8 Things To Do In North Dakota When You Thought You've Done Everything
By Leah|Updated on July 25, 2023(Originally published October 05, 2017)
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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.
When you’ve already checked out the beautiful vistas of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, fished in the waters of Devils Lake, taken a drive down the Enchanted Highway, and toured all of the many historic forts in the Flickertail State, you might think that you’ve done all the best things to do in North Dakota. You’d be wrong, however! There are so many unique things to do in North Dakota besides just our big lakes and the badlands. As magnificent as the major attractions here are, there are some great hidden gems in North Dakota that you don’t want to miss out on. It’s only by exploring every corner of the state that you get an appreciation for how amazing this place really is.
Whether you’re looking for unusually unique places in North Dakota to visit or just want a relaxing getaway, here are 8 things to do in our great state when you think you’ve done it all:
1. Check out the world's largest buffalo statue, located in Jamestown.
World's Largest Buffalo, 404 Louis Lamour Ln, Jamestown, ND 58401, USA
This one's an essential roadside stop when traveling through North Dakota. It's fitting that we're home to the world's largest buffalo statue since the animal is so closely-associated with the Midwest. Technically, he's not a true buffalo but a bison (true buffalo are native to Asia and Africa), but we love him just the same. His name is "Dakota Thunder" and he stands in front of the National Buffalo Museum, which is also worth a visit.
2. Catch a movie at America's longest-running and oldest theater.
Scenic Theatre Llc, 419 Main St, Lisbon, ND 58054, USA
Did you know that North Dakota is home to the longest-running movie theater in the country? The Scenic Theater in Lisbon, ND has been continuously running for more than a century. Movies are still shown today in this historic building. There's even an old-timey popcorn machine if you get the munchies during the movie!
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3. Take a peaceful stroll through a hidden garden and sculpture walk in Mayville.
Rainbow Garden, 401-425 3rd St SW, Mayville, ND 58257, USA
The Rainbow Garden and Sculpture Walk in Mayville, ND is a beautiful, serene garden that's certainly fitting of its colorful name. A stunning array of flowers and unique art pieces fills the garden, which has seven plots. It's free for the public to enter, and new art installations are put in frequently.
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4. Discover these bizarre natural formations in western North Dakota.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota, USA
These cannonball concrete-shaped formations are a geological oddity. They're completely natural, but look man-made. They're commonly found in western North Dakota, especially at the Cannonball Concretions Pullout area of Theodore Roosevelt National Park's north unit.
This is one of our favorite small towns in North Dakota! It's got everything going for it to make one of the best things to do in North Dakota, and yet it remains criminally overlooked by tourists and locals alike. Kenmare is surrounded by breathtaking natural scenery, and there's charm on practically every corner of the town. There's even an adorable Danish mill in the town's main park. It's well worth a day trip to visit, and you'll find plenty to do here.
6. Spend the night in North Dakota's only castle.
Enchanted Castle Hotel, 607 Main St, Regent, ND 58650, USA
The Enchanted Castle in Regent, ND is the perfect place for a majestically medieval stay. It's thought to be the state's only castle, which certainly makes it among the most unique places in North Dakota. We're pretty sure it's the only hotel in the state with a full suit of armor in the hall!
7. Step back to the days of the dinosaurs in America's largest remaining petrified forest.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota, USA
It may be hard to believe, but these unusual rocks pictured above are actually petrified wood that remains from tree stumps that were here thousands of years ago. These are much bigger than you can tell in photos, and pictures don't do them justice. If you're interested in viewing them, there's actually an entire trail dedicated to these geological wonders in North Dakota - it's like a natural fossil museum out in the open at Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
8. Take a tour of one of North Dakota's prettiest wineries.
Dakota Sun Gardens, 955 73rd Ave NE, Carrington, ND 58421, USA
There are actually several great wineries in North Dakota, but we love the Dakota Sun Gardens and Winery because it's so much more than a place that makes delicious wine. Taking a tour here is like traveling to the prettiest corner of the world. The impressive garden is perfect for a stroll, and, of course, you can enjoy tasting the wines. Tours will show you every aspect of the wine-making process.
Our list featured several places to check out in Theodore Roosevelt National Park. This 70,000-acre preserve is one of the most incredible sights in the entire country. Check out this great video of the park from YouTube user Rugged Mile:
Want to show off your love for our national parks everywhere you go? Check out the great gear from Parks Project – you’ll find all kinds of clothing celebrating our country’s many national parks.
How many of these unique places in North Dakota have you already explored? Any other hidden gems in North Dakota you think belong on the list? Share your thoughts in the comments!
If you’re in need of more unique things to do in North Dakota, these unforgettable road trips will take you to the best of the best in the Peace Garden State.
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