Day Trips in North Dakota: your guide to Adventure
North Dakota has a lot of hidden gems for day trips! Whether you’re into nature, history, or quirky roadside attractions, here are some great options:
Nature & Outdoor Adventures
- Theodore Roosevelt National Park (Medora)
- Scenic drives, hiking trails, and incredible badlands landscapes.
- Wildlife spotting: bison, wild horses, prairie dogs.
- Stop by the Painted Canyon Overlook for breathtaking views.
- Icelandic State Park (Cavalier)
- Hiking, fishing, and picnicking on the shores of Lake Renwick.
- Pioneer Heritage Center for history buffs.
- Beautiful fall foliage in autumn.
- Turtle River State Park (Arvilla)
- Hiking, birdwatching, and mountain biking.
- Great spot for a relaxing nature escape.
- Lake Sakakawea (Pick City)
- Boating, fishing, and beautiful lake views.
- Garrison Dam nearby for tours.
Historical & Cultural Sites
- Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park (Mandan)
- Walk through General Custer’s last home before the Battle of Little Bighorn.
- Visit the reconstructed Mandan Native American earth lodges.
- Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site (Stanton)
- Learn about the Mandan and Hidatsa tribes.
- Explore reconstructed earth lodges and archaeological sites.
- The Enchanted Highway (Regent)
- A unique roadside attraction featuring massive metal sculptures.
- Starts in Gladstone and ends in Regent, ND.
- North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum (Bismarck)
- Dinosaurs, Native American artifacts, and pioneer history.
- Free admission and great for families.
- National Buffalo Museum & Frontier Village (Jamestown)
- See the world’s largest buffalo statue.
- Visit the live herd, including rare white buffalo.
Small Town Charms & Unique Stops
- Medora & The Medora Musical
- A charming Old West town with live entertainment in summer.
- Pitchfork steak fondue with a scenic overlook.
- The Pyramid of North Dakota (Nekoma)
- A Cold War-era missile defense radar station that looks like a sci-fi structure.
- International Peace Garden (Dunseith)
- A serene park straddling the U.S.-Canada border.
- Beautiful gardens, hiking, and the Peace Chapel.
- Bottineau Winter Park (Bottineau)
- A great day trip for skiing or snowboarding in winter.
- Paul Broste Rock Museum (Parshall)
- A quirky yet fascinating collection of rocks, gems, and fossils.
Here are 10 great day trips for each region of North Dakota, covering western, central, and eastern parts of the state.
Western North Dakota Day Trips
(Badlands, rugged landscapes, and Old West history)
- Theodore Roosevelt National Park (Medora) – Explore scenic drives, wildlife viewing, and hiking in the North Dakota Badlands.
- Medora & The Medora Musical (Medora) – Stroll through the historic town and catch the famous outdoor musical in summer.
- The Enchanted Highway (Gladstone to Regent) – Drive along a scenic highway featuring the world’s largest scrap metal sculptures.
- Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site (Williston) – Step back into the fur trading era and explore the reconstructed fort.
- Little Missouri State Park (Killdeer) – A great place for hiking, horseback riding, and stunning views of the Badlands.
- Lewis & Clark State Park (Epping) – Enjoy boating, fishing, and camping along Lake Sakakawea.
- Makoshika State Park (Glendive, MT, near Beach, ND) – North Dakota’s neighboring dinosaur fossil site and scenic Badlands.
- Burning Coal Vein (Amidon) – See an underground coal seam that has been burning for decades.
- Killdeer Mountain Battlefield State Historic Site (Killdeer) – A historic battle site from the Dakota War of 1864.
- Pyramid of North Dakota (Nekoma) – A Cold War-era missile defense radar station shaped like a pyramid.
Central North Dakota Day Trips
(State history, wildlife, and outdoor adventures)
- Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park (Mandan) – Tour General Custer’s last home, explore Mandan earth lodges, and hike scenic trails.
- Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site (Stanton) – Visit reconstructed earth lodges and learn about the Mandan and Hidatsa tribes.
- North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum (Bismarck) – A free museum covering dinosaurs, Native American history, and pioneer life.
- Lake Sakakawea State Park (Pick City) – A top spot for boating, fishing, and hiking.
- Audubon National Wildlife Refuge (Coleharbor) – Perfect for birdwatching and photography.
- Garrison Dam National Fish Hatchery (Riverdale) – Take a tour and learn about fish conservation.
- Mystical Horizons (Bottineau) – A “Stonehenge of the Prairie” featuring astronomical alignments.
- International Peace Garden (Dunseith) – A tranquil park on the U.S.-Canada border with beautiful gardens.
- Paul Broste Rock Museum (Parshall) – A fascinating collection of gems and fossils.
- Bottineau Winter Park (Bottineau) – A top winter destination for skiing and snowboarding.
Eastern North Dakota Day Trips
(Lush valleys, small-town charm, and cultural attractions)
- Icelandic State Park (Cavalier) – Hike scenic trails and visit the Pioneer Heritage Center.
- Turtle River State Park (Arvilla) – Enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and picnicking near Grand Forks.
