The park also operates two boat ramps, including a multi-lane access point on the west side of the park.

Hiking is also sought after at Lake Sakakawea. The park is the western terminus for the North Country National Scenic Trail, which, when completed, will span 4,600 miles from Lake Sakakawea to upstate New York.

Address: 781 42 1/2 Ave NW, Hazen, North Dakota

Dakota Zoo is a popular family attraction in Bismarck, near the shore of the Missouri River. The Zoo is home to over 500 animals representing several species from across the world. Among their collection are threatened and endangered animals, including Bengal tigers, tamarins, and snow leopards.

The zoo is open seven days a week throughout the summer (late April through September). It's easy to spend the day wandering the 90-acre facility and observing all the animals. Other areas of the zoo, like a Rose Garden and shaded play areas, are also worth visiting.

Dakota Zoo is home to several special events throughout the year. Some of the most popular include Breakfast at the Zoo, annual Easter egg hunts, and Wednesday Night Activities occurring weekly.

Address: 602 Riverside Park Road, Bismarck, North Dakota

The Maah Daah Hey Trail attracts hikers, bikers, and horseback riders and is known as North Dakota's best-kept secret. This multi-use, non-motorized trail covers more than 140 miles of iconic North Dakota landscapes . Scenic spots on the route include Badlands, the Little Missouri River Valley, and portions of Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

The Maah Daah Hey Trail Association is the best resource for planning overnight and day trips on the trail. Ambitious trail travelers can navigate the entire route over an average of 10 days, and there are 10 campgrounds along the route. Numerous trailheads along the route allow for scenic day trips.

The city of Medora is often a base camp for day trips on the Maah Daah Hey Trail. The trail portion crossing through Theodore Roosevelt National Park is also a common stretch to explore.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

More Places to Visit in North Dakota : To see more of the natural side of North Dakota, have a look at our article on the best state and national parks in North Dakota. Explore the highlights of North Dakota's most popular cities with our articles on the top tourist attractions in Bismarck and the top attractions in Fargo . Just south of the border, a visit to South Dakota can extend your trip quite nicely.

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1. Theodore Roosevelt National Park

2. Red River Market

3. Fargo-Moorhead Visitors Center

4. Enchanted Highway

5. Scandinavian Heritage Park

6. Painted Canyon Overlook

7. South Unit

8. Ralph Engelstad Arena

9. North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum

10. The Dakota Zoo

11. Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park

12. North Unit

13. North Dakota State Capitol Building

14. Badlands Overlook

15. International Peace Garden

16. Red River Zoo

17. National Buffalo Museum

18. Roosevelt Park Zoo

19. Bonanzaville

20. Ronald Reagan Minuteman Missile State Historic Site

21. Old Town Hall Theater

22. Fort Union Trading Post

23. Missouri River

24. Frontier Village

25. Dakota Territory Air Museum

26. Fargo Air Museum

27. Roger Maris Museum

28. Chateau de Mores State Historic Site

29. University of North Dakota

30. North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame

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Learn how to easily plan your dream trip to the Midwest!

15 Things To Do in North Dakota: The Ultimate Bucket List

July 19, 2022 by //  by  Midwest Explored Leave a Comment

Looking for things to do in North Dakota? We have got you covered with our list of the best North Dakota attractions.

Whether you have an interest in the outdoors, nature, culture, or history, this state has it all.

That’s not all, this state has also been a land of adventurers and has seen the likes of Theodore Roosevelt, Sakakawea, Lewis and Clarke, and many more inspirational people.

Visitors can explore the Great Plains, learn about the history at North Dakota Heritage Center, or go to some of the hidden gems of the Midwest here.

Also, North Dakota is extremely beautiful and one of the best places to experience fall in the midwest.

Trust me, there is no shortage of fun North Dakota attractions for you to explore. If you are also planning a trip to this state soon, then here is a list of 15 top things to do in North Dakota.

Theodore Roosevelt National Park

One of the top things to do in North Dakota is to visit the famous Theodore Roosevelt National Park in Theodore ND.

It is one of the most popular Midwest national parks!

