The 10 Best Budget-friendly Things to do in North Dakota, United States

January 16, 2022 Chanda Heide

If you’ve never thought much about North Dakota, maybe it’s time you started. Boasting miles and miles of hiking trails, including the Lewis and Clark trail, in addition to multiple museums, golf courses, casinos and amusement parks, North Dakota is bursting with things to do. Situated smack between the Great Lakes and the Pacific Ocean, North Dakota was once called “America’s Most Affordable Vacation Site” by the American Automobile Association. Meriwether Lewis and William Clark are two of North Dakota’s most famous residents. Tracing the courses of the Missouri and Columbia and rivers, the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail stretches through 11 states. Thanks to their explorations, visitors to North Dakota with an interest in history can do some exploring of their own. Bismarck is not only the capital of the state, it’s also home to several Lewis and Clark historical sites including Fort Yates, where the pair stopped to trade with the Mandan Indians. For family fun in Bismarck, don’t miss the Dakota Zoo and Raging Rivers Waterpark. With more golf courses per capita than any other state (11 in Bismarck and Fargo alone), golf lovers are sure to find a course to their liking. Agri-tourism is also a popular activity in North Dakota, which ranks first in the production of spring wheat, durum wheat, sunflowers, barley, honey and other crops.
Restaurants in North Dakota

1. Ralph Engelstad Arena

1 Ralph Engelstad Arena Dr University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND 58203-2205 +1 701-777-4167 http://www.theralph.com/
Excellent
87%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 318 reviews

Ralph Engelstad Arena

Reviewed By matthewmX8701PV - Kearney, United States

The atmosphere, the food, the fans, the band, all of it. If you ever get a chance to take in a University of North Dakota hockey game in this facility, it is fantastic! I have been to a few NHL arenas, but none that have the feel of the Ralph!

2. Painted Canyon Overlook

Theodore Roosevelt National Park, ND +1 701-575-4020 http://www.nps.gov/thro/planyourvisit/visitorcenters.htm
Excellent
72%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 245 reviews

Painted Canyon Overlook

Begin your visit to the Teddy Roosevelt National Park with a spectacular view of the Badlands, a flat desert landscape broken by petrified wood and rock formations.

Reviewed By workhardplayhard27 - Mantorville, United States

If you don't have time for a visit to Theodore Roosevelt National Park this overlook gives you a small taste of what you are missing. The vistas at this rest stop are breathtaking, especially at dawn and dusk when the light changes the appearance of the various rock hues. There is no charge for this overlook, plenty of parking, and public restrooms. Really no excuse not to take a stop her.

3. Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park

4480 Fort Lincoln Rd, Mandan, ND 58554-7947 +1 701-667-6340 [email protected] http://www.parkrec.nd.gov/parks/falsp/falsp.html
Excellent
61%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 237 reviews

Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park

Rich in both military and early Native American history, Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park is your destination! The North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department is the state agency charged with administering selected parks and recreation areas that are deemed to have state-wide or regional significance. In addition, the department has responsibility for the following functions: ◾Off-highway vehicle planning and safety program ◾Snowmobile safety programs and trails ◾Nature Preserves Act ◾Outdoor recreation grants and statewide recreation planning ◾State Scenic Byways Program The mission of the North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department is to provide and enhance outdoor recreation opportunities through diverse parks and programs that conserve the state's natural diversity. Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park in North Dakota is one of the outstanding historic areas within the state. The park is made historically important because within its boundaries are the ruins of On-A-Slant Mandan Indian Village and the Fort Abraham Lincoln cavalry and infantry posts. Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park is located 7 miles south of Mandan, ND, on Highway 1806. For those touring the historic fort buildings and Mandan Village, interpretive passes are required in addition to the vehicle entrance fee. There are daily tours of the Custer House and the On-A-Slant Indian village (May - September). Amenities ◾1,006 acres ◾Campground ◾Electrical ◾Reservations ◾RV Dump station ◾Showers ◾Cabins ◾Visitor center ◾Historic buildings ◾Interpretive tours ◾Picnic shelters ◾Playground ◾Horse corrals

Reviewed By emmypie88 - Fargo, United States

I visited Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park while on a family vacation in Bismarck. We spent 6 hours there and were never bored. We found a quiet place to have lunch near the visitor's center and attended the guided tours that were offered of General Custer's house, and the On-A-Slant Mandan Indian Village. They were both very informative and well done. The landscape of the park is breath taking, especially from the top of the hill, where you can get a 30-mile birds-eye-view of the Missouri River Valley. This is a great spot to go if you like the outdoors and want to make sure your kids are tired at the end of the day! It was great fun!

4. North Dakota Museum of Art

University of North Dakota, Grand Forks 261 Centennial Drive, Grand Forks, ND 58202-7305 +1 701-777-4195 [email protected] http://www.ndmoa.com
Excellent
56%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
3%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 39 reviews

North Dakota Museum of Art

North Dakota Museum of Art houses temporary exhibitions of regional, national, and international art.

