Overview

North Dakota is a land of expansive prairies, rugged badlands, and welcoming small towns. Known as the Peace Garden State, it offers a quiet, scenic escape filled with outdoor adventure, Native American heritage, and pioneer history. From Theodore Roosevelt’s legacy to wide-open skies and national parks, North Dakota invites travelers to experience the beauty of the Great Plains.

  • Capital: Bismarck
  • Largest Cities: Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks, Minot, West Fargo
  • Population: ~780,000 (2024 est.)
  • Time Zone: Central Time (majority), Mountain Time (southwest corner)
  • Climate: Continental — cold, snowy winters and warm, dry summers

Top Destinations in North Dakota

Theodore Roosevelt National Park

A stunning park of colorful badlands, bison herds, and hiking trails honoring the 26th president.

Fargo

A lively college town with museums, breweries, arts, and friendly midwestern charm.

Bismarck

The capital city offers Missouri River views, state history, and local culture.

Medora

A gateway town to Theodore Roosevelt National Park, home to cowboy shows and the Medora Musical.

Minot

A northern city known for its Scandinavian heritage, fairgrounds, and annual Norsk Høstfest.

Must-See Attractions

  • Theodore Roosevelt National Park – North and South Units offer scenic drives, hikes, and wildlife
  • North Dakota Heritage Center (Bismarck) – Dinosaurs, Native culture, and state history exhibits
  • Plains Art Museum (Fargo) – Contemporary and regional art in a beautifully restored warehouse
  • International Peace Garden (Dunseith) – A serene park symbolizing peace between the U.S. and Canada
  • Scandinavian Heritage Park (Minot) – A tribute to Nordic culture with statues, buildings, and events

Things to Do

  • Drive the scenic loop through Theodore Roosevelt National Park
  • Watch bison, wild horses, and prairie dogs in their natural habitats
  • Explore Native American history and culture at reservations and cultural centers
  • Attend a rodeo, state fair, or music festival
  • Visit frontier forts and pioneer museums

Getting There & Around

Major Airports

  • Hector International (FAR – Fargo), Bismarck Airport (BIS), Minot International (MOT), Grand Forks International (GFK)

Transport

  • Rental cars are essential for traveling between towns and rural parks
  • Amtrak’s Empire Builder serves Fargo, Minot, and Williston
  • Scenic highways offer peaceful road trip routes with little traffic

Best Time to Visit

  • Spring (Apr–Jun): Wildflowers and mild temps for outdoor exploration
  • Summer (Jul–Aug): Ideal for festivals, hiking, and wildlife viewing
  • Fall (Sep–Oct): Golden prairie views, harvest season, and cool weather
  • Winter (Nov–Mar): Snowy scenery, cross-country skiing, and cozy small-town vibes

Local Food & Culture

  • Cuisine: Midwestern comfort with German, Norwegian, and Native American influences
  • Specialties: Fleischkuekle (meat pastry), lefse, walleye, bison burgers, kuchen
  • Drinks: Local craft beers, chokecherry wine, coffee from Fargo roasters
  • Events & Festivals:
  • Norsk Høstfest (Minot) – North America’s largest Scandinavian festival
  • Medora Musical (summer season)
  • North Dakota State Fair (Minot)
  • Fargo Film Festival
  • United Tribes International Powwow (Bismarck)

Souvenirs from North Dakota

  • Handmade Native American crafts
  • Chokecherry jams or syrups
  • Scandinavian gifts like lefse kits or troll figurines
  • North Dakota apparel or state park gear
  • Cowboy hats or bison-themed souvenirs

Fun Facts

  • Theodore Roosevelt credited his time in North Dakota with shaping his conservation legacy
  • North Dakota grows more sunflowers and durum wheat than any other state
  • It is home to the geographical center of North America (Rugby, ND)
  • The state has more registered vehicles than people
  • Fargo’s name inspired the 1996 Coen brothers film, though it was mostly set in Minnesota

Suggested Itineraries

3-Day Badlands & Bison Loop

  • Day 1: Medora – explore town and see the Medora Musical
  • Day 2: Theodore Roosevelt National Park – hike and scenic drive
  • Day 3: Bismarck – Heritage Center and Missouri River walk

5-Day Prairie to Plains Tour

  • Day 1: Fargo – museums, breweries, and downtown
  • Day 2: Minot – visit Scandinavian Park and local shops
  • Day 3: International Peace Garden – explore and relax at the border
  • Day 4: Drive west to Medora – sunset views and cowboy culture
  • Day 5: Theodore Roosevelt National Park – wildlife and scenic overlooks

Cities

  • Bismarck