This North Dakota attraction is 70,000 acres in area, comprising mountains, badlands, the Missouri River, and canyons.

The scenic beauty of the national park is what attracted Theodore Roosevelt in the first place, after whom it is named.

Visitors can indulge in a lot of fun activities here during their trip. For a relaxed trip, you can stay in a cabin, go stargazing, enjoy the scenic views, and more.

If you love adventures, then this place is great for camping, hiking, skiing, and several other thrilling activities.

Trust me, exploring Theodore Roosevelt National Park and spending a night here is one of the best things to do in North Dakota!

Visit the Scandinavian Heritage Park

Are you interested in learning about Scandinavian heritage? If so, then one of the top things to do in North Dakota is to visit the Scandinavian Heritage Park.

This park in Minot is the best way to learn about the history and culture of Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, and Iceland.

You will find several displays at this North Dakota attraction such as a Finnish sauna, Gol Stave church, an authentic Sigdal home, and more.

There are memorials to the Scandinavians who left their home for a better life in the USA. Visitors can also visit the on-site gift shop to buy Scandinavian-inspired souvenirs, gifts, and books.

If you are looking for a unique Midwest weekend getaway , then a visit to this center is a must.

North Dakota State Capitol

Built in the 1930s, the State Capitol is the tallest building in the state at 241 feet and one of the top things to see in North Dakota.

It is a 21-story building with an art deco style and is often called the ‘skyscraper of the prairie’.

There are several monuments, parks, and trails on the capitol grounds where visitors to Bismark can spend time and learn more about the history of this state.

One of the top attractions in North Dakota, the State Capitol also features an observation deck on the 18 th  floor. From here, one can enjoy stunning views of Bismarck and the nearby areas.

Join a tour of the State Capitol on a weekday to get a glimpse into the different branches of the government.

You can also take an elevator to the top of the floor during the tour. Trust me, if you want to experience this state, then this is one of the best things to do in North Dakota.

Chase Sunflowers in North Dakota

What to do in North Dakota apart from exploring the major landmarks? Well, you can always go and chase sunflowers in the state.

This state sees the highest production of sunflowers in the country.

So, visitors can wander around vast sunflower fields that can be found throughout North Dakota in the growing season, especially in August.

You can click photographs with blooming sunflowers, attend the sunflower events, or get these beauties home.

You will find many places where the sunflowers grow in North Dakota including Emmons Country, Morton, Kidder, and more.

So, if you are looking for fun things to do in North Dakota, then do look out for sunflower fields a

And spend some time there. You can even plan a romantic Midwest getaway to any one of these impressive locations featuring sunflowers!

Visiting Lake Sakakawea Is One Of The Best Things To Do In ND

If you are confused about what to do in North Dakota, then don’t be. There are many beautiful state parks including the famous Lake Sakakawea State Park.

It is one of the very interesting state parks in North Dakota .

One of the perfect places to head to in the summer, this state park offers a lot of activities to the visitors. From swimming in the lake to North Dakota camping by the shores, there is a lot one can do here.

For boating enthusiasts, there is a marina here as well to fuel up your boat and buy snacks and drinks for yourself. You can also rent a cabin to stay the night here if you are traveling with family.

Overall, this is one of the best family-friendly things to do in North Dakota.

Maah Daah Hey Trail

Looking for adventurous things to do in North Dakota? Then, you cannot miss out on the Maah Daah Hey Trail.

Covering more than 140 miles of the state, this trail is perfect for hikers, bikers, and outdoor adventurists.

This is one of the best places to do hiking in North Dakota!

The route consists of varying landscapes including badlands, parts of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, the valley, and more.

This attraction in North Dakota allows visitors to explore different trails which can take around 10 days to complete. You also encounter wildlife on the way if you are lucky.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Maah Daah Hey Trail is the perfect place to explore!

Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site

One of the best things to do in North Dakota is to visit the historical site of Knife River Indian Villages. This site has been preserved as it was the old camping ground of Mandan and Hidatsa Indians.

Visitors can check out the museums here which feature artifacts from the village. You can also explore the various hiking trails and reconstructed earth lodges here.

