8 Destinations Way Out West In North Dakota That Are So Worth The Drive
By Leah|Published December 26, 2018
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Leah
Author
Leah moved to North Dakota when she was 12 years old and has traveled from the Red River Valley to the badlands and many places in between. She loves small-town life and currently enjoys living on a small farm in the ND prairie. She's always had a passion for writing and has participated in novel writing challenges such as NaNoWriMo multiple times. Her favorite part about this job is recognizing small businesses that deserve a boost and seeing the positive affect her articles can have on their traffic, especially in rural areas that might have otherwise gone overlooked.
With a large portion of North Dakota’s population residing in the eastern and central parts of the state, a lot of folks are probably missing out on the western region. Even though it’s more than 350 miles straight across I-94 from the state’s largest city to the western border, it’s well worth the drive. There are some truly amazing landscapes, attractions, and places to explore out west. Check them out:
Get a taste of history at the Fort Union Trading Post near Williston, North Dakota. This historic site has amazingly reconstructed and restored buildings from one of the most important trading posts in the state.
North Dakota's largest lake, Lake Sakakawea, is perfectly experienced at the Lewis and Clark State Park. With spectacular views of the rugged terrain, great trails, campsites, and plenty of ways to enjoy the scenery, there is really no reason not to visit.
One of the best and most popular destinations in the state for out-of-staters is the Theodore Roosevelt National Park. No matter if you visit the North Unit or South Unit, you'll be amazed by the mesmerizing vistas of the badlands. Explore the rugged terrain and you'll likely be treated to a view of wild horses, bison, bighorn sheep, prairie dogs, and so many more animals that live there. This is one of those destinations that everyone should visit at least once.
Take a drive through an outdoor art gallery and see the impressive, record-breaking collection of massive scrap metal sculptures near Regent, North Dakota. The Enchanted Highway has gained international fame for the many, huge sculptures along the route. These sculptures range from things like deer jumping a fence, to fish in a stream, to massive pheasants, and even to Theodore Roosevelt riding a horse.
If you're visiting the town of Medora, be sure to check out this underrated attraction: the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame. Riders, ranchers, and folks of all walks of life have been inducted in this awesome museum and you can see them all.
The magnificent Chateau de Mores is a historic site that everyone should check out if they're in the area. It was owned by the man who founded Medora, the Marquis de Mores. It has been painstakingly kept pristine and will make you feel like you've stepped into the past. Not only that, but it is located on a hill with a stunning view of the badlands.
The tallest point in North Dakota lies in the western region. Towering up seemingly out of nowhere among the fields is a massive, aptly named butte in a pale color. The top of the butte holds a stake declaring that spot the highest point - 3,506 feet above sea level.
A lesser known but other great way to experience the unique terrain of western North Dakota is the Little Missouri State Park. This park is known for having great horse riding trails but can be used on foot, as well. No matter if you're in the saddle or simply walking the trail, you'll be blown away by the views.
Where is your favorite western destination in North Dakota? If you’re looking to explore a different part of the state, try up north for some more amazing spots with entirely different terrain and attractions. This state has quite the variety of things to explore!
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