North Dakota

North Dakota is a state in the Great Plains of the United States. Outdoor attractions like the 144-mile (232-km) Maah Daah Hey Trail and activities like fishing and hunting attract visitors. The state is known for the Lewis & Clark Trail and being the winter camp of the Corps of Discovery. Areas popular with visitors include Theodore Roosevelt National Park in the western part of the state. The park often exceeds 475,000 visitors each year. It is the least visited state in the United States and many travellers often overlook this state. Do not let that deter you however, because this beautiful state will allow you to enjoy numerous outdoor attractions and wonderful landscapes. There are a lot of opportunities in this largely unexplored state.

Regions

North Dakota regions - Color-coded map

Badlands Billings, Bowman, Golden Valley, McKenzie, and Slope counties.

Coteaus and Plains Barnes, Burleigh, Dickey, Emmons, Foster, Griggs, Kidder, La Moure, Logan, McIntosh, Ransom, Sargent, Stutsman counties.

Lakes and Gardens Benson, Eddy, McHenry, McLean, Pierce, Ramsey, Renville, Sheridan, Towner, Ward, Wells counties.

Red River Valley Cass, Cavalier, Grand Forks, Nelson, Pembina, Richland, Steele, Traill, Walsh counties.

Turtle Mountains Bottineau, Rolette counties.

Western North Dakota Adams, Burke, Divide, Dunn, Grant, Hettinger, Mercer, Morton, Mountrail, Oliver, Sioux, Stark, Williams counties.

Cities

• 1 Bismarck – the capital city of North Dakota and the county seat of Burleigh County.
• 2 Devils Lake – the heart of North Dakota lake country
• 3 Dickinson – the crown of the Southwest, gateway to the Badlands
• 4 Fargo – the largest city in the state, it serves as the economical center of the state.
• 5 Grand Forks – home to the University of North Dakota
• 6 Jamestown – the Buffalo City, pride of the Prairie
• 7 Minot – the Magic City, the primary city in northwest North Dakota
• 8 Rugby – the geographical center of North America
• 9 Williston – the biggest city on the upper Missouri, and the epicenter for the state's 2006-2015 oil boom

Other destinations

• 1 Little Missouri National Grasslands
• 2 Theodore Roosevelt National Park – The park has two units, the North Unit and the South Unit, both distinctly different.

Understand

“

I grow very fond of this place, and it certainly has a desolate, grim beauty of its own, that has a curious fascination for me.

”

—Theodore Roosevelt

The northern counterpart of South Dakota is known as the "Peace Garden State". It is the 19th largest state and the fourth most sparsely populated state, having 780,000 residents in 2022.

History

Early history

Very little is known about North Dakota's early history. It is widely believed and agreed upon that much of the area that now comprises North Dakota was habited by Native Americans and they are believed to have resided here for thousands of years.

The 1800s

It wasn't until the 1800s when European immigrants started coming in large numbers. Ethnic Germans from Russia were drawn by the prospect of owning cheap and plentiful land in North Dakota, and Norwegian farmers were drawn to the state's fertile land. To this day, Norwegians and Russian-Germans (also known as Volga Germans) are the two largest ethnic groups in the state.

In 1889, North Dakota was admitted to the union as a state.

Tourist information

• North Dakota Tourism

Get in

By plane

Scheduled airline service is available in Bismarck (BIS ^IATA), Devils Lake (DVL ^IATA), Dickinson (DIK ^IATA), Fargo (FAR ^IATA), Grand Forks (GFK ^IATA), Jamestown (JMS ^IATA), Minot (MOT ^IATA), and Williston (XWA ^IATA).

• Allegiant Air serves Bismarck, Fargo, Grand Forks and Minot.
• American Eagle offers daily flights to Bismarck and Fargo.
• Delta Airlines/Delta Connection offers daily flights to Bismarck, Fargo, Grand Forks, Minot, and Williston.
• Frontier Airlines serves only Fargo.
• United Express offers daily flights to all destinations except Grand Fork and Dickinson.