This is one of the top North Dakota attractions that host a lot of different events that include games, ceremonies, craft shows, and more.

If you wish to learn about the local tribe of Northern Plains, then make sure you visit this site.

Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park

If you are interested in the history of the state, then one of the best things to see in North Dakota is Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park, one of the coolest state parks in ND.

Opened in 1907, this park features an ancient reconstructed village from the 1600s, military buildings, an art gallery, and more.

Take a guided tour of the reconstructed buildings and learn how Mandan Indians lived here between 1575-1781. There are tons of fun activities to engage in here such as hiking, picnicking, camping, and more.

So, if you are looking for a fun yet informational excursion, then this is one of the best things to do in North Dakota.

The Pyramid of North Dakota

Looking for offbeat North Dakota attractions to visit? Then, you cannot miss out on a trip to The Pyramid of North Dakota.

This pyramid structure, one of the top hidden gems in the midwest , is the last remnants of the Stanley R. Mickelsen Safeguard Complex.

It was built during the Cold War to shoot down missiles from Russia. However, it was shut down after 3 days of operation due to concerns about its effectiveness and its unsustainability.

Visitors can visit the site and take photographs from a distance. Although you cannot visit the pyramid or the grounds, it still makes for an interesting visit.

Have you ever wanted to visit a unique attraction in North Dakota? If yes, then one of the best things to do in North Dakota is to try to see this famous Pyramid structure.

The Enchanted Highway

If you wish to explore a unique attraction in North Dakota, then visit the Enchanted Highway.

It is a collection of metal sculptures placed at regular intervals I-94. The sculptures end at the town of Regent, 32 miles from the beginning.

Each sculpture has a parking area and a kiosk where the visitors can spend some time.

There are many sculptures on the highway including ‘Geese in Flight’, ‘Grasshoppers in Field’, ‘World’s Largest Tin Family’, and more.

Visitors can also enjoy the gift shop at Regent ND where you get a miniature version of all these statues.

What cool hidden gems in the Midwest!

Spend a Day in Fargo

Are you wondering about things to do in North Dakota? Then you should spend a day in Fargo to see everything that this place has to offer.

Fargo is one of the most beautiful cities in the midwest that is home to a lot of fun and informative attractions.

The Plains Art Museum in the city is one of the top attractions in North Dakota. There are over 3,000 art pieces here by artists around the world.

Another top attraction in North Dakota is the West Acres Mall in Fargo. With over 100 stores, it is the largest mall in the state and has several shopping and restaurant options.

There are several other museums, historic places, and fun things to do in Fargo.

Plus, the city’s skyline during sunset is too beautiful to miss out on. This is why one cannot miss out on this North Dakota attraction in the state.

Chateau de Mores

Chateau de Mores, a historic home in Medora, is one of the top things to see in North Dakota. Built by Marquis de Mores in 1883, this was his summer home and hunting lodge.

Visitors can go to this house and see the permanent exhibit to learn more about de Mores family. Take a tour of this beautiful home that features 26 rooms that have been turned into a museum now.

The museum holds several original artifacts of the family including a small refrigerator, stagecoach, and more.

There are several fun activities to enjoy here such as History Alive! program. Learn about the locals and their lives via entertaining monologues from the past.

Medora is one of the coolest towns in North Dakota!

Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site

Wondering what to do in North Dakota? If so, then you can visit Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site.

This was one of the grandest forts and the most important fur-trading stop in the 19 th  century.

Built to impress the local tribes, the large white mansion is quite grand and was the home of the head merchant and his family.

Visitors can tour around the house to learn more about the family. Watch a short film about this trading post, attend the Indian Arts Showcase, or look through the artifacts from the American Indian war.

Are you interested in the history and culture of American Indians? Then do not miss visiting this national historic site!

Canoeing/Kayaking in the Little Missouri River

A tributary of the Missouri River, the Little Missouri River is a popular attraction in North Dakota for nature and water lovers.

This scenic river cuts through the famous Theodore Roosevelt National Park in the state. If you wish to experience the beauty of the Badlands in the state, then float in the Little Missouri River on a canoe.

