Things to Do in North Dakota: Top Sights and Original 3, 5 & 7-Day Itineraries
North Dakota is one of America's least visited states, which makes its wide-open landscapes all the more rewarding. The painted badlands of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, the cowboy town of Medora, the giant sculptures of the Enchanted Highway, Bismarck's history and Fargo's lively downtown make for a classic Great Plains road trip.
This guide covers the best things to do in North Dakota, with itineraries for 3, 5 and 7 days, ideas for weekends, couples and families, local food, where to stay and how to get around.
Top things to see in North Dakota
Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Badlands with bison and wild horses.
Medora
Western town and summer musical.
Enchanted Highway
Giant metal sculptures.
Fargo
Downtown, Plains Art Museum and Fargo Theatre.
North Dakota State Capitol
Art deco skyscraper in Bismarck.
Fort Abraham Lincoln
Custer's last post and On-A-Slant Village.
Lake Sakakawea
Huge reservoir for boating.
Knife River Indian Villages
Hidatsa earth lodge sites.
North Dakota in 3 days: an original itinerary
1Day 1 · Fargo
Begin in Fargo with a walk along Broadway, the historic Fargo Theatre and the Plains Art Museum, then see the woodchipper from the movie at the visitor center. Lunch downtown. In the afternoon, the Red River Zoo or Bonanzaville in West Fargo, and dinner at a brewpub.
2Day 2 · Bismarck
Drive to Bismarck and climb the art deco State Capitol, then explore the North Dakota Heritage Center with dinosaur fossils and Native American history. Lunch downtown. In the afternoon, Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park with Custer's house and the reconstructed Mandan earth lodges.
3Day 3 · Knife River and Lake Sakakawea
Visit the Knife River Indian Villages, where Sakakawea joined Lewis and Clark, and walk among the earth lodge depressions. Lunch in Stanton or Garrison. In the afternoon, boating or fishing on Lake Sakakawea and a lakeside sunset.
North Dakota in 5 days
Follow the 3-day plan above, then add these two days:
4Day 4 · Enchanted Highway
Drive the Enchanted Highway from Gladstone to Regent, stopping at giant scrap-metal sculptures like Geese in Flight and the Tin Family. Lunch in Regent. Continue to Medora for the evening and the Pitchfork Steak Fondue followed by the Medora Musical in summer.
5Day 5 · Theodore Roosevelt National Park South
Drive the scenic loop in the South Unit to see bison, prairie dog towns and wild horses, and visit Roosevelt's Maltese Cross Cabin. Lunch in Medora. Hike Painted Canyon or Wind Canyon at sunset.
North Dakota in 7 days
With a full week, keep days 1 to 5 and finish with:
6Day 6 · North Unit
Explore the quieter North Unit with Oxbow Overlook, the Caprock Coulee Trail and longhorn cattle. Lunch in Watford City. Return to Medora or ride part of the Maah Daah Hey Trail. The 14-mile scenic drive ends at Oxbow Overlook, one of the best viewpoints in the park.
7Day 7 · Farewell
Spend a final morning in Medora with the Billings County Museum and shops, then drive back east with a stop at the world's largest buffalo statue in Jamestown and a farewell steak dinner.
What to do in North Dakota on a weekend
Things to do in North Dakota on a weekend? Saturday: Medora and the Musical. Sunday: Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
The Medora Musical runs June to early September.
What to do in North Dakota in the evening
In the evening, the Medora Musical under the stars.
Downtown Fargo bars.
North Dakota for couples
For couples, Painted Canyon at sunset, Medora and a quiet lodge.
North Dakota with kids
With kids, the national park wildlife, Heritage Center dinosaurs and the Red River Zoo.
What to eat in North Dakota
Knoephla soup
Creamy dumpling soup.
Pitchfork steak
Medora fondue.
Bison burger
Local meat.
Kuchen
German-Russian pastry.
Walleye
Fried fish.
Where to stay in North Dakota: best areas
Medora
Park gateway.
Bismarck
Capital.
Fargo
City.
Watford City
North Unit.
What to do in North Dakota when it rains
Things to do in North Dakota when it rains? Heritage Center, Plains Art Museum, Fargo Theatre and Bonanzaville.
How much does a trip to North Dakota cost?
Expect $90–170 per night and a $30 park vehicle pass.
Practical tips for North Dakota
Best time to visit
June–September.
Getting around
Car essential.
Our practical tips
- Book Medora early.
- Keep distance from bison.
- Fill up on gas.
- Bring layers.
- Visit both park units.
- Watch for deer at dusk.
Mistakes to avoid
- Winter road trips unprepared.
- Approaching wildlife.
- Long drives at night.
- Skipping the North Unit.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best things to do in North Dakota?
Theodore Roosevelt National Park and Medora.
Things to do in North Dakota with kids?
Wildlife and dinosaur museums.
What is the Enchanted Highway?
A road with giant sculptures.
Best time to visit?
Summer.