North Dakota Travel Guide - 2026 Travel Guide
CITIES
2026-01-26 06:12:58
GRAND FORKS
UND HOCKEY
The University of North Dakota (UND) Fighting Hawks, a top-ranked NCAA Division I hockey team with multiple national titles, boast an impressive legacy with 20 former athletes currently playing in the NHL. If you are not able to take in a game, at least take a tour of the Ralph Englestad Arena, regarded as one of the best hockey arenas in the country.
CAMPUS MUST-SEES
The North Dakota Museum of Art and the world-renowned John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences are also located on the UND campus.
DISTINCTLY DOWNTOWN
Downtown Grand Forks features a seasonal farmer’s market, street fair, music and art festivals, as well as unique dining options and one-of-a-kind boutiques. The area has a bustling and charming feel with green spaces, sculptures, outdoor art and several art galleries, including the Empire Arts Center. Enjoy a great cup of coffee, gourmet pizza or local craft beer while you explore.
MAKE A SPLASH
Splasher’s of the South Seas is one of North Dakota’s largest indoor water parks. It includes a lazy river, pool, hot tub and a concession stand. Garbanzo’s Pizza and an arcade are also available for even more family-friendly entertainment.
FARGO & WEST FARGO
NDSU FOOTBALL
The North Dakota State University (NDSU) Bison have won 10 NCAA Division I FCS national championships in recent years. Their popularity has brought ESPN College Game Day to Fargo twice, and the team has 20 players currently in the NFL.
NORTH OF NORMAL
Fargo has a unique blend of art, culture, history and sports. Check out Roberts Alley and Broadway Square in downtown Fargo – a couple of cool urban gathering spaces perfect for meeting up and hanging out with friends.
Also downtown is the iconic Fargo Theatre where audiences are treated to local talent, popular musicians, comedians, movies and more. And don’t miss the Plains Art Museum which showcases the work of renowned artists.
If history and aircraft are your thing, visit the Fargo Air Museum which features historic aircraft that can still fly. Sports fans enjoy professional baseball, watching the RedHawks at Newman Outdoor Field, or USHL hockey when the Fargo Force hit the ice at Scheels Arena.
RED RIVER VALLEY FAIR
West Fargo’s annual Red River Valley Fair, July 3-12, is 10 days of all the concerts, races, food and fun you’d expect from a fair. Visit Bonanzaville next door and step back in time to the pioneer days of the region.
MINOT
UNLOCK THE MAGIC
You could fill up several days in Minot with affordable, family-friendly activities.
Magic City Discovery Center is a STEAM-focused children’s museum and science center with 150 hands-on exhibits for children of all ages. Roosevelt Park Zoo is another must-do activity. The zoo features over 200 animals from 90 different species including lions, bears, penguins and giraffes. A baby giraffe was born in the fall of 2025! Scandinavian Heritage Park celebrates the heritage of Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Iceland with beautiful and fascinating buildings, statues and monuments. Dakota Territory Air Museum has over 60 aircraft on display including the rare Hawker Hurricane, plus over 8,000 artifacts and memorabilia.
FAIR FUN AND NORDIC FLAIR
The North Dakota State Fair, July 17-25, is a non-stop entertainment with big name concerts, a carnival, auto races, exhibits and competitions. Plus, nine days of fair food - if it is tasting amazing, is deep fried, or comes on a stick, you’ll likely find it at the fair.
The Scandinavian Heritage Park is a 14-acre park dedicated to celebrating the culture of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden. It features replicas of historical buildings, monuments, and cultural symbols from each country, such as a replica of the Gol Stave Church, a Danish windmill, a 25-foot-tall Swedish Dala Horse, and a Norwegian Stabbur.
BISMARCK MANDAN
BRIDGING HISTORY AND ADVENTURE
The two cities of Bismarck and Mandan, separated by the beautiful Missouri River, offer history, culture and dining. Attractions include the Dakota Zoo, and their newest exhibit — endangered African Penguins.
The North Dakota Heritage Center and State Museum is a fantastic free attraction. Take an excursion on the Missouri River in the Lewis & Clark Riverboat during the summer or fall. The boat is a replica of the great river steamers.
Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park in Mandan sits on the southwest side of the Missouri River. Find 19 miles of looping trails, camp along the river’s edge or visit the blockhouses that overlook the river. Tours are available at General George Custer’s last home and the On-a-Slant Village where Mandan Native Americans once lived.
DIVE INTO FUN
Pontoon rentals are available on the Missouri River and water recreation abounds at McDowell Dam and Harmon Lake for swimming, kayaking, and paddle boarding. Raging Rivers Waterpark has waterslides, a lazy river and an Aqua Play area for the littles!
DOWNTOWN CHARM
Downtown Bismarck offers local shops, cozy cafes, and the iconic Belle Mehus Auditorium showcasing live performances. Across the river in downtown Mandan, you'll find a charming atmosphere with locally owned boutiques and lively events like rodeos and parades.
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