It takes around 5-7 days to cover the river starting from Medora and ending at Lost Bridge.

Apart from canoeing, one can also go boating and kayaking in the river. Visitors can camp near the river in the Theodore Roosevelt National Park for a fun adventure.

If you wish to experience water activities, then the Little Missouri River is one of the top North Dakota attractions not to miss!

North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum

Are you a history buff? If yes, then one of the best North Dakota attractions for you to visit is the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum.

Located on the same grounds as the State Capitol, this museum features history from prehistoric times. There are four museum galleries with thousands of exhibits and displays here.

From Tyrannosaurus skeletons to the Hubble Space telescope, you will find it all here. You can also watch the stunning northern lights in the steel and glass-based Northern Lights Atrium in the museum.

If you also love history and want to see cool spectacles, then this is definitely an attraction in North Dakota not to miss!

Packing List For Visiting North Dakota Attractions

If you will be traveling, either by plane or by car to North Dakota here are some  tips on how to pack lightly.

A  concealed travel pouch  may be one of the most important items you bring along when visiting ND. It is always important to protect your personal information. Identity thieves are everywhere.

This  unisex RFID blocking concealed travel pouch is  lightweight and comes in several colors. It has lots of organization to give you peace of mind.

You can place it under your hiking clothes next to your body to carry your ID safely.

If you have a pouch already that does not come with the RFID protection, as I do, these  RFID  sleeves are  the perfect solution.

This configuration comes with enough credit card sleeves that the entire family would be protected. They are slim too, so they will easily fit into your pouch or wallet.

If you are planning on taking a lot of pictures with your phone you will definitely want to consider an  external charging battery . This  Anker high-speed phone charging battery  is  the exact one  I carry with me on all of my trips.

It can be used on a variety of phones, not just an iPhone like I have. And wow is it fast!

I like that it holds its charging capabilities for several uses so I do not have to worry about it while out and about, and if I forget to recharge it at night, it will still be good to go the next day.

My daughter gifted me with this  FugeTek selfie stick and tripod   setup for my birthday. I absolutely love it! It is made of lightweight aluminum and is so easy to use.

It has Bluetooth connectivity and is a breeze to use for taking selfies when experiencing all the things to do in North Dakota!

Hydration is so important when traveling. You want to remain hydrated throughout your travels to support your immune system which in turn will be stronger to fight off any germs you will encounter during your travels.

You will want to bring your own  refillable water bottle  with you.

I never leave home on a trip without my  Bobble filtration bottle .  The 18.5-ounce size is perfect for hiking and it fits nicely in the pocket of a backpack.

When filled with water, it is not too heavy to carry. And the charcoal filter ensures fresh clean water whenever you fill the Bobble.

Perhaps you are traveling a long distance and packing space is a premium in your suitcase, or in your car.

Then this  set of collapsible silicone foldable water bottles  would work well for you. Would not take up much space at all.

You will want a  backpack or daypack  with you to store snacks, your water bottle, phone, extra clothes, etc.. when hiking This   foldable water-resistant backpack   would be great

It is very affordable and is available in many color options for you to choose from. The fact that it folds down into a zippered pouch will make it easy to pack.

Here we have presented to you 15 of the best things to do in North Dakota. There is something for everyone on this spectacular list!

We hope you have inspired you to explore the great state of North Dakota. Let us know if you have visited any of the suggestions here, and if you have any other to add, please do so in the comment section below.

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20 Top Things to Do in North Dakota

Midwest Living's experienced editors create best-in-class travel, lifestyle, food, home and garden content you won't find anywhere else. We're loudly, proudly Midwestern, and we're passionate about helping our audience explore and create through award-winning storytelling.

Unspoiled countryside and plenty of outdoor fun await in this rugged state. Highlights include Theodore Roosevelt National Park, the International Peace Garden and the Maah Daah Hey Trail as well as museums and historic sites that commemorate the state's heritage.