5. Knife River Indian Villages Historic Site

564 County Road 37 Stanton, ND, ND 58571 +1 701-745-3300 http://www.nps.gov/knri/
Excellent
45%
Good
45%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
0%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 77 reviews

Knife River Indian Villages Historic Site

Reviewed By Duendeky - Bargersville, United States

If you really appreciate the history of Native Americans and of the American westward expansion this place is a must visit. The beside is a simple one filled with information. The Rangers were incredibly helpful and had much information. We did this in conjunction with visiting Fort Mandan and the Lewis and Clark interpretive Center and had a couple of observations that were really eye-opening towards us. Visiting the Earth Lodge here at Knife River you will see an incredible way that people lived on the Plains. And then if you walk into the small rooms in Fort Mandan you will realize that you would much rather live in an earth Lodge any day then in the bedrooms in the fort.

6. Newman Outdoor Field

1515 15th Ave., Fargo, ND +1 701-235-6161 http://www.fmredhawks.com/
Excellent
63%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 159 reviews

Newman Outdoor Field

Reviewed By 755cindya - Cancun, Mexico

The Fargo RedHawks are always fun to watch! Most nights have a giveaway if you come early or fireworks after. Very affordable for a family adventure.

7. West Acres Shopping Center

3902 13th Ave S, Fargo, ND 58103-3357 http://www.westacres.com/
Excellent
42%
Good
47%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 122 reviews

West Acres Shopping Center

As the region's premier shopping destination, West Acres Shopping Center is home to over 120 stores, including 4 major department stores, and exclusive stores.

Reviewed By gabes953

One of the last great malls left. It's has tall ceilings, bright lights, and not only well kept, but very nice. Food court is decent but Crave is awesome. Selection of stores is definitely the best in region, not even close. Plenty of stuff to do with kids, including an arcade, play land, giant fountain, art studio, fish tanks, and movie theaters behind the mall. Baseball fans may like the Roger Maris wing, even has an original Yankee Stadium seat

8. Fargo Air Museum

1609 19th Ave N, Fargo, ND 58102-1886 +1 701-293-8043 [email protected] http://www.fargoairmuseum.org
Excellent
49%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 176 reviews

Fargo Air Museum

Located just off I-29 interstate, The Fargo Air Museum is an easily accessed pet friendly, must-stop location. North Dakota's premiere aviation destination, the Fargo Air Museum's dual hangars are home to aircraft of all eras - from a modern unmanned reconnaissance drone to the "most accurate recreation of a Wright Brothers' flyer the Smithsonian Institute has ever seen." A "flying" museum, many of the airplanes occasionally take to the sky, a unique feature not found in the vast majority of the nation's static-display air museums. More than just a simple place to display its many aircraft, military memorabilia and exhibits, the Fargo Air Museum also houses one of the midwest's largest Aviation libraries. In addition, the museum hosts educational day-camps, speakers and seminars for flight fans of all ages to enjoy. The Fargo Air Museum is a fantastic choice for a unique venue for corporate & private events and has quickly become a local favorite for hosting wedding ceremonies and receptions. Please email for event rental information. Located across the street from the Fargodome, the museum is also surrounded with dining opportunities and is conveniently just moments away from the Fargo's Hector International Airport.

Reviewed By F1600QZtimb - Crosby, United States

A bit disappointed that the Corsair was not there. A lot of great war birds among other things like a good souvenir shop.

9. North Dakota State Capitol Building

600 E Boulevard Ave Dept 110, Bismarck, ND 58505-0601 +1 701-328-2480 [email protected] http://www.nd.gov/omb/public/state-capitol-information
Excellent
52%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 286 reviews

North Dakota State Capitol Building

Tours begin on the hour. Monday through Friday: 9:00 am, 10:00 am, 11:00 am, 1:00 pm, 2:00 pm, 3:00 pm. Memorial Day through Labor weekend tours are offered. Saturday: 9:00 am, 10:00 am, 11:00 am, 1:00 pm, 2:00 pm, 3:00 pm. Sunday: 1:00 pm, 2:00 pm, 3:00 pm.

Reviewed By 66Marla - Lewisville, United States

After visiting the Heritage Museum, we walked over to the Capitol building. The beautiful wood paneling in the Senate and House of Representatives rooms was magnificent. We took the elevator to the 18th floor and were able to view the city. This gave us a nice perspective on the area. Returning to the first floor we looked at all of the paintings in the Rough Rider Hall of Fame, those from North Dakota who brought fame to the state. Short but great visit.

10. Scandinavian Heritage Park

1020 S Broadway 11th Ave Southwest intersection, Minot, ND 58701-4660 +1 701-852-9161 http://www.scandinavianheritage.org
Excellent
62%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 339 reviews

Scandinavian Heritage Park

Reviewed By mgalex - Bothell, United States

This park is absolutely gorgeous and tells so much of the Scandinavian heritage that helped build this country. Showing many of the historic places and things that they loved and brought with them to teach people here the true history of those countries and their ancestors that came here and worked so hard to create a new life. Most people never have the opportunity to go to their family's home country but they can gain so much about that life by visiting here. THe Museum is free but they do ask for a donation.

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