- Sheyenne National Grassland (McLeod area) – A hidden gem with hiking and horseback riding trails.
- Fort Ransom State Park (Fort Ransom) – A beautiful valley park with hiking and kayaking.
- Fargo Air Museum (Fargo) – See vintage aircraft and aviation history.
- Bonanzaville, USA (West Fargo) – Explore an entire pioneer village with historic buildings and artifacts.
- Chahinkapa Zoo (Wahpeton) – A small but excellent zoo featuring rare animals like white tigers.
- National Buffalo Museum & Frontier Village (Jamestown) – Home to the world’s largest buffalo statue and a live herd.
- Pembina Gorge State Recreation Area (Walhalla) – Offers stunning fall colors, hiking, and off-road trails.
- Ronald Reagan Minuteman Missile Site (Cooperstown) – Tour a preserved Cold War missile launch facility.
Here are 10 budget-friendly day trips for each region of North Dakota, featuring free or low-cost attractions, nature spots, and historical sites.
Western North Dakota – Budget-Friendly Day Trips
(Enjoy the Badlands, historical sites, and outdoor recreation for little to no cost!)
- Theodore Roosevelt National Park – South Unit (Medora)
- Cost: $20 per vehicle (valid for 7 days)
- Drive the scenic loop, hike trails, and see bison and wild horses.
- Painted Canyon Overlook (Near Medora)
- Cost: Free
- A stunning panoramic viewpoint of the Badlands, with a short hiking trail.
- The Enchanted Highway (Gladstone to Regent)
- Cost: Free
- A self-guided drive to see the world’s largest metal sculptures.
- Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site (Williston)
- Cost: Free
- Tour a reconstructed 19th-century fur trading post.
- Lewis & Clark State Park (Epping)
- Cost: $7 per vehicle
- A great spot for picnicking, swimming, and hiking along Lake Sakakawea.
- Little Missouri State Park (Killdeer)
- Cost: $5 per vehicle
- Enjoy hiking and photography in the rugged Badlands.
- Burning Coal Vein & Logging Camp Ranch (Near Amidon)
- Cost: Free
- See a natural underground coal fire that has been smoldering for years.
- Chateau de Mores State Historic Site (Medora)
- Cost: $5 per person, free for kids
- Tour the historic home of a French nobleman who settled in the Badlands.
- Killdeer Mountain Four Bears Scenic Byway (Killdeer)
- Cost: Free
- A scenic drive showcasing North Dakota’s western landscapes.
- Missouri-Yellowstone Confluence Interpretive Center (Williston)
- Cost: Free
- Learn about the meeting point of two major rivers in history.
Central North Dakota – Budget-Friendly Day Trips
(Affordable history, nature, and culture in the heart of the state!)
- Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park (Mandan)
- Cost: $7 per vehicle
- Walk through General Custer’s home and explore Native American earth lodges.
- Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site (Stanton)
- Cost: Free
- Visit a reconstructed village and learn about the Mandan people.
- North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum (Bismarck)
- Cost: Free
- See dinosaur fossils, Native American artifacts, and pioneer history exhibits.
- Lake Sakakawea State Park (Pick City)
- Cost: $7 per vehicle
- Great for hiking, fishing, and enjoying the waterfront.
- Audubon National Wildlife Refuge (Coleharbor)
- Cost: Free
- A top spot for birdwatching and scenic walking trails.
- Garrison Dam National Fish Hatchery (Riverdale)
- Cost: Free
- Learn about fish conservation with a guided tour.
- Mystical Horizons (Bottineau)
- Cost: Free
- Known as the “Stonehenge of the Prairie,” featuring astronomy alignments.
- International Peace Garden (Dunseith)
- Cost: $25 per vehicle (Annual Pass Available)
- A beautifully maintained garden straddling the U.S.-Canada border.
- Paul Broste Rock Museum (Parshall)
- Cost: $5 donation suggested
- A quirky but fascinating rock and fossil museum.
- Double Ditch Indian Village Historic Site (Bismarck)
- Cost: Free
- Explore an ancient Mandan settlement along the Missouri River.
Eastern North Dakota – Budget-Friendly Day Trips
(Explore scenic parks, historic sites, and cultural attractions on a budget!)
- Icelandic State Park (Cavalier)
- Cost: $7 per vehicle
- Features hiking, a beach, and the free Pioneer Heritage Center.
- Turtle River State Park (Arvilla)
- Cost: $7 per vehicle
- Great for hiking, picnicking, and mountain biking.
- Sheyenne National Grassland (McLeod area)
- Cost: Free
- A quiet prairie escape for hiking and wildlife spotting.
- Fort Ransom State Park (Fort Ransom)
- Cost: $7 per vehicle
- Offers scenic hiking trails and kayaking options.
- Fargo Air Museum (Fargo)
- Cost: $10 for adults, discounts for students & seniors
- Features historic aircraft and interactive aviation exhibits.
- Bonanzaville, USA (West Fargo)
- Cost: $12 for adults, kids under 5 free
- Explore a pioneer village with more than 40 historic buildings.
