Full of history, culture, and unspoiled natural landscapes, North Dakota is the place to go for uncrowded adventures. This wild and wonderful state offers a diverse array of attractions, from a stunning national park that inspired a US president to an internationally renowned peace garden.
You’ll find endless opportunities for outdoor recreation in this state, with the Theodore Roosevelt National Park a must-see and the famous North Dakota Badlands a rugged oasis for nature lovers. History fans are spoiled for choice in North Dakota, with sites like Fort Mandan, Knife River Indian Village, and the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center transporting you back in time.
Wildlife watching is a popular pastime, and places like White Horse Hill National Game Preserve make it easy with its auto tour through the prairie lands. If you’re looking for a dose of small-town charm, add destinations like Medora to your North Dakota itinerary to experience its famous live musical show.
Discover some of the best things to do in North Dakota with our guide to the state’s top attractions. This North Dakota bucket list includes where to go for outdoor adventures, family-friendly getaways, and top activities such as hiking, wildlife watching, and fishing. Make the most of your vacation by immersing yourself in the state’s rich history, culture, and stunning scenery!
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase or booking through one of our links we may earn a small commission (don’t worry, it’s at no extra cost to you).
25 Fun and Unique Things to do in North Dakota
1. Drive Through the Badlands in Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Covering 70,000 acres, Theodore Roosevelt National Park is a must on your North Dakota bucket list. Best known for its dramatic vistas and endless recreational opportunities, it’s also a great spot to enjoy a scenic drive, where you’ll have the chance to spot wildlife and marvel at some of its most impressive natural features.
In the South Unit, the Scenic Loop Drive is a paved, 36-mile route that features pullouts and interpretive signs explaining the park’s history. Alternatively, you can opt for the Theodore Roosevelt National Park North Unit Scenic Byway, which is a 14-mile journey with the colorful North Dakota Badlands as a backdrop.
On this popular road trip, you can take in incredible vistas of open prairie, hardwood draws, bison, and other wildlife, as well as the Little Missouri River. Make sure to pull over at the final overlook, the Oxbow Overlook, which offers a sweeping panoramic view of the Badlands and the Missouri River carving a channel through the valley.
While hiking, biking, and camping are popular adventures, other notable sites in the park include the Painted Canyon Visitor Center, which has a scenic overlook with impressive views of the North Dakota Badlands. You can also stop at a Prairie Dog Town after entering the park near Skyline Vista, then visit Theodore Roosevelt’s Maltese Cross Cabin or Elkhorn Ranch, a one-time respite for the former US President.
2. Bike the Maah Daah Hey Trail
Outdoor lovers consider the Maah Daah Hey Trail one of those must-do things in North Dakota. Showcasing some of the country’s most striking terrain, the 144-mile trail boasts incredible views of majestic plateaus, peaks, and valleys that make up the Badlands, running from the USFS Burning Coal Vein Campground to the USFS CCC Campground.
The longest non-motorized single track in the US, it features 16 trailheads that offer direct access to the trail, which is open year-round. While it’s often considered one of the most scenic bicycle rides in the American West, it is a challenging yet rewarding journey designed for experienced riders.
Hiking is also popular along the Maah Daah Hey Trail. With eight unique segments, you can choose which distinct topography you want to see. The Ice Cave Trail allows you to explore a rock cliff formation not found anywhere else on the Grasslands and see ice and snow until mid-July, while Devil’s Pass is a ledge trail with captivating nature views.
If you’re interested in wildlife watching, this area of North Dakota is a habitat for mule, whitetail deer, antelope, and prairie dogs, while golden eagles, red-tail hawks, and prairie falcon can be seen soaring above. In addition, bighorn sheep and elk have been spotted near the CCC campground on the north end of the trail.
3. Visit the Small Town of Medora
A small Badlands town with incredible scenery, Medora is also a gateway to the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. The Old West frontier town packs a punch for its tiny size, offering everything from outdoor adventures and historical sites to a famous live musical show.
One of the coolest things to do in North Dakota, the Medora Musical has been dubbed the greatest show in the West. An ode to the historic American West, country music, and Theodore Roosevelt, this live summer spectacle has live horses, variety acts, and a fireworks finale. If you’re a fan of history, add a tour of the opulent, 26-room Chateau de Mores to your itinerary to learn more about the town’s history.
Golfers can practice their swing at Bully Pulpit Golf, one of the most scenic golf courses in the country. With a scenic backdrop of the Badlands, the 18-hole course winds past picturesque meadows and woodlands and along the Little Missouri River.