By car

Two Interstate highways connect the state with adjacent states:

• Interstate 29 connects North Dakota to South Dakota and Canada. The highway connects two major cities: Grand Forks and Fargo.

• Interstate 94 connects North Dakota to Minnesota and Montana. The highway connects the following major cities: Fargo, Bismarck, and Jamestown.

Additional major highways:

• US 85, 83, 281, and 81 are some of the major highways.

• For those arriving from Canada, 24-hour customs stations are available at SK 39 (U.S. 52) in Portal, MB 10 (U.S. 281) in Peace Gardens, and MB 75 (I-29) in Pembina.

By train

See also: Rail travel in the United States

Amtrak serves Fargo, Grand Forks, Devils Lake, Rugby, Minot, Stanley and Williston via its once daily Empire Builder train that runs between Chicago and Portland/Seattle.

Get around

By car

Given the vast area of the state, the best way to get around quickly is by car. A trip to Jamestown from Bismarck would normally take you two hours, depending on traffic and weather conditions. All major cities (Bismarck, Fargo, and Jamestown) are accessible from each other because they share one highway in common: Interstate 94 (I-94). You can easily cover all of them just by driving down this highway.

This is not to say that it's entirely safe, however. Wandering livestock and extremely harsh weather conditions (especially during the winters) can make driving on North Dakotan roads rather challenging. If you don't have any experience driving in harsh conditions and if you don't know how to operate a sturdy vehicle (for example, pickup trucks), it is recommended that you do not drive around by yourself. It's always better to go with someone who knows the area.

If you plan on driving in North Dakota, a useful resource to refer to is this website. Refer to it often if you plan on driving during the winters.

By bus

• Jefferson Bus Line (888-864-2832) has a route that goes along I-29 between Fargo and Kansas City (via Omaha, Sioux Falls and points in between). They also have an east-west on I-94 between Billings and Minneapolis (via Glendive, Bismarck, Fargo, St Cloud, and points in between). Tickets can be booked directly with Jefferson Lines or on Greyhound.com (as an agent for Jefferson Lines).
• New Town Bus Line (701-421-9133) starts in New Town, ND, heads east on Highway 23 up to Minot and then back to New Town.

By public transportation

Information on North Dakota Transit can be found here and through North Dakota's tourism board's website link.

By plane

The only intrastate flight within the state is the United Express flight segment (operated by Skywest Airlines) between Jamestown (JML) and Devil's Lake (DVL). The same flight continues from Jamestown to Denver.

Talk

The main language of the state is English. As is the case with all of the states in the United States, North Dakota has several unique phrases and colloquial expressions.

German is spoken in some small villages around the state, but its use has largely diminished. It's spoken by the elderly, but not by the younger generation.

Some commonly used expressions/words in North Dakota:

• Uff da – Typically used as a response to something surprising.
• You betcha – Typically used when you agree with someone.
• Sun dog – Typically used when it's really cold outside.
• Pop – Soft drink, Soda

