North Dakota is filled with generations of history dating back to well before its statehood. Although we cannot go back in time (yet) to visit some of these historical moments for ourselves, we can visit where they happened at historical sites that preserve the memories as well as the physical buildings and objects that have stood in those places for centuries. These 10 historical North Dakota landmarks are a big part of North Dakota history and are a must-visit if you want to truly discover and explore the state.

1. Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site - Williston
Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site, 15550 ND-1804, Williston, ND 58801, USA
Lindsey G./Flickr
This fort was one of the first places declared a historical landmark in America. It was originally built back in 1828 and served as a very important fur trading post. In fact, it was the most prominent one on the upper Missouri for decades. The beautiful fort was partially reconstructed and restored into what it is today. You can visit the fort and catch a glimpse of the Missouri River flowing just beyond it, too. The sights and the history are well worth the trip.
2. Theodore Roosevelt's Maltese Cross Cabin - Medora
Maltese Cross Cabin, Medora, ND 58645, USA
Podruznik/Wikimedia
Theodore Roosevelt attributed his success as a president to his time spent in the state of North Dakota. This cabin, however, has actually been all over the country. It was originally built in North Dakota and served as a hunting cabin for Roosevelt that he stayed at when he wasn't busy on the political scene in New York. During his presidency, the cabin was purchased for the World's Fair hosted in St. Louis, Missouri at the time. It traveled to Missouri, then to Portland, Oregon, and then back to North Dakota where it hung out in Fargo for some time before eventually moving to the state capitol grounds in Bismarck. The cabin was moved one last time in 1959 and permanently sits in the south unit of the Theodore Roosevelt National Park near Medora today. Now, that is one well-traveled cabin! You can tour the cabin and its beautiful interior while visiting the scenic national park around it. I highly recommend it.
3. Fort Mandan State Historic Site - Washburn
Fort Mandan State Historic Site, 838 28th Ave SW, Washburn, ND 58577, USA
Chris Light/Wikimedia
The original Fort Mandan would have many, many stories to tell if it could. It was built way back in 1804 for Lewis and Clark to stay at in the winter during their expeditions. Lewis and Clark actually spent more time in North Dakota during their adventures than in any other place in the country. This fort in particular was very important for some of the first diplomatic relationships with the Native American tribes who lived near the fort, as requested by President Thomas Jefferson at the time. If you love to learn about American history, then this place is an absolute must-visit because it's packed with lots of it.
4. Welk Homestead State Historic Site - Strasburg
Welk Homestead State Historic Site, 845 88th St SE, Strasburg, ND 58573, USA
Jimmy Emerson/Flickr
In this home on March 11, 1903, one of America's most remembered musicians, bandleaders, and TV show hosts was born. That person was Lawrence Welk, who ran the Lawrence Welk Show from 1951 to 1982. The home is registered as a historical site and has been carefully kept up by the Welk Family descendants and local volunteers for years. Lawrence Welk was the first inductee of the North Dakota Hall of Fame and continues to be a well-remembered North Dakota native to this day. The entire farm is in a beautiful area near Strasburg and is well worth an out-of-towner trip.
5. Fort Abercrombie State Historic Site - Abercrombie
Fort Abercrombie State Historic Site, 935 Broadway, Abercrombie, ND 58001, USA
Jerrye & Roy Klotz MD/Wikimedia
This fort known as the "Gateway to the Dakotas" was built as a military outpost in 1858 when both North and South Dakota were still just the Dakota territory. It underwent many attacks from the Sioux during the Dakota War of 1862 and was later abandoned. The town of Abercrombie was founded about a decade later and used the fort as an important hub for trade and transport. Today, the fort is open for visits to give everyone the opportunity to see and learn about the fascinating history of the area.