Families with kids will love the ziplining, mini golf, and lazy river pool at the downtown Point to Point Park. You can also hike the scenic trails in Sully Creek State Park, which also boasts river canoeing and kayaking in warmer months and offers a quiet setting away from Medora’s more popular attractions. Cap off your day with a drink at Theodore’s Dining Room in the Rough Riders Hotel.
4. Visit the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame
One of Medora’s most notable attractions is the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame, a place where the legacy of the American West comes to life. This fascinating museum is one of the top North Dakota attractions and is a tribute to the history and heritage of North Dakota’s Native Americans, homesteaders, ranchers, and world-class rodeo cowboys and the impact they had on plains culture.
Inside the immersive museum, you’ll find exhibits highlighting North Dakota’s Western lifestyle. The museum begins with the history of North Dakota and continues through the evolution of the modern-day cowboy. You can learn about the real-life experiences of these legends, with the facility featuring a theater, galleries, interpretive areas, artifacts, and memorabilia.
The centerpiece of the museum is the Hall of Honorees, which focuses on the men and women, organizations, and livestock that made significant contributions to the state’s legacy. Visit the Native American Gallery, then check out the Great Western Trail exhibit to learn about cattle trails and the men who drove herds of cattle for weeks on end.
5. See a Live Buffalo Herd at the National Buffalo Museum
Head to Jamestown, North Dakota, to visit the National Buffalo Museum, which tells the unique story of the American bison. You’ll be taken back to a time when buffalo roamed through interpretive panels, artifacts, and artwork and have the chance to see a live buffalo herd through a viewing area.
You can get a deeper understanding of the North American bison, as exhibits here highlight the natural history, cultural significance, and ecological impact of the national mammal. It’s a captivating story that includes the bison’s near extinction and the work activists do today to restore the species.
Get up close to life-sized reproductions of bison bones and organs, then let little ones enjoy the interactive touch table, hands-on play area, and digital matching game. At the back of the museum, you can even observe live buffalo. The two herds, located on either side of Interstate 94, can be seen grazing the prairie grasses.
Before you leave, stop by the gift store to pick up one-of-a-kind bison-related souvenirs. You’ll find everything from fine art and apparel to toys.
6. Find Your Zen at the International Peace Garden
A celebration of peace and friendship between the USA and Canada, the International Peace Garden is a zen-like space nestled in North Dakota’s Turtle Mountains. Along with 2,300 acres of beautiful prairie landscapes, this family-friendly attraction features colorful floral gardens, hiking and driving trails, waterfalls, and camping facilities.
You can stop and admire the 155,000 flowers on display, which are planted along the garden’s terraces and walkways. The Sunken Garden is a highlight with its five terraces and small pools, as well as the Peace Poles donated by the Japanese Government.
Read the quotes etched in the limestone walls of the Peace Chapel, then photograph the 40-year collection of cacti, agave, aloe, and echeveria in the Interpretive Center and Conservatory. The Floral Clock is a must-see with its 2,500+ plants, as well as the Carillon Bell Tower that chimes every 15 minutes.
Kids can get hands-on in the Children’s Nature Play Area, while nature lovers of all ages can enjoy the 1.5-mile Lake View Hiking Trail. From here, it’s possible to spot more than 100 species of songbirds that call the Turtle Mountains home.
7. Explore Fargo
North Dakota’s largest city, Fargo was made famous by the Coen Brothers’ ‘90s hit movie “Fargo,” but this Midwestern city has a lot more to offer. An active city beloved for its sporting events, lively downtown area, and art-deco hotels, Fargo is home to some of the best North Dakota sightseeing opportunities.
Start your exploration of Fargo at the Fargo-Moorhead Visitors Center, which features the famous wood chopper prop from the movie “Fargo.” You can also spend your afternoon browsing the array of galleries, cafes, and boutique shops found in the downtown area.
Get outdoors and enjoy the fresh air at the multi-use Lindenwood Park, which offers bike and kayak rentals and has a playground for little ones. Drekker Brewing Company is one of the best breweries in North Dakota, while aviation fans can also make a stop at the Fargo Air Museum to see its collection, which includes a full-sized replica of the early Wright brothers’ aircraft.
In winter, you can experience the city’s record snowfall, as it typically gets about 50 inches a year. Take advantage of the season and enjoy the ice skating rink at Broadway Square, or catch the local hockey team, Fargo Force, in action at the Scheels Arena.