See

Bison in Theodore Roosevelt National Park

• Geographical Center of North America in Rugby.
• KVLY-TV Tower 2 miles (3 km) west of Blanchard, is the tallest radio tower, and formerly the tallest man-made structure on earth at 2,063 ft (629 m).
• The State Capitol grounds in Bismarck, which feature the 20-story Capitol, the North Dakota Heritage Center and State Museum, and open parkland.
• The Enchanted Highway between the Gladstone exit on I-94 and the small town of Regent on the Cannonball River in southwest ND.
• The Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail which runs through Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, and Washington.
• 1 Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site (1/2 mi / 1 km N on Co Rd 37), ☏ +1 701 745-3300. Memorial Day weekend-Labor Day, 8AM-6PM, rest of year, 8AM-4:30PM. Established as a National Park Service (NPS) site in 1974. This is the only NPS site that preserves and protects the Northern Plains Indian Heritage. The Native Americans have occupied this area for over 11,000 years. There are the remains of three Hidatsa village sites within the park boundaries. The Big Hidatsa site has 110 depressions, the Sakakawea (Awatixa) site has 60 depressions and the Lower Hidatsa site has 40 depressions. This was once a thriving civilization situated along the Knife River. Sakakawea lived at the Awatixa site when she met Lewis and Clark at Fort Mandan. A state of the art museum dedicated to preserving the culture of the Hidatsa, Mandan and Arikara tribes is located at the visitor center. A 15-minute video about village life can be viewed in the visitor center theater. A full-scale reconstructions of a Hidatsa earthlodge features authentic furnishings. Programs in the earthlodge are conducted during the summer months. Free.  
• 2 Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site, Near Williston (25 mi / 40 km SW on Hwy 1804), ☏ +1 701 572-9083. Summer 8AM-8PM, rest of year, 9AM-5:30PM. Largest fur trading post on the upper Missouri River from 1828-1867. Trading headquarters with American Indians. Reconstructed Bourgeois House contains museum exhibits. Replica trade goods are available for purchase in the reconstructed Indian Trade House. (updated Jan 2022)
• 3 International Peace Garden, Near Dunseith, toll-free: +1-888-432-6733. 24/7 Depending on what you want to see and do. You may self-register after gate hours. The International Peace Garden is a 2,339-acre (947-hectare) botanical garden commemorating peace between the United States and Canada along the world's longest unfortified border. It blooms with more than 150,000 varieties of flowers and showcases the Peace Chapel. It is also home to the International Music Camp, Friday night concerts in June and July, and interpretive center, floral clock and souvenir shop. RV-friendly campground. $10 per vehicle. (updated Jan 2022)
• 4 Beaver Lake State Park, Near Napoleon (17 mi / 27 km S of Napoleon), ☏ +1 701 452-2752. Year round. Beaver Lake State Park provides an escape from the rigors of everyday life, offering a relaxing atmosphere in a secluded outdoor setting next to lake offering a full array of water recreational activities. The park is located in south central North Dakota on the west shore of Beaver Lake, 17 miles (27 km) southeast of Napoleon. Comprising 283 acres (115 hectares), the park provides modern and primitive camping opportunities along with three camping cabins for those wanting to get away from it all. $5 daily pass, $25 annual pass, $15 camping full service, $10 camping primitive.  
• 5 Cross Ranch State Park, Near Washburn (12 mi / 19 km SE of Hensler), ☏ +1 701 794-3731. Year round. Cross Ranch State Park is located along some of the last free-flowing and undeveloped stretches of the Missouri River. A boat ramp and canoe and kayak rentals are available for those wishing to explore this scenic segment of the river, while anglers will find walleye, trout, catfish, salmon, pike and bass in its waters. An extensive trail system can be explored either on foot or on cross-country skis during the winter months. The trails allow access to a 5,000-acre (2,000-hectare) nature preserve with mixed grass prairie, river bottom forests and wood draws. Campers can use either the park's primitive campground or hike to their camping spot in a backcountry area.The park is also well known for its bluegrass music festival held in June. $5 daily pass, $25 annual pass, $12 camping electrical spot, $10 camping primitive.  
