Exploring North Dakota by Train, Boat, or Hot Air Balloon
Just an hour west of Fargo, the Red River Valley Scenic Byway offers a charming departure point for exploring North Dakota’s landscape from a unique vantage: aboard the historic Sheyenne River Valley Railroad. This heritage train winds through the lush river valley, tracing old rail beds that once powered the state’s agricultural boom. Visitors can settle into vintage coaches and watch as the flat wheat fields and gentle hills unfold, with interpretive narration explaining the region’s rich farming heritage and the pivotal role railroads played in settling the plains. The ride is especially enchanting in late summer when the golden fields contrast with the deep green of cottonwoods lining the Sheyenne River, making it a living postcard of rural Americana.
Farther west, near Bismarck, the Missouri River invites travelers to experience North Dakota from the water itself. At Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park, located about 7 miles south of the city, boaters can launch into the expansive waters of the Missouri River, which here broadens into a series of reservoirs and backwaters ideal for paddling and fishing. The park’s marina offers access to guided kayak tours that glide past historic sites like the reconstructed Mandan Indian Village and the military post where General Custer once lived. The blend of natural and cultural history, coupled with frequent sightings of bald eagles and river otters, makes this a remarkable spot for those seeking both adventure and insight. Early mornings in spring and fall provide the calmest waters and the most vivid wildlife activity.
On the northern edge of the state, near the Canadian border and about 35 miles northeast of Minot, the Turtle Mountains rise gently above the surrounding plains. In this area, the Turtle Mountain State Forest offers some of the best opportunities for hot air ballooning in North Dakota. Pilots launch from the forest’s edge to drift over its serene lakes, mixed woodlands, and rolling hills. Balloon rides here showcase an ever-changing mosaic of forest and water that contrasts sharply with the state’s typical flatness. The quiet ascent at dawn reveals spectacular sunrises that light up the trees and water in soft golds and pinks. Balloonists and visitors alike praise the peacefulness and the panoramic views that extend into Canada on a clear day, making it a uniquely tranquil way to appreciate North Dakota’s northern landscapes.
Returning to the eastern part of the state, the city of Fargo, about 15 minutes from the Red River, offers a different kind of scenic ride aboard the Prairie Village Tramway. This seasonal attraction takes visitors on a leisurely loop past the outdoor living history museum’s collection of early 20th-century buildings, including a railroad depot, blacksmith shop, and classic prairie homes. The tramway re-creates the experience of early settlers traveling across the plains by rail, with guides sharing stories about immigration, farming, and railroading in North Dakota’s formative years. Riding this tram in late spring or fall, when the surrounding prairie grass shifts color, deepens the sense of stepping back in time to a bygone era of frontier resilience.
In the southwest near Medora, about a 30-minute drive from Dickinson, the Little Missouri River cuts through the striking Badlands National Park. Here, adventurous boaters can navigate sections of the river that thread between ancient rock formations and hoodoos sculpted by millennia of erosion. Guided canoe and kayak tours provide a thrilling passage through a landscape that feels almost otherworldly, with towering buttes and the omnipresent scent of sagebrush. The Badlands’ stark beauty under the late afternoon sun creates dramatic shadows perfect for photographers and nature lovers. Summer is ideal for these trips, as the water level is sufficient and the weather warm, but early fall’s cooler air enhances comfort without sacrificing the vivid scenery.
Near the town of Jamestown, roughly 75 miles west of Fargo, the National Buffalo Museum offers not only an inside look at the cultural and ecological importance of the American bison but also a chance to see these majestic animals up close. The museum’s adjacent buffalo preserve hosts periodic wagon rides and guided tours, giving visitors a sense of what travel might have been like on the Northern Plains before railroads and highways. This living connection to the past is especially striking during the golden hours of late afternoon, when the bison’s coats catch the sun, and the vast prairie seems to stretch endlessly beneath big, open skies.
Finally, the northern plains near Devils Lake provide a serene setting for ballooning enthusiasts around the Devils Lake Regional Airport, about 3 miles from the city center. This area’s open landscapes and consistent prevailing winds make it a favorite for pilots who enjoy long-distance flights over fields, wetlands, and small towns. Seasonal balloon festivals often launch from this region, inviting travelers to witness dozens of colorful balloons lifting off together against a backdrop of calm lakes and wide horizons. The cool, clear mornings of late summer and early fall offer the best conditions for a smooth ride and spectacular views that extend for miles, revealing North Dakota’s blend of natural beauty and small-town charm.
Each of these experiences—whether aboard a historic train, drifting on a broad river, or floating silently above rolling forests and prairie—reveals a different facet of North Dakota’s vast and varied landscape. The state’s unique topography and rich history lend themselves perfectly to travel that blends adventure with learning, inviting visitors to discover the quiet magic of the Northern Plains from perspectives few other states can match.