8. Admire Artwork in the Plains Art Museum
Worthy of its own entry, the Fargo-based Plains Art Museum is one of the top North Dakota attractions, housing nearly 4,000 works of art. Spanning regional and national art, Native American art, contemporary art, historic photographs, and murals, this attraction is simply impressive.
Some of the museum’s highlights include the Native American collection with its artistic, ritual, and everyday objects from Native American nations in the Upper Midwest, as well as the African Collection with its cultural artifacts from various ethnic groups. The textile collection is a visual treat using cloth or woven materials, while a North Dakota mural depicts the state’s wide-open spaces and vistas in a colorful presentation.
This is one of the best things to do in North Dakota for any art aficionado, presenting changing exhibitions throughout the year in its large 56,000-square-foot space. The Guided Adult Tours are led by Plains Art Museum educators, while the museum’s calendar is packed with artist talks, workshops, classes, and kid-friendly events.
9. Pretend You’re an Explorer at Fort Mandan
Lovers of history can definitely include Fort Mandan on their coolest things to do in North Dakota list. Taking you back to the time of the famed Lewis and Clark Expedition from 1804-1805, this replica fort was the winter home of the legendary explorers.
Set along the Missouri River near Washburn, this is where Lewis and Clark met Sakakawea in a nearby village and started logging their observations about the people and places they saw. You can take a tour of this reconstructed attraction and try to imagine what life was like during their epic journey during the North Dakota winter more than 200 years ago.
Start your visit at the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center nearby to browse the collection of artifacts and interactive displays about their famous expedition, then visit Fort Mandan’s fully-furnished quarters. There’s an exhibit about coal combustion products, a play area for kids, and a Seaman Overlook with a steel sculpture of Lewis’ dog.
10. See Fossils at the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum
The North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum is the state’s largest museum, located in Bismarck. One of the best North Dakota activities for the whole family, it highlights the state’s rich history through eye-catching exhibits like a life-size T. rex skeleton cast, fossils, and rare pieces of pottery and beadwork.
Spanning its earliest geological formation 600 million years ago to today, this museum covers it all. You’ll gain insight into the state’s past and future with thousands of artifacts, interactive exhibits, and high-tech displays that are sure to captivate museum-goers of all ages.
In fact, young visitors will delight in The Treehouse exhibit with its child-sized treehouse and play area. However, the entire family can marvel at the world’s largest giant squid fossil or learn about the invention of the bow and arrow and the creation of clay pottery.
Aside from highlighting dinosaurs and the Ice Age, the museum also features a 1950s soda shop, a 1929 automobile, and a Mars space suit. You can also learn about how North Dakota was once one of the most ethnically and culturally diverse states in the country in the Cultural Expressions exhibit.
11. Go Camping at Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park
Offering a perfect mix of rich history and outdoor adventure, Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park is the oldest state park in North Dakota. While hiking and guided tours are popular here, one of the most unique things to do in North Dakota is to immerse yourself in the park’s diverse landscape and plan an overnight adventure.
Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park has seasonal camping cabins nestled along the Missouri River, while modern campsites are also an option. You can spend the night under the stars, then wake up for a full day of adventure.
Start at the Visitor Center to learn about the Mandan Native Americans who once lived at On-A-Slant Village and admire the reconstructed earth lodges. You can also join a living history tour to see what life was like as a frontier soldier, with the blockhouses, furnished barracks, and sites like the old Fort Abraham Lincoln and Fort McKeen just a few of the highlights.
The park’s scenic trail system is popular with hikers, bikers, and horseback riders, offering beautiful views of the Heart and Missouri River bottoms through the surrounding hills. The 8-mile Scouts Trail System is perfect for those looking for a challenge, while beginners and families with kids can opt for the 1.7-mile Little Soldier Loop Trail for vistas of the On-A-Slant Village, Missouri and Heart rivers, and the city of Bismarck.
12. Travel Across the Globe at Scandinavian Heritage Park
Located in Minot, Scandinavian Heritage Park celebrates the heritage of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden. It’s one of the coolest things to do in North Dakota if you’re interested in diverse cultures, featuring full-scale replicas of the Gol Stave Church, a fully functional Finnish sauna, and an original windmill.
Incorporated in 1988 to represent the five Nordic countries, it’s actually home to the oldest house in North Dakota – the 230-year-old Sigdal House. The log house was built in 1771 and was located in Norway until the 1930s when it was shipped to Minot.
