Just nine years before North Dakota became a state, U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt was there on a hunting trip and came upon the vast Badlands. He fell in love with the Western scenery, so it was only fitting that the area was named in his honor when it was turned into a public park.

In the western North Dakota Badlands, three distinct regions make up Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Visitors can go on a picturesque drive by rocky outcrops or go hiking in the wilderness. However, wildlife viewing is the main draw that has elevated it to the top of North Dakota's best tourist destinations. Discover recognizable western creatures like bison, elk, wild horses, prairie dogs, and more. Lucky visitors could catch a distant sight of coyotes and bobcats as they prowl at night.

Depending on how extreme you want your vacation to be, Theodore Roosevelt National Park offers you an almost endless array of options. Snap a leisurely drive around the park, rent a cottage and go stargazing at night, observe the wildlife from a safe distance, go horseback riding, take nature photos, and much more for a more relaxed and comfortable experience. If you're feeling more daring, you may go camping, mountain biking, snowshoeing, and skiing in the winter, as well as climbing up paths to vantage points with breathtaking panoramic views.

TripAdvisor Rating: 4.5/5.0

Address: Medora, ND 58645

Phone: +1 (701) 623-4466

Website: https://www.nps.gov/thro/index.htm

Ever wanted to travel in the same manner as renowned explorers Lewis and Clark? You may view the surroundings of the region where the two explorers set up their winter headquarters from 1804–1805 at the Fort Mandan Overlook. Fort Mandan served as a venue for cultural exchange between the local Native Americans and explorers Lewis and Clark and other at the time. Sacagawea, who accompanied Lewis and Clark for the remainder of their trip to the West Coast, was also introduced to them there.

As one of North Dakota's most popular tourist destinations today, Fort Mandan (named after the local indigenous people) invites visitors to experience what life was like for the Corps of Discovery all those years ago. Visitors can explore a contemporary Fort Mandan reconstruction, complete with an informative center that transports you back in time to the historic expedition, about 10 miles from the overlook.

TripAdvisor Rating: 4.5/5.0
Address: 2576 8th St SW, Washburn, ND 58577
Phone: +1 (701) 462-8535
Website: www.nps.gov/places/fort-mandan.htm

The Maah Daah Hey Trail is a must-see for travelers and bikers seeking for things to do in North Dakota. Some of the most magnificent aspects of the Badlands are traversed along the 144-mile trail.

While the path is accessible for horseback riding, mountain biking, and hiking, mountain biking is its most well-known use.

The trail winds its way to the CC campground from the Burning Coal Vein Campground, which is located about 30 miles south of Medora (about 16 miles south of Watford City). There are nine campgrounds where travelers can tie up their horses and make a campfire. Bikers travel across flat grasslands, towering buttes, and Western wonders like Medora and an Old West village with a lovely Western vibe.

TripAdvisor Rating: 4.5/5.0
Address: Medora, ND
Website:https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/north-dakota/maah-daah-hey-trail

The North Dakota Heritage Center need to be on your list of sites to see in North Dakota, regardless of whether you are a local or just passing through.

The center, which is the largest museum in the state, is devoted to presenting the history of the area, from recent historical events to geological formations that occurred millions of years ago. At the North Dakota Heritage Center, there are four main galleries in addition to a theater, an atrium, a reading room, and more:

• Adaptation Gallery: Start your journey and learn about ancient sea creatures and dinosaurs that roamed the area and how the geography you see today came to be.
  
  
• Innovation Gallery: Learn about the earliest civilizations of the area and their history that spans into the 19th century.
  
  
• Inspiration Gallery: Discover North Dakota’s modern history and culture.
  
  
• Governors Gallery: Learn about a variety of topics from traveling exhibits that temporarily call this space home.

You'll be happy the Heritage Center is on your list of North Dakota attractions because there is so much to discover and learn about there.