Top Attractions in North Dakota

Some of America's most inspiring adventurers, including Lewis and Clark, Sakakawea, and President Theodore Roosevelt, left footprints in this sparsely populated state. Even today, the rugged land feels little changed since they passed.Traveling from sprawling Theodore Roosevelt National Park in the west to appealing Fargo in the east, visitors will find fabulously starry skies, whistling wind and vistas that stretch for miles. More than a century ago, Roosevelt called this land at the edge of the plains, "a world of beauty and color and limitless space." It still is.

Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Theodore Roosevelt referred to his time in North Dakota by saying, "Here the romance of my life began." One visit to Theodor e Roosevelt Na tional Park explains his love affair. Some 70,000 acres of painted canyons and grassy hiking trails border Interstate-94 and the Little Missouri River. Bison graze along the road, and prairie dogs chatter at scenic turnouts.

The park is separated into two large units 50 miles apart, with a small parcel for Roosevelt's Elkhorn Ranch in the middle. The southern unit, anchored by nearby Medora, is busier, but the northern is just as spectacular. From Memorial Day through September, rangers lead guided tours and nature talks, as well as evening campfire programs about Roosevelt.

North Dakota Heritage Center

Stand beneath a T. rex and a Triceratops as they battle. Stare down a mammoth. See casts of sea creatures that swam here millions of years ago. North Dakota's past takes shape in Bismarck at the Nor th Dakota Heritage Center, which nearly doubled in size after a $52 million makeover. Exhibits in the Treehouse cater to tykes.

Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site

Now reconstructed, Fort Union was the most important fur-trading site on the upper Missouri from 1828 to 1867. The imposing white house at Fort Union, where the head merchant lived, looks strangely grand against the landscape, like a suburban mansion built expressly to outshine its neighbors. That's exactly what it was; traders built it in 1828 to impress area tribes. A self-guided tour, ranger-guided tours and living history programs are available for visitors. In Williston.

Medora Musical

The colorful, two-hour Medora Musical raucously relives Teddy Roosevelt's cowboy days (this is no dry history lesson). The outdoor show features singing, dancing, live animals and fireworks, all against a stunning badlands backdrop. You'll come away tapping your toes-and eager to check out nearby Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

North Dakota State Capitol Building and Grounds

Nicknamed The Skyscraper on the Prairie, North Dakota's 1934-era capitol in Bismarck is the tallest structure in the area (at 241 feet). You can take a guided tour, including a visit to the 18th-floor observation deck, for free. Also on the grounds: an arboretum trail, prairie trail, and numerous statues and memorials, in addition to the North Dakota Heritage Center.

Maah Daah Hey Trail

Fun to say and fun to ride, the Maah Daah Hey Trail packs in a lot of dramatic scenery (and some really tough climbs!). The 98-mile main trail connects the southern and northern units of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, running through rolling prairie and rocky badlands-home to mule deer, coyotes, golden eagles, bighorn sheep and bison. Loop trails and a new southern extension add another 80 miles to the trail system.

Hikers and horseback riders share the trail with bicyclists. Guided mountain bike tours are offered seasonally through Dakota Cyclery Mountain Bike Adventures.

Scandinavian Heritage Park

In the small north-central city of Minot, the Scandinavian Heritage Park nods to northern Europe with a replica Stav church, Danish windmill, Finnish sauna and a 25-foot-tall Swedish Dala horse. Minot also is home to Norsk Hostfest, the continent's largest Scandinavian festival, where high-quality handcrafted merchandise and traveling shows make for a one-of-a-kind experience each fall.

International Peace Garden

Trails and lush gardens along the U.S.-Canada border celebrate peace between the two nations. The 2,300-acre garden is half in the U.S. and half in Canada, about 110 miles northeast of Minot. In summer, the International Peace Garden gets big splashes of color from perennials and annuals. For visitors year-round, an Interpretive Center offers a restaurant, gift shop and conservatory with 3,000 cacti. Guided tours of the gardens are available by reservation.

Chateau de Mores State Historic Site

A 26-room, 1883 hunting lodge built by the Marquis de Mores, an entrepreneurial French aristocrat who hoped to find his fortune in the Dakota Territory, overlooks Medora. His meatpacking business failed, but the town he named for his wife, Medora, prospered. The lavish home where he and his wife lived still contains many original furnishings. Docents stationed throughout Chateau de Mores State Historic Site offer insights and tours.