Stop to admire the 27-foot-tall Dala Horse, which is a national symbol of Sweden, then see the statues of Hans Christian Anderson, the author of numerous fairy tales, and Leif Erickson, a famous Icelandic explorer. You can also visit a replica storehouse from Norway, a cascading waterfall, and an international flag display.
13. Get Out on the Water at Lake Sakakawea
Stretching 178 miles from Garrison Dam to Williston, Lake Sakakawea is North Dakota’s largest reservoir. With 1,500 miles of picturesque shoreline, it’s a popular place to enjoy boating, sailing, and scuba diving, as well as bird-watching, camping, and hunting.
Many fishing fans come to this lake for its year-round fishing opportunities, while Lake Sakakawea State Park is also a beloved spot for swimming, sailing, windsurfing, and kayaking. There’s even a full-service marina, a convenience store, and a fish cleaning station, while boat ramps offer access to the best salmon fishing on the lake.
At 2.5 miles long and 210 feet high, the Garrison Dam is a must-see while you’re visiting Lake Sakakawea. Completed in 1954, it’s one of the world’s biggest earthen dams. You can visit this unique attraction and join one of the Power Plant Tours to see exhibits highlighting its construction and operation.
Another nearby attraction you can add to your North Dakota itinerary includes Fort Stevenson State Park, which is set along the bluffs on the north shore of Lake Sakakawea. In addition to hiking the miles of trails, you can learn about the military past at the park museum or attend the annual Frontier Military Days in summer.
14. Enjoy Secluded Landscapes in Little Missouri State Park
If you’re craving a quiet day out in nature, a visit to Little Missouri State Park in the west is one of the top North Dakota activities. It’s a hidden gem with 45 miles of trails that run through the Badlands, offering awe-inspiring views of the region’s most rugged landscapes.
Full of scenic wonders, this secluded park is where avid adventurers go to explore the North Dakota backcountry. You can reconnect with nature as you unplug from your daily stresses with handcrafted cabins as well as modern and primitive campsites available for overnight excursions.
Accessible by horseback or hiking, the trails in Little Missouri State Park offer abundant wildlife-watching opportunities, including deer, foxes, hawks, and golden eagles. The seasonal park is open from May to October, and offers horse amenities such as corrals and a round pen.
15. Learn About Indigenous Americans at Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site
You can explore the remnants of three villages at Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site, a captivating attraction near Stanton. It’s easily one of the most unique things to do in North Dakota for history buffs, as it showcases an array of fascinating artifacts and crafts as well as a reconstructed earth lodge.
In addition to the remains of cache pits and fortification ditches, you can learn about the rich culture that once thrived along the banks of the Missouri River. Learn about the history of the Hidatsa people, then get up close to the village where Sakakawea lived before she joined Lewis and Clark.
The on-site museum is a must-see with its decorative arts and relics. However, many visitors also enjoy walking the 1.3-mile Village Trail to see the remains of villages and a walk along the Knife River. If you’ve got extra time, follow the 2.2-mile North Forest Trail loop for a spectacular view of the Missouri River from the overlook.
16. Lure in Big Fish at Devils Lake
Outdoor lovers can plan a trip to Devils Lake, the largest natural body of water in North Dakota. It’s known as the “Perch Capital of the World,” but you’ll also find large numbers of walleye, northern pike, and white bass here too. While fishing and ice fishing are the most popular activities at Devils Lake, you can also enjoy watersports, boating, birding, and hunting.
Also located on the lake is Graham’s Island State Park, which is a world-class spot for fishing, with national and regional tournaments held here during the year. It’s an outdoor lover’s paradise, where you can go camping, hike the scenic trails, swim at the beach, and explore the groomed cross-country ski trails in winter.
White Horse Hill National Game Reserve is another top attraction on Devils Lake, featuring an auto tour through the woodlands and home to bison and elk herds. History fans can also add a stop at Fort Totten State Historic Site, which served as a military post back in 1867 and then became a school for Native American children.
For an overnight trip, try your luck at Spirit Lake Casino & Resort, which sits on the banks of Devils Lake within the Spirit Lake Reservation. Woodlands Resort is located on the shores of Creel Bay and is Devils Lake’s only full-service lakeside resort, offering a bait, tack, and pro shop for fishing enthusiasts.
17. Spot Bison and Elk Herds at White Horse Hill National Game Preserve
Designated as a unique natural area by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1904, the White Horse Hill National Game Preserve is one of the best places in North Dakota for wildlife watching. It’s a North Dakota bucket list item for many, featuring a four-mile driving route where you can observe resident bison and elk herds and black-tailed prairie dogs.
