7 Destinations Way Up North In North Dakota That Are So Worth The Drive

Of course there's no way we could miss putting this on our list. As far as "up north" goes, this is the furthest you can go before you've left North Dakota and entered our northernly neighbor, Canada. The International Peace Garden is right on the border with parts on both sides. The vibrant flower gardens, greenhouses full of plants from all over the world, and fascinating monuments make it a wonderful place. Everyone should visit it at least once, even if the drive to the town of Dunseith where it is located may be a bit long!

Some people may not consider this very far north, but when most other visitors stop as far as Medora and the South Unit and never see the beauty of the North Unit, it seemed fitting to include. While the South Unit has its own draw, the North Unit is completely underrated. Located near Watford City, this unit has sweeping landscapes of valleys and buttes surrounding the meandering Little Missouri River. Places like the Riverbend Overlook, shown above, are truly spectacular sights to see in person. It might take almost an extra hour and a half to get here from the South Unit, but that's hardly a loss after you've witnessed its pure, North Dakota beauty.

You don't have to go all the way north to the Arctic in Iceland to visit the Icelandic State Park. This place lies in the furthest northeast corner of North Dakota, near Cavalier. It is centered around Lake Renwick and the Tongue River. This wooded area is especially stunning in the fall, but there is year-round fun to have on the trails and out on the water.

Take a trip up north past Minot to the charming town of Kenmare and the amazing wildlife refuge surrounding it. Des Lacs Lake has tons of gorgeous sights and Kenmare has plenty of local attractions. For the first two weeks of September, you can take a special auto route in the refuge to enjoy the mesmerizing fall scenery against the lake.

If you're looking for the ultimate autumn destinations, you would be hard-pressed to find better than the Pembina Gorge. Although it may be a bit of a trek since it's only a few miles from the Canadian border in Walhalla, it's well worth it come late September through October. The lush river valley surrounding the Pembina River turns into a masterpiece of color.

Surprisingly, the Pembina Gorge is right next to the town of Walhalla while the town of Pembina is about a 40-minute drive away. Both destinations make up for it, however. Pembina is at the very tip of the northeast corner of North Dakota. What makes it special? It happens to be the oldest town in not only the entire state but in both North Dakota and South Dakota combined. At the time it was settled, they were still considered one big Dakota Territory, after all! With places like the Pembina State Museum and lots of history to explore, Pembina is a must-visit for everyone in the state.

This year-round destination near Bottineau and nestled in the Turtle Mountains that both ND and Canada share is a true gem. The glass-like, beautifully clear lake is spectacular come fall when the forests surrounding it become ablaze with reds, golds, and oranges. The state park has everything you need for the perfect visit. From cabins, campgrounds, and trails to kayak and canoe rentals, there's nothing better than this northern destination.