• Doyle Memorial State Park, ☏ +1 701 269-2116. Doyle Memorial Recreation Park is located on Green Lake, seven miles (11 km) southwest of Wishek. There is great fishing for perch, walleye and northern pike on Green Lake. The park has a fish cleaning station, bathrooms and shower, play ground for kids, and a new boat ramp and dock. $15 for camping with power, $8 for camping without power. 
• 6 Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park, Near Mandan, ☏ +1 701 667-6340. May tours 9AM-5PM, Memorial Day-Labor Day tours 9AM-7PM, Sep tours 9AM-5PM, 1-11 Oct tours 1PM-5PM. General George Custer's last home is reconstructed, as are the central barracks, granary, commissary and a stable. Tours take visitors back to 1875, the year before the 7th Cavalry rode to the Little Bighorn. Museum and tour of On-A-Slant Indian Village's five reconstructed earthlodges. $5 per vehicle state park fee; $6 per adult, $4 per student interpretive fee.  
• 7 Fort Ransom State Park (1 mi / 2 km N of Fort Ransom), ☏ +1 701 973-4331. Year round. Fort Ransom State Park, which takes its name from an 1860s military fort, is located in the midst of the scenic and heavily wooded Sheyenne River valley. The river provides abundant opportunities for canoeing, fishing and bird watching, while within the park can be found a short segment of the North Country National Scenic Trail. During the summer picnicking and camping are favorite activities, while cross-country skiing is a popular winter sport. A farmstead within the park is the setting for the annual Sodbuster Days celebration, with demonstrations and exhibits of homesteading life. Fort Ransom State Park's natural areas provide an important link in the protection of the remaining Sheyenne River Valley ecosystem. $5 daily pass, $25 annual pass, $15 daily camping full service, $10 daily camping primitive. (updated Jan 2022)
• 8 Fort Stevenson State Park (3 mi / 5 km S of Garrison), ☏ +1 701 337-5576. Year round. Fort Stevenson State Park, located on Lake Sakakawea's north shore, was named for the late 1800s for that served as a supply depot for other military posts in the Dakota Territory. Boaters will find excellent facilities, including boat ramp access, marina, fishing boat rental and boat storage. The North Dakota Governor's Cup Walleye Fishing Derby, as well as a variety of other events is held here annually. Other amenities include camping and picnicking facilities, sleeping cabins, visitor center, arboretum and hiking trails. $5 daily pass, $25 annual pass, $15 daily camping full service, $10 daily camping primitive.  
• 9 Icelandic State Park (5 mi / 8 km W of Cavalier on Hwy 5), ☏ +1 701 263-4651. Year round. Situated on Lake Renwick's north shore, Icelandic State Park offers water sports like boating, swimming and fishing. The park also is the site of the Pioneer Heritage Center, which features restored historic buildings providing a glimpse of North Dakota's Homesteading heritage. An early homestead preserves the state's pioneer spirit, while the Gunlogson Nature Preserve, a 200-acre (80-hectare) natural wooded area along the Tongue River provides a sanctuary for plants, birds and wildlife. Nearby attractions include a golf course, Pembina Gorge, Pembina County Historical Museum, Pembina State Museum, snowmobile trail, Frostfire Mountain Ski Resort and Summer Theatre and a state scenic byway. $5 daily pass, $12 annual pass, $15 daily camping full service, $12 daily camping primitive. (updated Jan 2022)
• 10 Lake Metigoshe State Park (16 mi / 26 km N of Bottineau), ☏ +1 701 263-4651. Year round. Nestled in the scenic Turtle Mountains along the U.S./Candadian border, Lake Metigoshe is one of the most popular year-round vacation spots in North Dakota. The small lakes within the park provide opportunities for fishing, canoeing, boating and swimming. A multitude of trails attract hikers and mountain bikers. Winter bring snowmobilers, cross-country skiers, sledders and ice fishing enthusiasts. The Lake Metigoshe area was home to several Native American tribes, including the Blackfoot and Hidatsa, and later the Assiniboine and Chippewa. The lake takes its name from the Chippewa phrase, "metigoche washegum," or clear lake surrounded by oak trees. Of all of North Dakota's state parks, Lake Metigoshe contains the greatest acreage of land remaining in its natural condition. The park's woodlands and wetlands are uncommon finds for visitors accustomed to North Dakota's expansive prairie vistas. Aspen and oak woodlands, as well as wetlands, cover much of the park and provide habitat for a wide variety of plant, animal and bird species seldom seen elsewhere in North Dakota. $5 daily pass, $25 annual pass, $15 daily camping full service, $10 daily camping primitive.  