Nature and animal lovers of all ages will delight at the unique experience, which was initially created as “a big game preserve, refuge, and breeding ground for wild animals and birds.” The 1,674-acre attraction is a hotspot for hiking, wildlife observation, and photography.
One of the most unique North Dakota attractions, the diverse landscape at the preserve is incredible, with more than 200 species of birds recorded here. If you’re a fan of bird-watching, see if you can spot the pileated woodpecker, a year-round resident and a favorite with visitors!
You can also stretch your legs along the two-mile nature trail, which winds through the wetlands, woodlands, and prairies, or opt for the 1/4-mile paved accessible trail. For impressive views of the rolling hills, climb the stairs to reach the overlook at White Horse Hill.
18. Go Paddling in Lake Metigoshe State Park
Sitting along the US/Canadian border, Lake Metigoshe State Park is nestled in the beautiful Turtle Mountains. It’s one of the most popular things to do in North Dakota for a reason, offering a long list of recreation that includes fishing, canoeing, hiking, and wildlife watching.
Hop in a kayak or canoe and paddle the small lakes within the park for a scenic up-close view of the natural landscapes. If you prefer to stay on dry land, you’ll find 12 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails to explore, including a three-mile self-guided interpretive hiking trail.
Lake Metigoshe State Park is a four-season playground, and in winter, it becomes a hotspot for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, riding a fat tire bike, and ice fishing. If you don’t have the gear, the park offers snowshoe and cross-country ski rentals.
For multi-day adventures, the park offers a handful of cozy cabins and yurts. There are also modern and primitive camping options and picnicking areas for day-trippers.
19. Marvel at Dino Bones at Dickinson Museum Center
For a full day of fun, plan a trip to Dickinson, North Dakota, to visit the Dickinson Museum Center, which is a 12-acre campus that features the Badlands Dinosaur Museum, Joachim Regional Museum, Prairie Outpost Park, and Pioneer Machinery Hall. It’s a destination that will delight visitors of all ages, where you can come face to face with full-scale dinosaur skeletons.
The Badlands Dinosaur Museum houses the largest collection of real dinosaur fossils on display in the state, including a complete Triceratops skull and six full dinosaur skeletons. In addition to hundreds of fossils, you can also browse the colorful mineral collection and let the kids enjoy an array of hands-on activities.
While the Joachim Regional Museum showcases history and art exhibits, the 12-acre Prairie Outpost Park tells the story of southwest North Dakota. You can stroll the grounds to see the historic buildings from the exterior or take a summer tour for a chance to step inside.
Pioneer Machinery Hall is also a must-see, showcasing a collection of historic agricultural equipment. Take note, however, that it’s only open for visitors between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
20. Visit the Charming Town of Valley City
Known as the “City of Bridges,” Valley City is one of the most charming getaways in North Dakota. Add this four-season destination to your “things to do in North Dakota” list for its beautiful scenery, historic bridges, and small-town friendliness.
Built around a winding river, this city is best known for its collection of interpretive bridges. Taking a walking tour of the historic bridges is a must-do activity for all first-time visitors, with a highlight being the High-Line Bridge that was used in both World Wars to transport soldiers and supplies. It’s also considered one of the highest and longest single-track railroad bridges in the country at 3,860 feet long and 162 feet high.
Wander Valley City’s downtown area to see the collection of local shops and boutique stores, then learn about the city’s rich history at the Barnes County Museum. You can also visit Medicine Wheel Park to see a replica of a Native American solar calendar or get out on the water for a paddling adventure down the Sheyenne River.
If you’ve got extra time, cruise the award-winning Sheyenne River Valley National Scenic Byway. At 63 miles long, it winds along the picture-perfect Sheyenne River Valley from Baldhill Dam to Lisbon. Lastly, wrap up your day with craft beer at Brockopp Brewery in Valley City.
21. Follow Riverside Hiking Trails in Turtle River State Park
Surrounded by the Red River Valley, Turtle River State Park is a year-round outdoor oasis. It’s a popular spot for fishing, camping, hiking, and wildlife watching, located west of Grand Forks.
Constructed in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), this park is nestled in a scenic wooded valley along the Turtle River. While anglers come here to enjoy fly fishing in the trout-stocked river, hikers will also find 12 miles of trails that traverse the park’s forested hills.
The Fisher Loop Trail crosses over the Turtle River, while the Prairie Pass Trail meanders through the picturesque prairie. You’ll find benches where you can take a break and admire the river views along the River View Trail, while animal lovers should follow the Cattail Loop for a chance to see the wildlife viewing station of the oxbow wetlands.
