North Dakota Travel Guide

WATER RECREATION

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 17:56:10 +0000

LAKE METIGOSHE in the aspen-forested Turtle Mountains is one of North Dakota’s most popular vacation spots. Take part in ecology, conservation and outdoor programs at Lake Metigoshe’s Outdoor Learning Center.

The PEMBINA RIVER flows through untouched forests of northeastern North Dakota. The river’s rocky bed offers family-friendly whitewater experiences and a 13-mile canoe trail.

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EVENTS

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 04:52:04 +0000

JOIN US

FAIRS, FESTIVALS AND FAMILY-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES are going on across the state all year long. Seasonal celebrations, musicals, cultural heritage events and more are a great way to get out and see something new.

Greenway Snow Day, Grand Forks

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WESTERN CULTURE

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 04:50:56 +0000

WELCOME TO THE EDGE OF THE WEST, full of cowboy and pioneer history, and western culture.

North Dakota is the gateway to the Great American West, where authentic western culture comes alive through its deep Native American heritage and enduring cowboy traditions. The state's cultural identity is shaped by Indigenous tribes whose customs, languages, and festive powwows continue to celebrate their rich legacy, alongside the frontier spirit embodied in historic cattle ranching towns like Medora and thrilling rodeos.

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HISTORY

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 04:49:38 +0000

SAY HELLO TO HISTORIC PLACES

STATE HISTORIC SITES

FORT BUFORD

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OUTDOORS

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 04:46:16 +0000

BEAUTIFUL & BREATHTAKING

WELCOME TO STUNNING SUNSETS AND ROOM TO SLOW DOWN AND TAKE IT ALL IN.

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WELCOME TO NORTH DAKOTA!

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 04:45:15 +0000

Congratulations on visiting a destination that defies expectations. Whether this is your first time here or you’re a returning friend, we invite you to discover what makes our state special.

As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of our nation’s independence, we encourage you to explore the tribal nations with whom we share geography and learn about their culture and historic contributions. And on July 4, 2026, we’ll proudly open the doors to the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in the North Dakota Badlands. This world-class destination honors the legacy of our 26th president, who found his passion for conservation in North Dakota.

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LOCAL FLAVORS

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 13:04:35 +0000

FROM FIELD TO FORK

Get a taste of the local flavors at these Farm-To-Table restaurants. They use fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and seasonal produce to give you the best flavors North Dakota has to offer. Taste the difference with dishes prepared from fresh, sustainable ingredients. Every bite connects you to the agricultural richness and unique food culture of the area.

Pirogue Grill
Bismarck

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ND HOMEGROWN

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 13:03:33 +0000

WELCOME TO WHERE FOOD COMES FROM

Road trips across North Dakota include views of sunflowers, wheat fields and grazing cattle. This is more than scenery - our food and dairy products feed the world. Here are some great ways to get a taste of the farm, garden, dairy and ranch life. The popular sunflowers are generally blooming in the state from August to September.

NORTH DAKOTA HOMEGROWN

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ENTERTAINMENT

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 13:02:39 +0000

LET'S GO!

CONCERTS, CASINOS, COLLEGE SPORTS & MORE

Catch live entertainment across North Dakota, from the historic Fargo Theatre - home to nationally known bands and comedians - to community stages at street fairs, breweries, coffee shops and park bandshells. Major concerts light up the North Dakota State Fair in Minot, Red River Valley Fair in West Fargo, Fargo Blues Festival in Fargo, and ND Country Fest in New Salem.

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ARTS

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 13:01:44 +0000

A CANVAS OF CULTURE

PLAINS ART MUSEUM, FARGO

An accredited fine art museum in the heart of historic downtown Fargo. Its permanent collection contains approximately 4,000 works, including national, international and regional fine art. See the North Dakota Mural by world-renowned artist and North Dakota native James Rosenquist.

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LEWIS AND CLARK

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 13:00:26 +0000

TRACE THE PATH OF DISCOVERY

NORTH DAKOTA IS RICH WITH THE LEGACY OF LEWIS AND CLARK

The explorers documented adventures along the Missouri River that visitors can still see today. Here they saw grizzly bears, giant cottonwood trees and the Knife River Indian Villages with a population larger than St. Louis. Though it has changed, this is still the same mighty river that drains a watershed of more than a half-million square miles from 10 states and 2 Canadian provinces.

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GOLFING

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 12:58:53 +0000

THE OFF ON THE PLAINS

Golfers have the choice of challenging courses as diverse as the landscape of the state. Play along riverbanks, in the heart of the badlands and over rolling hills.

North Dakota has more courses per capita than any other state. Three of these are acclaimed by GOLF, Golf Digest and Golf Week and make up the Triple Challenge at one great rate.

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BIRDING

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 12:58:42 +0000

A BIRDWATCHER'S PARADISE

OVER 370 BIRD SPECIES ONE MILLION ACRES OF NATIONAL GRASSLANDS 63 NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGES

North Dakota is one of the nation’s best locations for birders. Our wetlands, grasslands, lakes, rivers and colorful Badlands offer incredible birding habitats. We have more than one million acres of U.S. Forest Service national grasslands and more national wildlife refuges than any other state. Our location in the Central Flyway puts us in the middle of millions of migrating birds, along with birds that stay year-round. More than 370 species can be found on the North Dakota Birder’s checklist.