There are tons of activities that you should do here, such as spending the afternoon touring the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum's numerous galleries and exhibits. The enormous dinosaur skeleton fossils, a simulated tractor cab where you can experience farming, a large collection of rare jewels, Native American tribe relics, and much more are some of the top attractions for you to view here. To view their calendar of activities in advance, visit their website. Numerous programs, talks, events, and the like are held at this museum.

TripAdvisor Rating: 4.5/5.0
Address: 612 E Boulevard Ave, Bismarck, ND 58505
Phone: +1 (701) 328-2666
Website: https://statemuseum.nd.gov

A historic homestead erected by Marquis de Mores, the town's founder, may be found at Medora, a town in the Old West. The 26-room house served as the Marquis family's vacation residence. The Wild West of the 18th century can be experienced by visitors at one of North Dakota's major tourist destinations today.

On a guided tour of the house, guests can learn about the original objects that are there. A statue of the Marquis in bronze can be found close by in the De Mores Memorial Park. The meatpacking plant that the Marquis ran for many years is remembered in Chimney Park. Find out the history of the Marquis and his family, as well as the town of Medora. Find furniture that was utilized by deceased visitors, such as Theodore Roosevelt.

At the Chateau de Mores State Historic Site, tourists can learn about Antoine de Vallombrosa's life and contributions. You can visit three of the locations. Chimney Park, which originally housed a slaughterhouse and numerous other structures, De Mores Memorial Park, a flagstone courtyard with a bronze monument of the Marquis de Morès, and the 26-room residence turned museum known as Chateau de Mores are also nearby. Additionally, you can partake in enjoyable events like the History Alive! programs. Through engaging monologues, you can learn about local residents' life from many years ago.

TripAdvisor Rating: 4.5/5.0
Address: 3448 Chateau Rd, Medora, ND 58645
Phone: +1 (701) 623-4355
Website: https://www.history.nd.gov/historicsites/chateau

The tallest buffalo in the world, a towering 26-foot-tall statue of the Western beast, may be found in Jamestown, North Dakota. One of the top attractions in North Dakota where you can learn about this magnificent frontier animal is close by, the National Buffalo Museum. The mission of the National Buffalo Museum is to inform visitors about the history of the American bison. Visitors can learn about the significance of bison in Native American culture and how the species avoided extinction through exhibits.

The museum also has a real herd of buffalo, which visitors can see walking close to I-94. After learning about the history of the bison at the museum, you may purchase items with bison themes from the gift shop, including jewelry, clothes, and home goods.

You and your friends will get the opportunity to see many exquisite Native American artifacts, handicrafts, and works of art at the National Buffalo Museum. It will enable you to comprehend their culture and traditions on a deeper level. Numerous exhibits about the American bison, their history, the reasons why the Native Americans revered them, and their significance can be found inside the museum. Go outside and watch the herds graze near the hills to see these enormous, beautiful beasts.

TripAdvisor Rating: 4.0/5.0
Address:500 17th St SE, Jamestown, ND 58401
Phone: +1 (701) 252-8648
Website:https://www.buffalomuseum.com

The International Peace Garden, a picturesque destination tucked along the two nations' border, was established in 1932 as a way for the United States and Canada to honor their friendship and commitment to peace. Walkthrough Wildflowers, lakes, and waterfalls cover 2,300 acres. Drive or hike along pathways to see a variety of North American species.

The botanical park has a number of gardens with various plants and animals, as well as a peace chapel, a 9/11 monument, a conservatory, an informative center, and a historic lodge. Explore this fantastic website for a while or all day. The International Peace Garden's serene grounds are open to everyone. If it's on your list of things to do in North Dakota, remember to bring identification for re-entry, such as a driver's license, birth certificate, or passport.

This weekend, take a leisurely stroll to the International Peace Gardens, the perfect destination if you're longing for some much-needed tranquility. Take part in activities like wandering through countless numbers of colorful flowers, camping out and pitching a tent, paying respects to the fallen at the 9/11 monument, kayaking or canoeing at the lakes, enjoying a delectable picnic, and so much more. The International Peace Garden transforms into a winter beauty in the chilly, snowy months. You can engage in activities like ice skating and cross-country skiing.