Knife River Indian Villages

Explore a reconstructed, furnished Hidatsa earth lodge, 15 miles of trails and a museum (22 miles west of Washburn). A rich culture thrived along the banks of the Missouri River in west-central North Dakota when Meriwether Lewis and William Clark arrived in 1804. Today, trails weave through the sage and wildflower-dappled prairie to the remains of villages, including one where Sakakawea lived before she joined Lewis and Clark.

Bully Pulpit Golf Course

Rocky badlands provide the backdrop for this challenging, one-of-a-kind 18-hole golf course three miles south of Medora. The Bully Pulpit Golf Course takes golfers through meadows, woodlands, along the Little Missouri River and into badlands canyons.

Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center/Fort Mandan Historic Site

Meriwether Lewis and William Clark spent more of their epic journey in North Dakota than in any other state. In Washburn, stop first at the striking Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center and take in its fascinating exhibits about the Lewis and Clark expedition and area history. Then, continue to a replica of the fort, authentically reconstructed with 800 cottonwood logs, where the explorers weathered the brutal winter of 1804-1805.

North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame

At the entrance to Theodore Roosevelt National Park in Medora, this interpretive center tells the stories of Native Americans, ranchers and rodeo riders on the North Dakota plains. The North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame patio offers sweeping Little Missouri River views.

Lake Metigoshe

On the Canadian border, 200 miles north of Bismarck, Lake Metigoshe State Park offers a well-rounded, classic lake vacation—walleye fishing, a tidy beach, clean cabins, a Fourth of July fireworks show and canoeing—with way less noise and crowds than you'll find at big, better-known Lake Sakakawea.

Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park

History buffs shouldn't miss North Dakota's signature historic site, 7 miles south of Mandan. Reconstructed earth lodges at Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park make up On-A-Slant Village, occupied by the Mandan from about 1575 to 1781. Portions of the old infantry and cavalry post have been rebuilt, including the Custer House, called the Mansion on the Prairie. Two living history tours take visitors through On-A-Slant Village and the museum, as well as the Custer House and barracks.

National Buffalo Museum

The National Buffalo Museum highlights bison art and history and manages a herd that grazes nearby. Visitors can also see the World's Largest Buffalo Monument, a 26-foot-tall, 60-ton giant, as well as the Frontier Village complex of historic buildings. In Jamestown, 100 miles west of Fargo.

Bonanzaville USA

Interpreters and 40 buildings on 12 acres re-create life when "bonanza" farms ruled the prairies in the late 1800s. Bonanzaville USA in West Fargo includes just about every type of building and business that might have made up a small North Dakota town when the area was being settled—a log cabin, blacksmith shop, school, drug store, general store, creamery, saloon, newspaper office, bank, barbershop and more.

Plains Art Museum

A downtown standout in Fargo is the Plains Art Museum, in the renovated International Harvester warehouse. Beautiful inside and out, the museum houses more than 3,000 works by regional and national artists. The collection includes works by artists as varied as Impressionist Mary Cassatt and Native American contemporary artist George Morrison.

Enchanted Highway

Turn off I-94 at Exit 72 (90 miles west of Bismarck) to find seven enormous sculptures along a 32-mile ribbon of rural highway. The massive artworks are the quixotic tourism initiative of retired educator Gary Greff, who established Enchanted Highway to bring more travelers to his tiny hometown of Regent.

Lake Sakakawea and Garrison Dam

On the Missouri River 75 miles upstream from Bismarck, Garrison Dam, built between 1947 and 1953, is one of the largest earthen dams in the world. Exhibits in the power plant lobby feature displays about the construction and operation of the Garrison Dam and recreation on Lake Sakakawea. The corps provides free tours of the power plant daily during the summer months and by appointment the rest of the year.

Lake Sakakawea (pictured) stretches 178 miles from Garrison Dam northwest to Williston and averages 2 to 3 miles in width. The lake and its shoreline are popular for boating, sailing, scuba diving, sightseeing, bird-watching, camping and hunting.