Your guide to North Dakota
Top destinations in North Dakota
Fargo
Most people know North Dakota’s biggest city from the 1996 film ‘Fargo’. But the real stars here are the historic theatres, trendy microbreweries and outdoor sculpture trails.
Grand Forks
Whether you’re strolling the Grand Forks Greenway or kayaking along the Red River, this outdoorsy North Dakota town is a breath of fresh air.
Minot
Get swept up in the lively atmosphere of Minot, an events hotspot that hosts the continent’s largest Scandinavian festival and the famous North Dakota State Fair.
North Dakota: fast facts
| Language | English |
|---|---|
| Currency | United States dollar ($) |
| Time zone | Fargo - UTC−6 (CST) and UTC−5 (CDT) |
| High season | June – August |
| Low season | December – February |
North Dakota highlights
Indigenous culture
From Sacagawea to Sitting Bull, North Dakota’s history is rooted in Native American culture. Visit the burial ground of Hunkpapa Lakota leader Sitting Bull in Fort Yates. Or learn about the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara people at the Three Affiliated Tribes Museum in New Town. For even more 19th-century history, check out Washburn’s Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center.
Epic hiking
North Dakota’s rugged landscape of prairies and wetlands is a playground for hikers. Head to Little Missouri State Park to enjoy more than 60 kilometres of trails across Badlands terrain. And step back in time at Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park, where trails pass by reconstructed Native American earth lodges and offer views over the Heart and Missouri rivers.
Winter thrills
Playing in the snow is one of the best things to do in North Dakota during winter. Slalom through fresh powder at downhill skiing destinations like Bottineau Winter Park in the Turtle Mountains and Thrill Hills in the Sheyenne River Valley. And take your pick of snowmobile trails, including the Lake Region Trail around Devils Lake.
Things to do in North Dakota
Top attractions
Get your first glimpse of the state’s dramatic badlands on the Painted Canyon Nature Trail in Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Then retrace the footsteps of Native Americans and fur traders at Williston’s Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site. A drive along the Enchanted Highway reveals quirky giant metal sculptures that bring a playful charm to the prairie.
Beaches
North Dakota’s lakes give way to beautiful beaches for swimming, fishing, boating and general sun soaking. With a shoreline longer than California’s coast, Lake Sakakawea is a prime spot to visit in the summer. Lake Metigoshe State Park also offers plenty of activities alongside its inviting waters, like hiking and birding in the summer and cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter.
Nature
North Dakota’s natural beauty is its biggest draw. Spot bison, wild horses and bighorn sheep against a backdrop of the North Dakota Badlands in Theodore Roosevelt National Park. In the Turtle Mountains, you’ll find the International Peace Garden’s lakes, waterfalls and hiking trails, a tribute to peace and friendship between the US and Canada.
Cuisine
Much of North Dakota’s cuisine reflects the traditions of its Scandinavian immigrants, including dishes like ‘lefse’ (Norwegian flatbread), pickled herring and fried ‘rosette’ biscuits. You’ll also find restaurants in North Dakota serving German-inspired food. Try ‘Knoephla soup’, a creamy potato soup with dumplings, or ‘Fleischkuekle’, a German–Russian dish of seasoned ground beef wrapped in flaky fried pastry.
Culture and museums
Check out the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum in Bismarck for a deep dive into the state’s past. And make time to explore the Plains Art Museum in Fargo, one of the best museums in North Dakota. For an immersive cultural experience, don’t miss West Fargo’s Bonanzaville, a pioneer village of 40 historic buildings and thousands of artefacts.
Nightlife
Home to lively saloons, sports bars and taprooms, downtown Fargo has some of the best nightlife in North Dakota. During the busier summer months, catch live music performances at Medora’s Town Square Patio after a day of outdoor activities. Or settle in for a relaxed night out at Minot’s brewpubs and rooftop bars.
Find the best time to visit North Dakota
Weather in North Dakota through the year
March – May: As the snow starts to melt, golf courses reopen, prairie flowers blossom and wildlife returns. Nights can still be cold, so bring a jacket.
June – August: Warm days with average highs of 28°C and cool evenings mark the summer. This is one of the best times to visit North Dakota for water sports on Lake Sakakawea.
September – November: The year’s first frost usually arrives in mid-September, signalling the transition to autumn. It’s prime time for college football and tailgate parties.
December – February: Pack warm clothes and embrace the snow season as the state becomes a paradise for winter sports. Huff Hills Ski Area draws serious skiers.
Events in North Dakota
Medora Musical (June to September): Every summer, Medora’s Burning Hills Amphitheatre is the setting for an all-singing, all-dancing country and western revue. Expect nightly Old West–themed shows for all ages with live music, storytelling and fireworks.
North Dakota State Fair (July): Minot’s annual fair celebrates summer with one of the most eagerly awaited events in North Dakota. From carnival rides to live concerts and food stands, it blends local traditions with fun-filled attractions.
Norsk Høstfest (September): For a few days every September, Minot’s state fairgrounds turn into a showcase of Scandinavian culture. Viking battle re-enactments, a fish-eating competition and the crowning of Miss Norsk Høstfest are highlights.
Know before you go
Budget
Exploring North Dakota on a budget is very doable with some careful budgeting and forward planning. Expect to pay less than 15 US dollars ($) for a simple meal in a restaurant and less than $5 for a coffee. Heading to a bar? You’ll usually pay under $6 for a local beer.
Health and safety
Give bison and other wild animals plenty of space, and keep food secure to prevent unwanted attention. Stick to marked trails when hiking and avoid camping in low-lying areas where flooding is a risk. The prairie sun can be somewhat unforgiving, so carry plenty of water and apply sun cream regularly, especially in summer.
Free things to do
You can discover the past for free at many of the state’s historical sites and landmarks, like Bismarck’s Double Ditch Indian Village State Historic Site. Downtown Fargo bursts with colourful murals and street art, turning walls into an open-air celebration of local creativity. And Minot’s Scandinavian Heritage Park (open May to October) honours Nordic traditions with cultural exhibits and replica buildings.
Family friendly
Say hello to red pandas, birds of prey and monkeys at Fargo’s Red River Zoo, where kids can join educational camps. Or plan day hikes through farmland, prairies and river valleys on the state’s 740-kilometre section of the North Country National Scenic Trail. The trail’s western terminus is Lake Sakakawea State Park, a popular spot for camping and water sports.
Getting around North Dakota
Public transport
Buses: Public transit is available in the larger cities. Use MATBUS in Fargo and neighbouring Moorhead, Minnesota, Bis-Man Transit in Bismarck and Mandan, and Cities Area Transit in Grand Forks. For intercity travel, Jefferson Lines connects Fargo, Bismarck, Minot and other towns with regional hubs.
Trains: Amtrak’s long-distance Empire Builder line makes seven scheduled stops between Fargo and Williston, with once-daily service in both directions. It’s a scenic way to cross the northern part of the state.
Boats: Sightseeing boats offer tours on the Missouri River, including the Lewis and Clark Riverboat from May to September.
Domestic flights
Bismarck Municipal Airport, Hector International Airport in Fargo and Minot International Airport are the main air gateways. Flights connect to major US cities, such as Chicago, Denver and Minneapolis. With limited services between North Dakota destinations, many travellers prefer to get around by hire car.
Driving and car hire
North Dakota’s roads are toll-free, with several designated scenic byways and backways, including the Des Lacs National Wildlife Refuge Scenic Backway. Interstate 94 runs east–west from Fargo to Beach. In winter, snow, sleet and ice can make driving hazardous, so plan accordingly.