TripAdvisor Rating: 4.0/5.0
Address: 10939 Highway 281, Dunseith, ND 58329
Phone: +1 (204) 305-9008
Website: https://www.ndtourism.com/dunseith/attractions-entertainment/parks-gardens/international-peace-garden

On the National Register of Historic Places is the Fargo Theatre, a historic structure. The art deco theater, which opened in the middle of the 1920s, has a number of performances scheduled throughout the year, including the Fargo Film Festival.

You can see a piece of historic building while taking in a fantastic play because movie tickets are only $9.

The theater was initially constructed as a movie and vaudeville venue for the amusement of large crowds. It's now regarded as one of North Dakota's top tourist destinations.

Visitors can watch a concert or a foreign or independent film. The Mighty Wurlitzer, a 1926 pipe organ, is a cherished piece in the theater and the biggest theater organ between Minneapolis and Seattle. The theater is not just Fargo's best destination for live entertainment; it also attracts the most tourists. You may explore the Celebrity Walk of Fame, which features the handprints of famous people like Neil Diamond, take pictures with a wood chipper that appeared in the movie Fargo, and much more.

TripAdvisor Rating: 4.5/5.0
Address:314 Broadway N, Fargo, ND 58102
Phone: +1 (701) 239-8385
Website: https://fargotheatre.org

Add the Dakota Zoo to your list of North Dakota tourist destinations to visit if you enjoy animals or have young children seeking for an exciting experience. The Bismarck Zoo is home to 125 different animal species, ranging from birds and insects to reptiles and mammals. It is tucked away along the Mississippi River.

Animals can roam in spacious enclosures on hundreds of acres as you admire their beauty. The zoo also conducts a number of events throughout the year, including breakfast and Halloween parties for kids and adult wine and beer tastings.

What started off as a modest farm in 1961 has grown into a vast farmhouse where many animals now reside. The Dakota Zoo has developed into a location where animals and people can interact with one another with the goal of fostering and inspiring a greater understanding of animals and nature.

In addition to its many animals, Dakota Zoo has a lot to offer. Along with viewing the animals, you may also go to the Discovery Center to view educational exhibits, aquariums, and other things.

Your little ones may have a joy on slides, climbing the jungle gym, and other equipment at the playground. At the Rose Garden, you can unwind while admiring the lovely panorama of blooming flowers. White Bengal tigers, arctic foxes, grizzly bears, peafowl, and many other creatures can be seen here.

TripAdvisor Rating: 4.5/5.0
Address: 602 Riverside Park Rd, Bismarck, ND 58504
Phone: +1 (701) 223-7543
Website: www.dakotazoo.org

Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park is one of the top North Dakota attractions for adventurers of all ages and is the state's first state park. Through special objects, the Visitor Center Museum provides insight into the history and culture of the area. Visitors can experience the past with the Mandan Native Americans through replica earth lodges.

History aficionados can visit Fort McKeen and Fort Abraham Lincoln to see what it was like to live as a frontier soldier. There is also a ton to do for outdoor enthusiasts! More than 100 campsites are located along the lovely Heart and Missouri Rivers. Along the road, you can also locate excellent fishing areas.

A 6.75-mile network of trails is available to hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrian riders at Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park. The track is accessible to snowshoers throughout the winter. The trail's loops, curves, and twists connect to one another and offer stunning vistas of the North Dakota wilderness.

TripAdvisor Rating: 4.5/5.0
Address:4480 Fort Lincoln Rd, Mandan, ND 58554
Phone: +1 (701) 667-6340
Website:www.parkrec.nd.gov

Ever pondered what it would have been like to be a Native American on the Western frontier? The opportunity to travel back in time and learn about the culture, history, and way of life of the people who initially inhabited this region is provided by the Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site.