• 11 Lake Sakakawea State Park (1 mi / 2 km N of Pick City), ☏ +1 701 487-3315. Year round. One the south shore of Lake Sakakawea, adjacent to Garrison Dam, Lake Sakakawea State Park offers a wide range of water-based recreational activities and facilities. The park has a full-service marina including boat rentals, convenience store, fishing guide services, and boat and camper storage. Boat ramps in the park offer deep water access to some of the best fishing on Lake Sakakawea. The park also features modern camping and picnicking facilities. Hikers enjoy a segment of the North Country National Scenic Trail. Sleeping cabins are available during the summer months. $5 daily pass, $25 annual pass, $15 daily camping full service, $10 daily camping primitive. (updated Jan 2022)
• 12 Lewis and Clark State Park (19 mi / 31 km SE on Hwy 1804), ☏ +1 701 859-3071. Year round. Situated on one of the upper bays of Lake Sakakawea, the rugged buttes of the North Dakota Badlands display a towering backdrop to one of the state's best recreation areas. The park is named for the Corps of Discovery explorers, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark. The expedition camped nearby on April 17, 1805, and an interpretive trail marker has been placed within the park to commemorate their historic journey through North Dakota. Two rare fish species, the pallid sturgeon and the prehistoric-looking paddlefish, can occasionally be found in the lake's western reaches. A self-guided nature trail allows visitors to become acquainted with the natural communities associated with the park, which is home for many wildlife species including white-tailed deer, mule deer, ring-necked pheasant, porcupine, sharp-tailed grouse and chipmunks. $5 admission to park, $8 primitive camping fee, $14 moderate camping fee.  
• 13 Little Missouri State Park (19 mi / 31 km N of Killdeer), ☏ +1 701 794-3731. Year round. Little Missouri State Park contains some of the most rugged, picturesque Badlands terrain in North Dakota. Most of the park is accessible only by horseback or hiking. Numerous wildlife species frequent the park, including mule deer, coyote, fox, bobcat and golden eagle. $5 daily entrance pass, $25 annual pass, $12 camping with electrical hookup, $8 camping primitive.  
• 14 Ronald Reagan Minuteman Missile State Historic Site (Oscar Zero), ☏ +1 701 797-3691. Varies Year Round. Consisting of two sites, Oscar-Zero (a former Missile Alert Facility) and November-33 (a former Launch Facility or missile silo) were only two of 165 Cold War era nuclear missile facilities operated by the 321st Strategic Missile Wing at Grand Forks Air Force Base, Grand Forks, North Dakota. Operating from 1966-1997, only Oscar-Zero and November-33 would be preserved as historic sites and in 2009 were formally opened for tours by the State Historical Society of North Dakota. Open year round with varying hours, visitors can tour a former nuclear missile control center buried 50 feet (15 m) below ground and experience the living and work areas of America's Cold War missileers. (updated Jan 2022)
• 15 Sully Creek State Park (2 mi / 3 km S of Medora), ☏ +1 701 623-2024. Sully Creek provides primitive camping and related facilities for trail riding, canoeing or hiking. Located in the heart of the North Dakota Badlands, the area is just minutes away from the historic town of Medora and Theodore Roosevelt National Park.  
• 16 Turtle River State Park (22 mi / 35 km E of Grand Forks on Hwy 2), ☏ +1 701 594-4445. Year round. Constructed in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, the park is located in a beautiful, wooded valley along the meandering Turtle River. $5 daily pass, $25 annual pass, $15 daily camping full services, $10 daily camping primitive.  

