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
What to do and see in North Dakota, United States: The Best Things to do
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
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!
2. Knife River Indian Villages Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 77 reviews
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.
3. Scandinavian Heritage Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 339 reviews
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.
4. The Dakota Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 313 reviews
The Dakota Zoo was founded in 1961 by Marc & Betty Christianson with the help of a host of dedicated volunteers. The Dakota Zoo opened its gates on June 3, 1961 on 15 acres of developed land, with 75 mammals and 23 birds, and 40,000 visitors passed through the gates that first year. Today, thanks to the continued support of members, visitors, donors and volunteers, the Dakota Zoo has grown to a 90 acre facility housing 600 animals, birds, reptiles and fish representing 125 species and visited by more than 150,000 people each year.
Reviewed By UCFKnightsFan - Orlando, United States
I have been to about 90 zoos around the world. This zoo was great! I really enjoyed it. Spaced out well with nice walking paths, nice habitats / exhibits / biomes. Great complement of species.....Transcaspian Urial, Siberian Musk Deer, Pronghorn, Elk, Bison, Aoudad, Mouflon, White Bengal Tiger, Snow Leopard, Grizzly Bear, Coati, Pine Marten, Reeve's Muntjac, Tammar Wallaby, Mexican Gray Wolf, Fisher, North American River Otter, Lynx, Arctic Fox, Mountain Lion / Puma, Bobcat, etc. They also have a wonderful and well-designed children's area. The admission was only $10.00. A great bargain for a zoo such as this. I was in the gift shop and was chatting with the two employees working (Paige and Troy). They were GREAT! Very friendly, personable, and wonderful to chat with. I HIGHLY recommend a visit to the Dakota Zoo!
5. Flood Memorial Monument
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 81 reviews
Monument honors the rescue workers of the April 18, 1997 flood.
Reviewed By wendyhC9237AY - Queen Creek, United States
We were in town for business and wanted to take a walk around the area after enjoying coffee time at Urban Stampede, so we just started walking. We knew about the devastating floods in the past and this was to place to come and visualize. We walk along the beautiful river walk and stopped at the Flood Memorial Monument. WOW. Water that high? YES. Quick and easy walk, worth your time to go see and have a point of reference to talk with the locals.
6. University of North Dakota
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 95 reviews
Reviewed By RaeA798 - Henderson, United States
During our recent road trip we spent time in Grand Forks North Dakota, not by choice! Our car broke down just after we arrived and we ended up getting another Ford Expedition from Lithia Ford (they attempted to fix the other car, but to no avail). While there, they loaned us another car and we got to visit UND! What a beautiful campus, and since we are hockey fans, the Englestad hockey arena is amazing! Sickies Garge still the best cheese burger my husband says,although you have to cross the bridge to Minnesota to get it!
7. Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,750 reviews
Reviewed By Lovetotravelon
Theodore Roosevelt National Park it's one of our favorite places to go. We love the north unit the best. The camping has potable water available but you must use your camper electricity and sewer. Although there are restrooms. It is a beautiful park for hiking and seeking out animals in their natural habitat. The campground hosts are good to warn when the largest of the animals are roaming nearby but sometimes ya just gotta be alert. Most of the animals are born in the park so the animals are used to us humans, but be cautious they are still wild animals. An early morning or late evening drive is a good viewing time. Some of the animals we have been privileged to see are wild turkeys, rattle snakes, wild horses, mule deer, prairie dogs, kestrel, golden eagles, bison, mountain sheep, bats, fox, badger, elk, white tail deer, coyotes, long horn steer. Hope I haven't missed some. The hiking trails are unique, one follows a crevice in the ground, one crosses flat land to a prairie dog town, several hikes stay on high ground with beautiful scenery all the way. Some call it the bad lands, but it doesn't look bad to me, it is gorgeous. The south unit has its unique hiking trails also. So hard to explain, ya just have to go and experience it all yourself. The south unit has the tiny town of Medora nearby. Don't overlook this amazing National Park. It is...well just amazing.
8. Fargo-Moorhead Visitors Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 400 reviews
Our Visitors Center, the "Grain Elevator", located at exit 348 of Interstate 94 has bushels of information, maps, brochures as well as a gift shop. It is open year round so stop in and talk to our Visitor Center Travel Ambassadors. We provide free wifi, popcorn, and coffee for visitors...And the bathrooms are spick-and-span! The Fargo-Moorhead Visitors Center is also home to the woodchipper from the movie 'FARGO.' Stop by and have your photo taken with the infamous woodchipper! We provide the (fake) leg and bomber hats to complete the photo op. Be sure to see the Celebrity Walk of Fame outside our visitors center with star signatures and hand & foot prints in cement.
Reviewed By worldtraveler1951-11 - Wellesley, United States
What a fun way to end my journey to all 50 states! I have no idea how they know that this would be my last, but at 11 am, I was already the 4th person that day to complete this milestone. What a hoot! I got the tee-shirt and took many pictures of my friend with the infamous woodchipper from the movie. Pippa was very friendly and helpful. I suggest anyone passing through Fargo stop by the visitor's center for local hospitality as well as good recommendations for other local sites.
9. Bonanzaville
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 181 reviews
Bonanzaville is a pioneer village and history museum in West Fargo, ND. We explore the history of the Red River Valley, from Native Americans to the modernization of America. We have 36 historic buildings, each with their own story. Come explore our twelve acre village and the large exhibit areas which feature new displays each year!
Reviewed By TheTravelingRussells
We had such a great time visiting Bonanzaville!! There is a vast array of buildings ranging from old RR depots to school houses to banks. All of the buildings have been well-preserved and stocked full of historical artifacts people of any age will appreciate. Simply one of the best museums we have visited...Well done Cass County Historical Society!!
10. Red River Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 313 reviews
The Red River Zoo is a leading conservation organization for some of the world's rarest cold climate species. We feature world class exhibits on over 33 beautiful acres. Founded in 1999, we are constantly growing into a leading attraction in the Fargo Moorhead area. Our new interactive Children' Zoo Farm and Nature's Legendary Playground open in 2016! Come in and see for yourself!
Reviewed By 953sandyo - Sauk City, United States
We had so much fun at this zoo. Animals are easy to see, there is a great walkway and easy to follow path through the zoo. It may not have all of the animals other zoos do, but it has some unique ones that I have not seen at other zoos. The zoo grounds are well kept. On this visit we heard the wolves howl. A local family told us they come a few times a week and have never heard that. We were excited to be able to experience that. There is also a petting zoo of farm animals, a playground, and interactive things for children. Don't miss the carousel. This carousel was built by the famous Hershel Carousel Factory in New York and the horses are hand carved. No matter how old or young you are, make this a stop on any visit to Fargo.