One of the top attractions in North Dakota to learn about Native American hunting, the fur trade, and other topics. The museum at the location examines the history of the North Dakota-based Hidatsa tribe. Get up close and personal with actual relics while admiring stunning works of art produced by Northern Plains Indians. Explore the recreated earth lodges, gardens, and communities outside that closely resemble the Hidatsa way of life.

Several hiking paths, some of which are two to six miles long, offer breathtaking views of the area, including the Missouri River. Additionally, visitors to the website can try their luck catching fish in the Knife and Missouri Rivers.

Visit the Plains Art Museum by yourself for an hour or two. You can view a wide variety of artwork, including sculptures and paintings. You can see the important Native American artwork that reflects their history and tradition, as well as many folk art forms and even current modern works. Additionally, it contains a garden where you may view outdoor exhibits while taking in the fresh air. For lectures and seminars that you might like to listen to, see their website.

TripAdvisor Rating: 4.5/5.0
Address:564 County Road 37, Stanton, ND 58571
Phone: +1 (701) 745-3300
Website: https://www.nps.gov/knri/index.htm

The Plains Art Museum is one of the top destinations in North Dakota for admiring regional masterpieces, so if you love art, you can't miss it. The museum hosts a number of changing exhibits, including the North Dakota Human Rights Arts Festival and a lovely mural from the state.

The largest museum in North Dakota is the Plains Art Museum, which is situated in Fargo. More than 4,000 local, regional, and national works are available for viewing, and admission is free for everyone. The displays also feature a large number of Native American items. You can find guides to explain the background and history of any work you're interested in. The museum also provides pottery-making lessons where you can make your own work of art to take home.

TripAdvisor Rating: 4.0/5.0
Address: 704 1st Ave N, Fargo, ND 58102
Phone: +1 (701) 551-6100
Website: plainsart.org

Discover Scandinavian Heritage Park, the world's only outdoor museum, in the center of Minot, North Dakota. Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden, and Iceland are represented throughout the park via artifacts and replicas. Discover statues, a Finnish sauna, the Gol Stave Church Museum, and Danish windmills. The main draw of the park is a 240-year-old log home that was flown in from Norway.

The Scandinavian Heritage Association, a group founded in 1989 to celebrate Nordic culture, built the park.

The group aspires to honor the culture of people who moved to the New World while being forced to bring just a small amount of material goods. Above all else, the park celebrates the tenacity and fortitude of those people.

Enjoy some quality time with your friends while taking pictures of beautiful Scandinavian structures with your camera. You may observe a 25-foot-tall Dalecarlian Horse, a typical Swedish wood carving, explore the inside of a Stabbur, a Norwegian structure used to store food, gaze at a map of the five Nordic nations at the Plaza Scandinavia, and much more. The Scandinavian Heritage Association is home to numerous more museums and exhibitions where you can find out more about the past, present, and future of Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, and Iceland.

TripAdvisor Rating: 4.5/5.0
Address: 1020 S Broadway, Minot, ND 58701
Phone: +1 (701) 852-9161
Website: scandinavianheritage.org

One of the greatest destinations in North Dakota for camping, fishing, hiking, and other outdoor pursuits is Lake Sakakawea State Park. There are miles of gorgeous shoreline in the park where people can camp, swim, and boat. It's a well-liked location for windsurfing and sailing as well!

The third-largest artificial reservoir in the United States is Lake Sakakawea. There is plenty of room to be outside and get away from life's cares with its 368,000 acres of land. One of the top fishing spots in the state may be found there, where anglers can try their luck at catching walleye, northern pike, and chinook salmon. Fishermen have access to a full-service marina, a convenience store, and a fish washing area.