Do

• Adventure Activities: Turn off that reality TV and visit a place with real life adventure: North Dakota. When it comes to outdoor activities, North Dakota is hard to beat. Golf the Lewis & Clark Trail, sail across Lake Sakakawea. No matter if it's bicycle or binoculars - an adventure awaits you. Search for activities like hiking, biking, canoeing, camping, boating, skiing, snowmobiling, golfing, wildlife viewing and horseback riding.
• Agri-tourism: In North Dakota, one may answer a lot of questions about agriculture - like "Where does milk come from?" and "How do you make spaghetti?" Here, you can live out a real ranch vacation, become a cowboy

An Education Vacation in agriculture is one recommended way to experience North Dakota Agri-Tourism. Discover North Dakota's Ranches, Farms and Gardens, see it all from the seat of a saddle, or just stop and take a moment to appreciate the waving greens, the golden amber waves of grain, and the immense modern farm equipment.

• American Indian Experience: They are the Mandan, Hidatsa, Arikara, the Yanktonai, Sisseton, Wahpeton, Hunkpapa and other Dakotah/Lakotah (commonly known as the Sioux) Tribes, along with the Pembina Chippewa, Cree and Métis.

Though the individual tribes have distinct and different origins, histories and languages, Plains Indians are united by core beliefs and values that emanate from respect for the earth and an understanding of humankind's relationship with nature. Visitors are welcome to explore the reservations and discover the beauty of Indian culture.

• Archaeology and Paleontology: Millions of years before North Dakota was a state, prehistoric creatures were living out their legendary adventure. Today, you can visit - and excavate at - fossil-bearing sites ranging in age from 30-years to 73-million years.
• Arts and Entertainment: Concerts, festivals, galleries and more abound in North Dakota. See top-name acts at a casino, or at one of the larger venues, like the FargoDome, Bismarck Civic Center, Minot all Seasons Arena or Grand Forks’ Alerus Center, Ralph Englestad Arena and Chester Fritz Auditorium. Art, created by or simply appreciated by North Dakotans, can be experienced in many ways. Check out the North Dakota Council on the Arts for a good overview. You’ll also want to visit the North Dakota Museum of Art, Plains Art Museum, and the many art and craft fairs you’ll find on the local CVB Web sites.
• Biking: North Dakota’s varied topography offers mountain bikers many choices for riding. From the one million acres (400,000 hectares) of rugged buttes in the Little Missouri National Grassland to the rolling hills of the Turtle Mountains, North Dakota has many areas for mountain biking, including the Maah Daah Hey Trail waiting to be discovered.
• Birding: nearly four hundred species of birds inhabit or visit North Dakota.
• Boating: North Dakota’s lakes and rivers are well equipped with boat landings and great reasons to get out on the water, like legendary fishing.
• Camping: Whether you're traveling by luxury RV or with a pup-tent in the back of the pick-up, camping adventure awaits you at 1,300 North Dakota campsites.

With 17 State Parks and Recreation Areas and countless local camping facilities, North Dakota is a great place to camp. There is abundant activity available in every park. Pack the s'mores, sing some campfire songs, and keep an eye towards the sky in case the Northern Lights join your party.