- Chahinkapa Zoo (Wahpeton)
- Cost: $10 for adults, $6 for kids
- A small zoo with rare animals, including white tigers.
- National Buffalo Museum & Frontier Village (Jamestown)
- Cost: Free to see the buffalo, museum entry is $8
- Visit the world’s largest buffalo statue and see a live herd.
- Pembina Gorge State Recreation Area (Walhalla)
- Cost: Free
- Great for hiking, mountain biking, and enjoying the fall colors.
- Ronald Reagan Minuteman Missile Site (Cooperstown)
- Cost: $10 for adults, discounts for students & seniors
- Tour a preserved Cold War missile launch facility.
These trips allow you to explore North Dakota on a budget while experiencing its stunning nature, fascinating history, and unique roadside attractions. Let me know if you want recommendations based on a specific location or activity!
Here are 10 budget-friendly, lesser-known day trips for each region of North Dakota—hidden gems that are often overlooked but offer fantastic experiences for little to no cost.
Western North Dakota – Lesser-Known Budget-Friendly Day Trips
- Golva Scenic Overlook (Golva) – Free
- A hidden Badlands view without the crowds. Perfect for photography.
- Lone Butte (South of Watford City) – Free
- A short hike with a stunning panoramic view of the western plains.
- Medicine Hole (Killdeer Mountains) – Free
- A mysterious cave with legends of an underground passage. Moderate hike.
- White Butte (Amidon) – Free
- North Dakota’s highest natural point. A moderate 1.5-mile hike.
- Spring Creek Waterfall (Near Zap) – Free
- A small, beautiful waterfall tucked away in the countryside.
- Dakota Dinosaur Museum (Dickinson) – $6 for adults, kids under 5 free
- A lesser-known dinosaur museum with real fossils and life-sized replicas.
- Cannonball Concretions (Theodore Roosevelt National Park – North Unit) – $20 per vehicle (National Park Entry)
- Unique round rock formations found along the riverbanks.
- Scranton Nature Area (Scranton) – Free
- A peaceful hiking area with rolling prairie and wildlife.
- Lake Ilo National Wildlife Refuge (Dunn Center) – Free
- A quiet fishing and birdwatching spot with historical significance.
- Fairview Lift Bridge & Cartwright Tunnel (Cartwright) – Free
- An abandoned railway bridge with a walkable tunnel. Great for adventurers!
Central North Dakota – Lesser-Known Budget-Friendly Day Trips
- Harmon Lake (Mandan) – Free
- A small, peaceful lake with hiking trails and kayaking.
- Steamboat Park & Steamboat Graveyard (Bismarck) – Free
- Remnants of old steamboats along the Missouri River.
- Blue Flint Ethanol Plant Tour (Underwood) – Free
- A unique free tour of an ethanol production facility.
- Menoken Indian Village Site (Menoken) – Free
- An archaeological site of an ancient Native American settlement.
- Canfield Lake National Wildlife Refuge (McClusky) – Free
- A hidden gem for birdwatching and nature photography.
- Weldon Railroad Spur Trail (Washburn) – Free
- A quiet trail following an old railroad bed with scenic countryside views.
- Lake Tschida (Between Glen Ullin & Elgin) – Free (Day use)
- A hidden alternative to Lake Sakakawea, great for swimming and relaxing.
- Totten Trail Historic Inn (Fort Totten) – Free to visit
- A former military post turned into a historical bed & breakfast.
- North Country National Scenic Trail (Lonetree WMA near Harvey) – Free
- A lesser-known segment of a national hiking trail.
- Ghost Town of Verendrye (McHenry County) – Free
- A nearly abandoned town with historic buildings and an old monument.
Eastern North Dakota – Lesser-Known Budget-Friendly Day Trips
- Sand Hill River Watershed (Near Climax, MN – Just across the ND border) – Free
- A hidden river valley with rare oak savannas and hiking trails.
- Tewaukon National Wildlife Refuge (Cayuga) – Free
- A peaceful place to see rare birds and prairie landscapes.
- Rydell National Wildlife Refuge (East Grand Forks, MN – Near Grand Forks, ND) – Free
- A quiet nature area with accessible trails and wetlands.
- Sheyenne Oaks Horse Camp & RV Park (Leonard) – Free to visit
- Unique prairieland with bison sightings and horseback riding trails.
- Hinsch Slough Waterfowl Production Area (Gwinner) – Free
- A hidden wetland perfect for birdwatching and photography.
- Twin Bridges Park (Colgate) – Free
- A hidden riverside park with picnic areas and fishing spots.
- Whitestone Hill Battlefield (Kulm) – Free
- A little-known Civil War-era battlefield with memorials.
- Rose Creek Golf Course Walking Trails (Fargo) – Free
- A quiet nature walk along a scenic golf course.
- Goose River Water Trail (Mayville) – Free
- A hidden spot for kayaking and canoeing in eastern ND.
- Ardoch National Wildlife Refuge (Ardoch) – Free
- A remote wildlife refuge with great views of the prairie.
These hidden gems across North Dakota provide affordable and unique experiences without the usual crowds. Let me know if you need more details on any of these!