It’s the perfect day trip destination with an array of shaded picnic areas, while the park is also popular for weddings and large groups with its secluded camping sites and spacious Woodland Lodge. In winter, Turtle River State Park is a hotspot for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and sledding adventures.
22. Get a Bird’s-Eye View at the North Dakota State Capitol Building
Towering at almost 250 feet, the North Dakota State Capitol is the largest building in the state. One of the top North Dakota attractions, it’s located in Bismarck and has been affectionately nicknamed “The Skyscraper on the Prairie,” with the 1934-era building boasting guided tours and an 18th-floor observation deck.
A visit here offers insight into North Dakota’s rich state history and culture, where you’ll have a chance to see the House of Representatives and Senate on its guided tours. Don’t miss the Roughrider Gallery, which highlights famous North Dakota residents.
If you’re interested in architecture, you’ll love the small details here, including the ornate chandeliers, ceiling lighting with the sunrise, moon, and stars, and the bronze elevator doors. However, for the best views, you’ll have to head to its towering observation deck, which provides a 360-degree view of the Bismarck-Mandan area.
The grounds of the Dakota State Capitol are just as stunning, especially along the Arboretum Trail. Featuring more than 75 types of trees, it boasts beautiful statues and memorials detailing the state’s history and heritage.
23. Observe Exotic Animals at the Dakota Zoo
Families with kids who are looking for things to do in North Dakota will find the Dakota Zoo a top recommendation. It’s a family favorite for a reason, as this Bismarck-based attraction is home to more than 600 animals, including alligators, bison, and mountain lions.
Set on the east bank of the Missouri River, the 90-acre zoo represents 125 species of animals. Kids will love coming face to face with the penguins, tortoises, tigers, and grizzly bears, as well as the bighorn sheep, bobcats, monkeys, and snow leopards.
Little ones can let loose in the Children’s Play area, while a Discover Center offers hands-on learning with live animal and educational displays. Check the zoo’s official event calendar for a chance to join its annual events and kid-friendly camps.
24. Tour the Grandest Fort on the Upper Missouri River
For a slice of history in North Dakota, spend the day exploring the Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site. It was the most important fur trade post on the Upper Missouri River between 1828 and 1867, where Northern Plains Tribes exchanged buffalo robes for goods from around the world.
Come and learn about the Assiniboine and six other Northern Plains Tribes, who once made trades for cloth, guns, blankets, and beads. It’s said the site traded over 25,000 buffalo robes every year and $100,000 in merchandise.
Located just inside the fort’s front gates is the Trade House, where living history interpreters can give insight into why this was such an important trading post and why trading occurred. For a look at the scenic terrain surrounding the fort, take a short hike on the Missouri River Trail.
If you time your visit right, you can attend the annual Indian Arts Festival. Typically held in August, this vibrant display of culture showcases American Indian history through music, singing, dancing, traditional crafts, and presentations. Other summer events include the Fort Union Rendezvous and Kids Craft Days.
25. Get Off the Beaten Path on the Enchanted Highway
Known for its funky roadside artwork, the Enchanted Highway in Western North Dakota boasts a collection of giant metal sculptures. This popular road trip is one of the most unique things to do in North Dakota, especially for those wanting a quirky travel souvenir.
Beginning at Exit 72 on I-94 near Gladstone, the Enchanted Highway ends 32 miles later at the town of Regent. It starts with the iconic “Geese in Flight,” which weighs over 78 tons and has held the Guinness World Record since 2002 for the Largest Scrap Metal Sculpture.
Other notable pieces include “Deer Crossing” with a 75-foot-tall buck and a 50-foot-tall doe, as well as “Grasshoppers” with a 60-foot-long grasshopper. Kids will love the “Tin Family” made from farm tanks, telephone poles, and barbed wire, where the dad stands at 45 feet tall and the son is 23 feet tall.
Made from well pipe, “Teddy Roosevelt Rides Again” includes a giant Theodore Roosevelt with a stagecoach and horses. Lastly, “Fisherman’s Dream” includes a 70-foot-tall trout and “Pheasants on the Prairie,” which features a 40-foot-tall rooster, a 35-foot-tall hen, and two chicks.
There you have it! The 25 best things to do in North Dakota. What’s your favorite thing to do in The Peace Garden State?
Planning a trip to North Dakota? Check out our favorite books and travel guides!
SHARE THIS ON PINTEREST