• Canoeing/Kayaking: North Dakota’s canoeing waters are as diverse as the state itself. Whether canoeists prefer the scenery presented by agricultural plains, rugged Badlands, thickly wooded slopes or gentle river bluffs, North Dakota’s rivers offer a challenge to beginners and experienced paddlers alike.
• Casinos/Gaming: You'll find fun and excitement throughout the year in North Dakota's casinos. Enjoy a variety of gaming experiences, fine dining and accommodations. Visit casino Web sites for concert and event listings.
• Education Vacation: One of the fastest growing travel trends is in education vacations. This is an opportunity for visitors to customize their North Dakota experience - have fun and learn new skills - in a variety of areas, including:
• Agriculture
• American Indian Studies
• Art
• Birding
• Culinary Arts
• Living History
• ND Immigrant Cultures
• Paleontology
• Energy: When you drive to the store or flip on a light switch, the energy has to come from somewhere. See how energy is produced in North Dakota by visiting the energy related attractions.
• Family Fun: Building memories - that's what family fun is all about. In North Dakota your family can follow the trail of Lewis & Clark, dig for fossils buried for millions of years, splash down at a water park, tell ghost stories around a campfire ... and that's just the first day!
• Fishing: Fishing is good, with lakes and rivers with game fish like northern pike, walleye, perch, trout and bass. Water levels, species diversity, fish sizes and populations are up.
• Forts: Experience North Dakota's legendary military history through a visit to a fort or state historic site. As settlers pushed west, forts were established to provide protection and central meeting places. The North Dakota State Historical Society operates most historic forts in the state.
• Geocaching: high tech treasure hunting with the help of a Global Positioning System (GPS), provides another opportunity for outdoor adventure the whole family can enjoy. The North Dakota State Parks System offers a wide variety of natural and historic settings, landmarks and architectural works, to make this state a great getaway for an enjoyable geocaching experience.
• Golfing: North Dakota has more golf courses per capita than any other state in the nation, almost 100 courses total.
• Hiking: Public lands in North Dakota, including state parks, wildlife management areas and refuges, grasslands, national parks, historic sites and recreation areas are open for day hiking of various lengths. Hiking sites include trails with historic or natural features specifically marked for self-guided interpretive walks. These short hikes are excellent for individuals, families or large group learning experiences.
• Horse and Auto Racing: If you have a need for speed, there's nothing like a Friday night spent cheering for your favorite driver - or horse at the North Dakota Horse Park in Fargo.
• Hunting: Hunters can decoy ducks or geese in the morning, chase pheasants in the afternoon and be back in their decoy spread again for the evening flight. Or they can bowhunt for pronghorn and mule deer in the drop-dead gorgeous Badlands. North Dakota is known as the duck factory in the lower 48 states, boasting some of the best duck hunting in the country for birds raised within its borders – and some of the best hunting for birds making southern migrations from nesting grounds in Canada. Upland hunters come from around the country for a shot at ring-necked pheasants, sharp-tailed grouse and Hungarian partridge. Big-game hunts are available, too, including for deer.
• Lewis and Clark Trail: Captain Meriwether Lewis called them "the handsomest plains I ever beheld." North Dakota still boasts breathtaking scenery and its hospitality continues to leave a lasting impression on visitors. Lewis and Clark did all of the hard work, charting and exploring the West, and now you can have all of the fun! Take your own journey to a powwow, drape yourself in a buffalo robe or meander through remains of the home of Sakakawea, the Lewis & Clark Expedition's legendary Indian interpreter and guide.
• Motorcycling: There is nothing quite like motorcycling in North Dakota. Great highways dissect 70,000 square miles (180,000 square kilometers) of rural bliss and take riders effortlessly between the state’s larger cities. You won’t find a lot of things here that you do elsewhere: smog, crime, traffic, headaches. But you will find things here you won’t find anywhere else: the nicest people, the North Dakota Badlands, Pembina Gorge, rolling hills and grasslands and the wide open farmland of the Red River Valley.
• RVing: On highway, there are 350 miles (560 km) of scenic byways and backways to lead you to some of the “hidden gems.” Create your legendary adventure by way of national park sites, state parks, city and county campgrounds, prairies, Badlands, grasslands and valleys. How about discovering a museum made out of rock; or hike into a petrified forest; or discover a young Teddy Roosevelt’s cabin.
• Scenic Drives: take a break from it all and cruise on one of North Dakota's many scenic drives.
• Sporting Teams: Teams include: Northern League Baseball RedHawks Baseball (Fargo), NBA D-League Basketball Wizards Basketball (Bismarck), NAHL Hockey Bobcats Hockey (Bismarck), USHL Hockey Fargo Force (Fargo)
• Western Experience: North Dakota is often known as the place to visit for a "Real American" experience.
• Wineries: North Dakota is home to four wineries and one vineyard, and the popularity of North Dakota wines is growing. From pumpkin to rhubarb, apple to honey, there's a wide variety. Tours and tasting is available at all locations.

Stay safe

In terms of personal safety, North Dakota is an extremely safe state. Crime rates tend to be low.

Severe weather

Perhaps the biggest danger you can face is the weather. North Dakota often experiences extreme temperatures, which should come as no surprise as the state has a continental climate. The weather can be quite nasty, so prepare and plan accordingly.

Urban concerns

Industrial oil development, mainly taking place in the area between Minot, Williston, and Dickinson, has made most highways unsafe for bicyclists. Crime has significantly increased, especially in Williston.

