Why Everyone Should Visit North Dakota at Least Once in Their Lifetime
Driving into Theodore Roosevelt National Park, roughly an hour west of Medora, feels like stepping into a rugged frontier painting. The South Unit’s Scenic Loop Drive unfurls across 36 miles of badlands and grasslands, where bison roam freely and wild horses can often be spotted near the Little Missouri River. Hiking the Wind Canyon Trail, a moderate 1-mile loop, offers a close-up view of the park’s dramatic rock formations and the vast, open sky that seems to stretch endlessly. The park’s blend of geological grandeur and living wildlife showcases North Dakota’s raw natural beauty, especially in the late afternoon when the setting sun bathes the landscape in warm, golden hues.
Just down the road in Medora itself, the Medora Musical is a must-experience cultural gem. Nestled in this small town about 70 miles southwest of Dickinson, the outdoor amphitheater comes alive with a lively tribute to the Old West each summer evening. The show features local performers, cowboy songs, and stories that celebrate Theodore Roosevelt’s time in the Badlands. Sitting under a star-studded sky while soaking in this spirited Americana tradition provides a uniquely North Dakotan sense of place that travelers rarely find elsewhere.
In Bismarck, the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum invites visitors to dive deep into the state’s story. Located near the Missouri River in the capital city, just off Interstate 94, the museum’s extensive exhibits span from ancient fossils to Native American heritage and the state’s agricultural roots. Walking through the prehistoric fossil gallery, visitors can marvel at a nearly complete T. rex skull discovered in the state, a testament to North Dakota’s rich paleontological history. The museum’s immersive displays make it a perfect stop any time of year, especially during winter when outdoor options are limited.
A short drive east from Bismarck brings you to Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park, where history stands still beside the Missouri River. About 5 miles south of Mandan, this park preserves the reconstructed On-A-Slant Mandan Indian Village and the military post where General Custer once led the 7th Cavalry. Exploring the well-maintained trails and interpretive exhibits here offers a tangible touchpoint to the complex interactions between Native Americans and settlers during the late 19th century. Visiting in spring or early summer, when wildflowers bloom and river levels are vibrant, adds a lush contrast to the park’s historic buildings and earth lodges.
Up north near Devils Lake, the Grahams Island State Park stretches along the shores of the largest natural lake in North Dakota. About 3 miles east of the city of Devils Lake, this park is a haven for anglers and birdwatchers alike. The Sandpiper Trail, a gentle 1.5-mile loop through marsh and woodland, invites visitors to spot migratory birds, including the iconic sandhill cranes during fall migration. The park’s proximity to the water and abundant wildlife make it a refreshing escape, best enjoyed in early fall or late spring when the air is crisp and the lake sparkles under the sun.
In Fargo, the Plains Art Museum offers a contemporary contrast to North Dakota’s natural and historical sites. Situated downtown, just a few blocks from the Red River, the museum showcases regional and national art with a heavy focus on Indigenous artists and themes. Exhibits often explore the nuances of prairie life, identity, and modern Native American culture, providing thoughtful context to the region’s heritage. Visiting during the winter months gives a warm and intellectually stimulating refuge, with rotating exhibits that invite repeat exploration.
Heading west to Dickinson, the Dickinson Museum Center stands out as a comprehensive cultural hub. Located within the city limits, the center features a pioneer village, a paleontology museum, and exhibits on local history. One highlight is the Badlands Dinosaur Museum, home to rare fossils and replicas that illuminate the prehistoric world that once thrived here. This center connects visitors with the deeper story of settlement and survival on the Great Plains, and is especially compelling on cooler days when outdoor exploration might be limited.
Finally, no visit to North Dakota is complete without a trip along the Enchanted Highway near Regent, about two hours southwest of Bismarck. This quirky stretch of road is lined with massive metal sculptures crafted by local artist Gary Greff. Driving the 32 miles of this rural art gallery reveals giant, whimsical figures like a grasshopper, geese in flight, and a tin family, each set against the broad backdrop of farmland and sky. The highway feels like an imaginative dialogue between art and landscape, best taken on a sunny afternoon when the sculptures cast playful shadows across the plains.
Each of these places—whether natural, historic, or artistic—captures a different facet of North Dakota’s rich character. From the sweeping badlands and wildlife of Theodore Roosevelt National Park to the cultural storytelling of Medora and the artistic pulse in Fargo, this state invites visitors to explore its wide-open spaces and deep-rooted histories in ways that are both authentic and unforgettable.