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SCENIC BYWAYS & BACKWAYS

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 12:57:59 +0000

ENJOY THE JOURNEY

There are some beautifully scenic byways and backways to road trip through North Dakota. Wind through the countryside and discover charming towns, one-of-a-kind shops and less-traveled historic lookouts.

1 SHEYENNE RIVER VALLEY NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAY

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WINTER

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 12:57:35 +0000

WELCOME TO THE FROSTED FRONTIER!

WINTER ADVENTURE

Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are invigorating ways to enjoy the crisp air and glittering white beauty of a fresh snowfall. Downhill skiing and snowboarding are also popular at North Dakota’s ski areas, each featuring 9 to 18 runs and cozy lodges — available at Bottineau Winter Park in Bottineau, Frost Fire Park near Walhalla, Huff Hills near Mandan, and Thrill Hills at Fort Ransom. Trails are ready for all skill levels, with favorite spots at several state parks, national wildlife refuges, Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site, the Greenway at Lincoln Park in Grand Forks, and Riverwood Golf Course in Bismarck. Check for rental availability. For a faster-paced adventure, explore North Dakota’s 2,800 miles of snowmobiling trails. There are 14 groomed trails that open in December, pending snow conditions.

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STATE PARKS

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 12:56:52 +0000

North Dakota’s state parks offer an escape to peaceful lakeshores, rolling prairies, rugged terrain and rushing rivers. Pick your own adventure at one of the many state parks that showcase the diverse beauty of the state’s landscape and its rich culture and history.

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BIKING

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 12:55:45 +0000

CRUISE & CONQUER

North Dakota offers diverse biking opportunities for every type of rider. Explore scenic byways and backways (see page 40) for leisurely rides, or tackle more rugged terrain on designated trails. Before heading out, check in with local visitor centers, parks offices, or bike shops for personalized route recommendations based on your interests and skill level.

You can find every level of mountain biking trails in state parks and city greenways. If you’re looking for a challenge, the rugged Badlands, the rolling hills of the Turtle Mountains and the forested trails of the Pembina Gorge should be on your list.

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HIKING

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 12:54:44 +0000

PRAIRIE PATHS TO BADLANDS BUTTES

EXPLORE THESE TRAILS

North Dakota’s 14 state parks feature over 450 miles of trails, offering options for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and more. Visitor favorites include the 144-mile Maah Daah Hey Trail (see page 47), Pembina Gorge State Recreation Area, and more than 100 miles of trails in Theodore Roosevelt National Park (see page 4). Please be a good steward of the land by respecting wildlife and following leave-no-trace practices.

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THEODORE ROOSEVELT NATIONAL PARK

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 10:27:19 +0000

WHERE HISTORY AND THE HORIZON MEET.

Recognized by National Geographic as one of the "Best of the World" destinations for 2026, North Dakota's Badlands offer an untamed beauty that's both rare and unforgettable. With 70,448 acres and 136 miles of hiking trails, this rugged landscape once inspired Theodore Roosevelt to become America's "Conservation President." From towering buttes to quiet river valleys, the terrain is as varied as it is breathtaking - a kind of rugged beauty you have to experience to understand.

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MOTORCYCLING & OFF-ROADING

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 08:06:10 +0000

OPEN ROAD

Enjoy scenic highways, roadside attractions, welcoming main streets and great places to eat along your route. North Dakota roads offer the peace of uncrowded spaces and varied landscapes from vast fields to rugged badlands.

North Dakota’s 10 designated scenic Byways and Backways are perfect for motorcyclists seeking adventure. Ride through breathtaking state parks and along picturesque byways, all designed with motorcyclefriendly amenities to enhance your journey.

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TRIBAL TOURISM

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 07:10:12 +0000

THE FIVE SOVEREIGN FIRST NATIONS that share geography with North Dakota have profound ties to these plains, where their traditions and histories have flourished for generations. We welcome you to celebrate and honor the rich history, vibrant culture, and contemporary lives of Native Americans. Check with local tribal tourism offices for information on attraction hours and seasonal events, and visit our website for a guide to respecting our diverse cultures and traveling on tribal lands.

CULTURE AND HISTORY

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CITIES

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 06:12:58 +0000

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.

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NATIONAL SITES

Sat, 24 Jan 2026 12:30:11 +0000

North Dakota’s national sites blend expansive landscapes and rich history. Your trip can be a peaceful retreat, interesting glimpse into the past and an outdoor adventure all at the same time.

1 THEODORE ROOSEVELT NATIONAL PARK (SEE PAGE 4)

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ITINERARIES

Sat, 24 Jan 2026 12:28:33 +0000

EASTERN ROAD TRIPS

EXTEND YOUR VISIT to the Grand Forks and Fargo areas with a road trip to scenic river valleys, historic sites and charming communities like Devils Lake, Valley City and Wahpeton.

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ATTRACTIONS

Sat, 24 Jan 2026 04:30:07 +0000

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LODGING

Sat, 24 Jan 2026 04:29:23 +0000

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