Rural concerns

The poisonous rattlesnake can be stumbled on by mistake. Rattlesnakes should be avoided and never disturbed. Bison may be beautiful but a male bison can run faster than you can and may trample or maul if it feels threatened. Always maintain a safe distance (30 yards or more) from large animals. Coyotes have been known to venture into campgrounds and can have rabies. Otherwise coyotes won't threaten humans. Pets should be brought indoors at night. A dog can become a snack to a group of coyotes, especially small dogs. Deer are known to cross roads all over North Dakota so drive aware of deer crossings, especially in the early morning or dusk hours.

Never forget that North Dakota's peaceful valleys can give way to challenging ravines and trenches, raging rivers and clay roads, cactus and thorns. A walk around Lake Sakakawea's beautiful shores can turn into a rescue mission, since lakes are deep shorelines are sometimes unsteady. Rivers can be unforgiving; a child left on a sandbar playing might wander into the swift currents of the Missouri. Life-jackets are a must. In winter people have frozen to death by getting lost on snow-covered fields or roads. Lakes can ice over in the winter, but be sure you know the thickness and quality of the ice before venturing out. (Ask a local if unsure.) Never explore North Dakota in the winter without proper gear. Blaze orange clothing during deer season is a must when hiking or hunting.

Much of North Dakota's most beautiful scenery is untouched. You are likely to be perfectly safe in North Dakota's cities and on highways. But when you travel away from the highways to reach the great scenery North Dakota has to offer, be sure to have a travel companion (or notify a trusted person of your travel plans) and plenty of supplies in case you become stranded. Since North Dakota is one of America's least populated states, there is a lot of untouched land for you to explore.

Respect

As aforementioned, North Dakota receives very few tourists. You may very easily attract attention from the locals if they find out you're a visitor. Don't be surprised at this, just go with the flow. Chances are, the locals might be very curious about you, and want to get to know you!

Since its creation, North Dakota has been a largely conservative state. The Republican Party is the most influential political party here. Be mindful of that when engaging in political discussions with the locals.

Religion plays an important role in the lives of many North Dakotans. Always be respectful when discussing religion.

Avoid comparing the state with its southern counterpart; North Dakotans are very proud of their state and may not appreciate such comments.

North Dakotans often love to have a chat about the weather, and people even bring it in up in casual conversations.

Do not associate the state with the movie Fargo. Many locals believe the movie portrays the state inaccurately.

North Dakota is considered a "sacred land" to Native Americans, and there are many sites in the state that are important to Native American history, culture, and spirituality. When visiting a Native American reservation, behave appropriately. If you don't know something, just ask; someone will be more than happy to explain.

The Lakota tribe (one of the tribes in the state) has had a history of conflict with European settlers, and some of them feel that outsiders (non tribe members) have absolutely no reason to be here. Always be civil and polite if drawn into a sensitive discussion with the Lakotas.

Go next

If you're leaving North Dakota by car, you may wish to take Interstate 29 north to Winnipeg, or Interstate 94 east to Minneapolis. The adventurous might choose to drive US 85 straight through the Badlands south to Sturgis, either to see the motorcycle rally, or en route to Mount Rushmore National Memorial and other attractions of the Badlands and Black Hills.

• Minnesota - Known for cold winters and its ten thousand lakes, North Dakota's eastern neighbor is an ideal destination for wilderness enthusiasts and shoppers destined for the Twin Cities and Mall of America.
• South Dakota - Home to such natural and cultural wonders as Badlands National Park, Wind Cave National Park and Mount Rushmore, the other Dakota offers a surprising amount for travelers to see and do.
• Montana - North Dakota's western neighbor is often called Big Sky Country for its famed big, blue skies, but the amazing natural landscape varies from open plain regions to the east and the towering peaks of the Rocky Mountains in the west.
• Saskatchewan - Located to the northwest of North Dakota, the southern portion of Saskatchewan is predominantly prairie (with a reputation for being very flat) known for its seemingly endless fields of wheat.
• Manitoba - Sharing a border in the northeast of the state, Manitoba is known for its lakes, prairies, agriculture, culture and history.