11 Incredible Hidden Gems In North Dakota You’ll Want To Discover This Year
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Tori Jane
Author
North Dakota is an undeniably wonder-filled place, with natural wonders everywhere you turn and friendly faces, too. Somehow, it’s not exactly a bastion of travel… in fact, despite its awesomeness, it’s visited very seldomly overall compared to literally every other state. But you know what? I think that just means we get all the glory without the crowds. There are plenty of hidden gems in North Dakota that are 100% worthy of adventure. Come check them out and see for yourself!
1. On A Slant Village
On-A-Slant Indian Village, Mandan, ND 58554, USA
On A Slant Village is an awesomely intriguing place, and yet only a handful of folks even know it's here. Come explore the well-preserved remains of a four-centuries-old Native American village. Up until the horrific smallpox epidemic brought about by the cruelty of settlers, this village was home to about 1,000 people and 75 earthlodges.
2. Jamestown
Jamestown, ND, USA
Jamestown is more than just the hometown of the largest buffalo in the world; it's also an awesome small-town escape for anyone looking to get away for a while. It was founded back in 1883 and to this day remains an excellent place to visit, live, or study. While you're here, be sure to check out the awesome Jamestown National Buffalo Museum!
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3. The Paul Broste Rock Museum
Paul Broste Rock Museum, 508 Main St, Parshall, ND 58770, USA
This wonderfully quirky rock and mineral museum in North Dakota is proof fun things come in modestly-sized packages. It's not too small and not too large - but it's just right when it comes to a nice afternoon admiring the very real artwork of our planet itself. Goldilocks herself would be pleased. If you DON'T leave here with a new appreciation for geology, well, then I can't help you.
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4. The Gunlogson State Nature Preserve
Gunlogson State Nature Preserve, Cavalier Air Force Station, ND 58220, USA
This seemingly-secret nature preserve in North Dakota is located within Icelandic State Park, which is in and of itself an often-overlooked hidden gem. With three miles of amazing hiking trails, jaw-dropping landscapes and a lot to learn within, it's a shame that this place falls through the cracks as much as it does. You'll also find an amazing number of rare and uncommon plant species, as well as some truly wonderful critters - overall, it's an excellent place for killing a whole afternoon.
5. Kenmare
Kenmare, ND 58746, USA
Kenmare is one of those delightful small towns in North Dakota with a population of less than 1,000 but triple that number in the amount of charm (you know... if "charm" was a quantifiable thing, but I digress). With a wonderfully cute downtown area, a gorgeous, sparkling lake, and so much to do, you'll never get bored here.
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6. The Coghlan Castle
Did you know that there's a literal castle in North Dakota and you can check it out to this day? YUP. It's the awesome Coghlan Castle, and it was built back in the early 1900s and is made of stone. It's beautiful, and I can only imagine how awesome it looked back when it was new and lived-in! This might be one of my favorite hidden gems in North Dakota.
7. Splashers of the South Seas
Splashers of the South Seas, 1000 S 42nd St, Grand Forks, ND 58201, USA
So, sure, maybe North Dakota has some truly brutal winters, but that doesn't mean we can't still enjoy all the delights of a water park year-round. How? Oh, just Splashers of the South Seas, a wonderfully fun, all-indoor water and amusement park that makes for an awesome chilly day. This is one of those places that's popular among those who know it's there... and most people seem to not know it's there.
8. Turtle Mountain
Turtle Mountain State Recreation Area, Bottineau, ND 58318, USA
The jaw-dropping Turtle Mountain is nothing short of brilliantly beautiful - North Dakota at her finest. Located in Bottineau County, this beautiful slice of paradise is vast and wonder-filled. You'll find camping, hiking, and more at the Turtle Mountain State Recreation Area, which is known among the outdoorsy folks in North Dakota for its beauty but goes otherwise unnoticed by tourists.
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9. The Only Waterfall
11999 63rd St SE, Fort Ransom, ND 58033, USA
Fun fact: there is exactly one waterfall in North Dakota, and you can find it on a hike in Sheyenne State Forest. The North Country Trail will lead you right to where it is; it's moderately challenging, but it's worth the effort! The best times to check this out are during snowmelt in the spring and following decent rain showers in the summer. Lace up those hiking boots and get ready - this one's a blast.
10. The Fairview Lift Bridge
Fairview Lift Bridge/Tunnel, 217 9th St, Fairview, MT 59221, USA
The beautiful Fairview Lift Bridge is a must-stop even if you're not a "bridge person". It sits right on Montana and North Dakota's state line, and both states claim it as their own (as well all should). The bridge is adjoined with another cool gem: the longest train tunnel in North Dakota. Though it's all closed to vehicle and rail traffic, there's now a lovely walking trail that's sure to show you all the best views of both.
11. The Rainbow Garden
401 3rd St SW, Mayville, ND 58257, USA
With all these hidden gems in North Dakota, it's probably no surprise at this point that we've also got a brilliantly colorful, totally wonderful secret garden, too. And we do! The magical Rainbow Garden is a gorgeous little community labor of love consisting of seven "plots" with different purposes: a kids' garden, an herb garden, etc. Oh, and the flowers - the flowers are INCREDIBLE, especially in late spring and summer.
So, there you have them: 11 amazing hidden gems in North Dakota, all of which are more than worthy of adventure. Planning to make a road trip out of it? Well, you can’t go without our handy-dandy road trip packing guide. And if you plan on hiking, the AllTrails app is a handy tool to bring along.
What are your favorite North Dakota hidden gems? Let me know!
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