10 Cool Places to Visit in North Dakota
A visit to North Dakota is a must. The state’s landscape is full of rolling plains, rugged badlands and quaint communities just waiting to be explored. Whether you are traveling solo or with a group, you can make your itinerary as full or sparse as you’d like – spend hours at a national park or jump from a museum to an art gallery to a restaurant and then to a cute shop. Ahead, find a few places to get you started on your “must-visit in North Dakota” list.
In This Article
1. Theodore Roosevelt National Park/Medora
This is one of the “top attractions in the state,” says Kim Schmidt, communications manager for the North Dakota Department of Commerce. At this national park, you won’t find the crowds that are common in other parks. Instead, you’ll be met with vast canyons, herds of bison and plenty of space for outdoor adventures. The Old West city of Medora is the gateway to the national park and a fun stop if you want to check out the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library, which opens in 2026.
2. Lake Sakakawea
A visit to North Dakota isn’t complete without spending time at Lake Sakakawea. Anglers, boaters and outdoor recreation lovers flock to this massive lake in the state’s northwest quadrant. It has more shoreline than California’s Pacific coast, offering plenty of access points for a day on the water. For those who prefer land-based activities, you’ll find scenic hiking trails along the shore at Lake Sakakawea State Park and Fort Stevenson State Park.
3. Scandinavian Heritage Park
Located in Minot, this park gives a nod to the settlers who came to North Dakota from Scandinavian countries. Visitors can take a free guided tour to see a full-size replica of the majestic Gol Stave Church, then pose for photos in front of the approximately 30-foot-tall Dala horse that’s painted bright red.
4. MHA Interpretive Center
History buffs will love a visit to MHA Interpretive Center in New Town, North Dakota, as it provides a look at the area’s Native American history through exhibits and living history presentations. View traditional artifacts, historical photos and interactive displays that detail the lives of the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation.
5. Devils Lake
The northeastern part of the state is home to Devils Lake, which is good for fishing year-round.
“Ice fishing is very popular on Devils Lake,” Schmidt says, and you can even book a guide service that will put you right on the fish. Make sure to visit downtown Devils Lake, North Dakota, to check out Black Paws Brewing Co. after your day on the water.
6. North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum
Visitors of all ages will love stopping at this free museum that traces the state’s history from 600 million years ago to today.
“It’s wonderful for kids,” Schmidt says. “In addition to four galleries, they have a treehouse there, so if you have young children, it’s a great place to get them immersed in learning as well as activities.”
7. Enchanted Highway
When road-tripping through the western part of the state, you’ll be rewarded with larger-than-life metal sculptures as you pass along the 32 miles between Gladstone and Regent. This stretch is known as the Enchanted Highway, and it was created by Gary Greff, a retired history teacher who was not familiar with iron welding but wanted to find a way to keep his rural community alive. He built and erected these sculptures to entice people to visit Regent, North Dakota.
8. Pembina Gorge State Recreation Area
Head to northeastern North Dakota to visit this recreation area, popular for its fall colors and year-round outdoor adventures, like hiking, skiing and mountain biking. It’s also located near the new Pembina Gorge State Park, scheduled to open in the fall of 2025.
9. World’s Largest Buffalo Monument
Another fun roadside attraction is the massive 26-foot-tall buffalo named Dakota Thunder that stands in Jamestown, aptly known as Buffalo City. Pose for some pictures in front of this giant sculpture before heading over to the North American Bison Discovery Center next door. Here, you can learn about this animal’s significance while watching a live bison herd grazing nearby. Located on the same complex is Frontier Village, a preserved pioneer town where you can even ride a stagecoach.
10. International Peace Garden
Make your way to North Dakota’s border with Canada to visit this expansive park that’s best to visit in the summer when everything is in full bloom. Don’t skip a stop at their new conservatory, which houses one of the largest collections of cactuses and succulents in the world. There’s a children’s nature play area there, and you can rent kayaks to explore the garden’s waterways.
This article was sponsored by the North Dakota Department of Commerce.