The North Country National Scenic Trail, a national trail, passes through the state park. One of the top fishing spots in the state may be found there, where anglers can try their luck at catching walleye, northern pike, and chinook salmon. Fishermen have access to a full-service marina, a convenience store, and a fish washing area. The state park is also a section of the 4,600-mile North Country National Scenic Trail, which runs from North Dakota to New York across seven states. It's the ideal place for a stroll and beautiful scenery.

TripAdvisor Rating: 4.5/5.0
Address:720 Park Ave, Pick City, ND 58545
Phone: +1 (701) 487-3315
Website: https://www.parkrec.nd.gov/lake-sakakawea-state-park

Fort Union Trading Post was a prominent fur trading location along the upper Missouri River from the early to mid-1800s. Native American tribes in the area sold their buffalo robes and furs for products and treasures from all over the world, such as blankets and firearms.

The location is one of North Dakota's top tourist destinations today and a national historic site. The site includes a portion of a reconstruction of the post's 19th-century appearance. Visitors are given an orientation video upon arrival that details the history of the fort and illustrates how crucial a trading post it was for Northern Plain Tribes and Euro-American traders.

The Trade House provides a thorough understanding of the fur trade. Visitors can learn about the legends and feasts that were held in the structure through a living history interpretation. Family-friendly tourism destination with a ton of entertaining activities is the Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site.

No matter what age your children are, you can have a great time doing a variety of enjoyable activities and events together. Visit the Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site with your loved ones in advance for a fun day.

You can participate in activities including taking a guided tour of the area, viewing a brief documentary about the historic trade station, enrolling your children in junior ranger programs, and looking through numerous artifacts from the American Indian Wars. The Indian Arts Showcase, which happens every year, is an interesting occasion that you can take part in. Watching live performances of native dancers and singers dressed in traditional attire, as well as hearing lectures from tribal elders or historians are excellent ways to learn about American Indian history and culture.

TripAdvisor Rating: 4.5/5.0
Address: 15550 Highway 1804, Williston, ND 58801
Phone: +1 (701) 572-9083
Website: https://www.nps.gov/fous/index.htm

One of North Dakota's special attractions is located right in the middle of Medora. The North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame seeks to preserve the history of each community, which includes the ranching, rodeo, and Native American traditions that are all present in the state.

It is one of the best venues to explore the state's western past and was created and launched in the 1990s. The Hall of Honorees, a list of inducted individuals who have embodied the spirit of the western frontier throughout history, is part of the center.

Also included are a gift store, cultural archives, and an event area, among other exhibitions. The North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame offers so much to learn about, from replicas to authentic antiques. Why are you holding out? Riding off to learn about influential people who shaped the area, channel your inner cowgirl or cowboy and get on your horse.

TripAdvisor Rating: 4.5/5.0
Address: 250 Main St, Medora, ND 58645
Phone: +1 (701) 623-2000
Website: https://northdakotacowboy.org

Bonanzaville, USA, a museum complex devoted to telling the history of Fargo and the surrounding area, must be visited if you're in the neighborhood of Fargo. Visitors can see Fargo's earliest school, a fire station, a general shop, a church, and other original structures. An automotive and aviation museum explores the past of both types of transportation.

Bonanzaville is a collection of museums that covers about 12 acres. It consists of 40 local historical structures. Visit the Bonanzaville tiny history museum complex to get a sense of life in the past. You can explore a ton of exhibits to learn a little more about North Dakota history and the Great Prairie people.

Discover the history of the United States as seen through the eyes of North Dakotans by exploring the 100,000 exhibits, artifacts, and 40 historic buildings. It's the biggest historical attraction in the area and one of the biggest in the country. Talk to historical actors who will tell you all about the life of the pioneers as you learn about how they lived on the prairie. Visitors can spend hours touring the structures and discovering new aspects of the local and national cultures. It's a historical "bonanza," for sure!

TripAdvisor Rating: 4.0/5.0
Address: 1351 Main Ave W, West Fargo, ND 58078
Phone: +1 (701) 282-2822
Website:bonanzaville.org