Top Things to do in North Dakota
Top Hotels in North Dakota
- 1. Jasper Hotel
- 2. Best Western Plus Kelly Inn & Suites
- 3. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Fargo-Medical Center
- 4. Home2 Suites by Hilton Fargo, ND
- 5. Radisson Blu Fargo
- 6. Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham Dickinson
- 7. Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Minot
- 8. Best Western Roosevelt Place Hotel
- 9. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Bismarck
- 10. Sleep Inn & Suites Fargo Medical Center
Countries
The 10 Best Things to do Good for Couples in North Dakota, United States
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. Oxbow Overlook
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 32 reviews
The ease with which wildlife can be seen in this part of Theodore Roosevelt National Park is matched only by zoos.
Reviewed By krogersku - Johnston, United States
The Oxbow Overlook is at the end of the 14 mile road in the north unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Bathroom facilities are available. Three picnic tables are at the site. The only issue with having a picnic there is the strong prairie wind. If you are going to eat a picnic lunch there plan accordingly with your food choices. The views as expected are fantastic.
2. Caprock-Coulee Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 22 reviews
Take this self-guiding hiking trail through the North Dakota wilderness; at just under five miles in length, it won't wear you out.
Reviewed By gingersnaps527 - Spearfish, United States
This is a beautiful and, as it turned out, an exciting hike. We were hiking and taking plenty of photos on the well-maintained trail. On the way back, we spotted three buffalo on the trail. The buffalo saw us as well. We hike up a ridge and waited them out. This was a good lesson for me as I wore regular tennis shoes rather that hiking boots. There was a ton of cacti everywhere on the ridge. Always be prepared even if you think you're going on an easy hike!
3. South Unit
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 241 reviews
Popular area of the park for hiking and horseback riding.
Reviewed By dreamspeaker - Middleton, United States
We spent a few hours here on our way out to Yellowstone NP from Wisconsin, thinking it would be a pleasant diversion that would only merit a couple hours. We vastly underrated this park. Even doing a whirlwind tour (driving as much of the loop as we could, part was washed out, and taking two short hikes), it took us about 4 hours, which we were happy to spend. We could have enjoyed it for much longer. This national park has a little bit of everything - bison, prairie dogs, badlands, wild horses, windswept trees and prickly pear cactus, and we even saw a dung beetle! Driving the loop road is very pleasant. I don't think we spent enough time to ensure these were the BEST hikes, but we did hike out onto a trail that poked out into a canyon, and also did the coal vein hike which was very nice because hardly anyone else was out there. My only tip is to be aware of wildlife. On the coal vein hike, we had to stop because a bison was on the path between us and our car and we kept a good distance of at least 25 yards like we were supposed to. Bison can be very dangerous. Apparently, the tourists who pulled in while we waited to proceed were unaware of this and proceeded to approach the bison from behind to try to touch it. Thankfully, the bison only glared at them, but don't do this. Bison are dangerous animals when provoked.
4. River Bend Overlook
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 40 reviews
A scenic area in the North Unit.
Reviewed By M5335WQdans
The views are absolutely stunning. The landscapes, the wildlife was all incredible to see. We got quite a few close up encounters with buffalo. This is definitely worth the trip. If you are in the area, it is a must stop. I highly recommend both the north and south units. They are both incredible.
5. Ralph Engelstad Arena
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 318 reviews
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!
6. Widman's Candy Shop
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 130 reviews
Reviewed By KB-Coloradoan - Castle Rock, United States
This treasure of a candy shop is worth a stop every time you are in Grand Forks. The cheerful interior, the selection and the free sample draw me in. I bought 4 boxes of chippers for gifts. The chocolate covered potato chips are their signature item but lots of other fun items, choc covered olives, pickles, pretzels and other “normal” candy.
7. Fire Hall Theatre
8. Enchanted Highway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 252 reviews
Large, man-made sculptures line this scenic highway.
Reviewed By wearmanyhats - Perham, United States
If you have the time and enjoy unique experiences, consider driving from Highway 94 to Regent, with stops along the way to view the extra large metal sculptures. The artist who decided to build these sculptures never had worked with large metal pieces before. It was remarkable to see all the different ideas he came up with. I get the idea that the artist will get continue his work as time goes on. This was a lovely drive.
9. Belle Mehus Auditorium
10. North Unit
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 154 reviews
One half of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, separated from the rest of the park by almost 50 miles.
Reviewed By pasweet - Dayton, United States
I find it interesting to read the reviews that tout either the north or south unit of the park as best. They each have their good points. I would recommend going to the south unit visitors center first as it is more complete. There is no prairie dog town in the north section and the south has several huge active towns. We saw more animals in the south but we did see several herds of buffalo in the north including some animals very near the road. Three things the north unit uniquely has include: —way fewer people — cannon ball concretions which are very cool structures —the most popular view in all of North Dakota which includes the little Missouri River and the badlands. In fact this view was a contributing factor in this land becoming a federal park (according to the park ranger) In my view both sections offer unique natural experiences and everyone who can should visit both