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6. Ronald Reagan Minuteman Missile State Historic Site - Cooperstown
Ronald Reagan Minuteman Missile State Historic Site, 555 113th 1/2 Ave NE, Cooperstown, ND 58425, USA
Tripadvisor user tdawg40sw
One of the youngest historical sites in the state is also one of the most interesting to see. Walking around inside is almost like walking through a time capsule. Old computers and decor, as well as the missile launching facility, remain intact and are open for viewing. During the Cold War, the arms race led to many such missile sites being built in preparation for a potential nuclear war against the then-USSR. This particular site held missiles that were ready to destroy any incoming missiles on their way to the U.S. before they could ever get close enough to do any damage. While the surface of the site appears mostly empty, the underground is full of hidden facilities you can tour today.
7. Fort Totten State Historic Site - Fort Totten
Fort Totten State Historic Site, 417 Calvary Cir, Fort Totten, ND 58335, USA
Tripadvisor user jwelhwel
This fort has an interesting history through its use both as a military outpost and a boarding school, then specifically a boarding school for children susceptible to tuberculosis. Most of the houses on the grounds were built in the late 1860s. Today, the site is host to tours, reenactments, demonstrations, and plenty of other fun activities. There are tons to see and none of it should be missed if you have the chance to go, so make the trip to see it.
8. Chateau de Mores State Historic Site - Medora
Chateau de Mores State Historic Site, 3426 Chateau Rd, Medora, ND 58645, USA
minnemom/flickr
Medora would not exist today if it had not been for the Marquis de Mores settling the area and having this grand house built back in 1883. In fact, the town is named after his wife. He traveled to North Dakota from France with dreams of being a cattle rancher. He tried to revolutionize the meatpacking industry in the U.S. by shipping already-processed meat in ice-filled train box cars to cities like Chicago instead of sending live cattle to Chicago's stockyards. The only reason this failed was because city stockyards stopped buying his cattle or meat to prevent him from taking over their business. He was not only an entrepreneur, but also a well-known duelist, having fought and won many duels all over the world. His history, the history of Medora, and a piece of North Dakotan history, can all be found in this amazing house that is open to the public today. I recommend it for de Mores' history alone. He's a fascinating character with a story that's dramatic enough to be deserving of a movie franchise.
9. Fort Buford State Historic Site - Williston
Fort Buford State Historic Site, 15349 39th Ln NW, Williston, ND 58801, USA
minnemom/Flickr
Right near the Fort Union Trading Post is the remnants of the nearby military post Fort Buford. While the trading post was a busy hub for exchanging furs and other goods, Fort Buford was there to protect the people traveling to and from the trading post and those heading further west to settle the land. One of the most remembered occurrences at this fort was the surrender of Sitting Bull, the famous Hunkpapa Lakota leader. If you're going to visit Fort Union, be sure to make a stop at this fort as well.
10. Killdeer Mountain Battlefield State Historic Site - Killdeer
Killdeer Mountain Battlefield State Historic Site, Killdeer Mt Battlefield Rd, Killdeer, ND 58640, USA
J. Stephen Conn/Flickr
In the beautiful Killdeer Mountains, this historical landmark overlooks what at one point had been an action-packed battlefield in 1864. The view is spectacular and the history is riveting. If you're in the area, stop by and experience it for yourself.

Have you ever been to any of these North Dakota landmarks? If so, please share your experiences with us in the comments.

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More to Explore

North Dakota landmarks

Jennifer Young | May 30, 2022

What are three hidden historical landmarks in North Dakota that belong on everyone's bucket list?

There are numerous historical landmarks in North Dakota and we've listed three of our favorites below.

1. Bagg Bonanza Farm

Located just outside of Mooreton, North Dakota is the historic Bagg Bonanza Farm, which covers 15 acres. The Bagg Bonanza Farm was in operation from 1915 to 1935 and is one of America's best-preserved bonanza farms. Everything inside the main house is just like it was when the family lived in it. The rest of the buildings on the property serve as a museum.

2. Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park

Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park, which is located in Mandan, is one of North Dakota's best state parks. It was established in 1872 and will take you back in time from the 1500s to the early 1900s. Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park is home to the Custer House, the home of Lieutenant Colonel George Custer of the "Custer's Last Stand" fame, and several military buildings that have been reconstructed. The park offers tours and reenactments throughout the year.

3. Stutsman County Courthouse

The Stutsman County Courthouse is located in Jamestown, North Dakota. Built in 1883, it's also the state's oldest surviving courthouse. It was used until a new one was built in the 1980s. One of the most historical events to take place at this courthouse was the splitting of the Dakota Territory. It was here in this courthouse where the Dakota Territory was split into two states: North Dakota and South Dakota.

What two North Dakota famous landmarks are popular destinations for the entire family?

There are many places in North Dakota that are popular places for the entire family to visit or see. From North Dakota monuments and sculptures to North Dakota parks and museums, the list is endless. Listed below are two landmarks that are popular family destinations.

1. Enchanted Highway

The Enchanted Highway begins at Exit 72 on the I-94 and ends 32 miles away in Regent. What makes this 32-mile stretch of road so unique is that it features some of the world's largest scrap metal sculptures. Artist Gary Greff built the first sculpture in 1989 and today there are seven.

2. Lindenwood Park

Lindenwood Park is located along the Red River in Fargo, North Dakota, and is the city's largest multi-use park. It's surrounded by lots of beautiful natural scenery and offers a variety of activities for the entire family including jogging, strolling, and biking. There are also playgrounds for children and campsites for families wishing to stay a bit longer.

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