5 Star Places To Visit in North Dakota, United States (50)

1. 5.0 Ralph Engelstad Arena (319 reviews)
   - Best hockey rink in college hockey
   Monday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Arenas & Stadiums
   
   
   With an egotistic and enthusiastic fan base to go with it. Keep in mind alcohol is served at this facility and fans are very passionate. UND will always be the Fighting Sioux, no matter how much the PC police try and crack down on the name. See more..
   
2. 5.0 South Unit (263 reviews)
   - So much beauty!
   Historic Walking Areas • National Parks
   
   
   Popular area of the park for hiking and horseback riding. See more..
   
3. 5.0 Widman's Candy Shop (131 reviews)
   - Happiness Found Here!
   Speciality & Gift Shops
   
   
   Such a wonderful and incredible place! Happiness is made here! How can you not be happy in a candy store? A chocolate shop? The employees are always very friendly. This is a perfect place for them. If this is your first time here, totally and undoubtedly, you MUST get a box of “CHIPPER!” I’ll say it now... “You’re Welcome!” I know you are going to want to thank me! Grand Forks is very fortunate to have Widman’s Candy Shop in Downtown Gramd Forks! See more..
   
4. 5.0 Old Town Hall Theater (78 reviews)
   - Teddy Roosevelt Show
   Theaters
   
   
   A rainy afternoon in Medora led us to buy tickets for the 1:30 p.m. show. What a treat! Hats off to Joe Wiegand for his portrayal of Teddy Roosevelt - engaging, witty and entertaining. We were a part of an audience of 50 including about ten children. The children were attentive and seemed to enjoy the show, too. I would highly recommend this show as a part of your Medora/Teddy Roosevelt National Park experience. See more..
   
5. 5.0 Ronald Reagan Minuteman Missile State Historic Site (71 reviews)
   - Excellent tour
   Monday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites
   
   
   The Ronald Reagan Minuteman Missile State Historic Site consists of two locations, the Oscar-Zero Missile Alert Facility (the command site) and the November-33 Launch Facility (a missile site). Constantly manned 24 hours a day, 7 days a week from 1966 to 1997, the two sites stood as a vanguard of the American nuclear deterrent force throughout the Cold War. Opened for tours in 2009, the State Historical Society of North Dakota provides tours of Oscar-Zero and an insight into North Dakota's vital Cold War roles. See more..
   
6. 5.0 Prairie Fire Pottery (52 reviews)
   - Lovely shop worth the short drive from Medora!
   Monday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops
   
   
   Prairie Fire Pottery is the perfect side trip for the interstate traveler, nestled just one mile off I-94 in the small town of Beach, North Dakota. There you'll discover the studio and showroom of North Dakota potter, Tama Smith. Studio tours are available. Prairie Fire Pottery is prized by collectors and pottery enthusiasts for its spectacular, high-fired glaze colors. These beautiful color combinations are reminiscent of the rugged badlands, blazing sunsets, and brilliant blue prairie skies of Tama's western North Dakota home. See more..
   
7. 5.0 River Bend Overlook (47 reviews)
   - The Most Amazing Overlook in TRNP - MUST SEE
   Mountains
   
   
   A scenic area in the North Unit. See more..
   
8. 5.0 Oxbow Overlook (39 reviews)
   - Gorgeous sight of the Little Missouri, with a bison grazing on the side.
   Hiking Trails
   
   
   The ease with which wildlife can be seen in this part of Theodore Roosevelt National Park is matched only by zoos. See more..
   
9. 5.0 Grahams Island State Park (35 reviews)
   - Beautiful little island in ND
   State Parks
   
   
   Beautiful place to camp. Their campground is large and has different loops. One loop has full hookups and the others are just electric and water. The lake is very nice. The campground spaces are large enough to park your boat. A must visit while in ND. See more..
   
10. 5.0 Assumption Abbey (32 reviews)
    - Stunningly Beautiful
    Religious Sites
    
    
    Made a quick stop here to view the church late on a Sunday afternoon. Wish I could have stayed longer. The organ was playing as we walked into the cathedral. If traveling across North Dakota make sure to stop here. We made several stops traveling from Fargo to Medora, I wish I would have allotted this one more time. Very peaceful and beautiful. See more..
    
11. 5.0 Prairie Village Museum (29 reviews)
    - Love it!
    Monday: Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums
    
    
    Visitors to Prairie Village Museum take a step back in time when they explore more than 20 historic buidlings arranged around a quaint village square. The museum's six exhibition halls feature antique cars, farm machinery, Native American objects, and household items dating from the mid-1800s to more recent times. People from all over the world tell us Prairie Village Museum is one of the best pioneer museums they've ever seen. See more..
    
12. 5.0 Caprock-Coulee Trail (26 reviews)
    - Very Special Accessible Trail
    Hiking Trails
    
    
    Take this self-guiding hiking trail through the North Dakota wilderness; at just under five miles in length, it won't wear you out. See more..
    
13. 5.0 Cannonball Concretions Pullout (25 reviews)
    - A unique feature of the park
    Spent < 1 hour National Parks • Geologic Formations
    
    
    Readily accessible from the scenic road, this unique feature of the park made us pretty curious where it came from. The information sign explains it further. The balls are pretty slippery and my sister got abrasions after slipping from one of them. So please, be very careful if trying to step on them to pose for photos. There is also a trail to the side of it which leads to a prairie dog town. Too bad it was extremely hot when we visited, we did not go deep and only stayed at the balls. See more..
    
14. 5.0 Barnes County Historical Society (23 reviews)
    - Triceratops "Bob"
    Spent < 1 hour Speciality Museums
    
    
    This triceratops named "Bob" is authentic and not a replica. The display is huge and nearly complete. Anyone passing through on interstate 94 should take the time to stop in and see this! See more..
    
15. 5.0 Main Street Books (22 reviews)
    - Minot’s hidden gem
    Spent 1-2 hours Speciality & Gift Shops
    
    
    This little gem of a store tucked within the Minot downtown shopping district is a destination for locals and travelers alike. The minute you go through the door and walk across the creaking wooden floors gives you a throw back feeling to the small town mercantile stores. There’s a warm and fuzzy aura. This store has so much more than books. Awesome section of toys and gifts for kids, great gifts for adults of all ages. And the customer service is the best (which is hard to find anymore). You won’t be disappointed. See more..
    
16. 5.0 Stutsman County Memorial Museum (20 reviews)
    - Wow!
    Speciality Museums
    
    
    In the historic Lutz Mansion, an Arts and Crafts style residence, the Stutsman County Memorial Museum houses a wealth of antiques and other memorabilia that celebrate the lifestyles of the area's early settlers. Admission is free and the site is open from late May through the end of September. The museum also hosts front porch chats throughout the summer season. See more..
    
17. 5.0 Universal Playground/ Eagles Park (19 reviews)
    - Fun with Grandkids
    Spent 2-3 hours Playgrounds
    
    
    This is a very nice playground! Grandkids love it! They call it the dinosaur park. Good variety of fun equipment. See more..
    
18. 5.0 Fargo Escape Room (16 reviews)
    - Team building event!
    Spent 1-2 hours Escape Games
    
    
    COME IN. GET OUT. Looking for an escape from the ordinary date night? Need the key to a unique corporate event? Want to free yourself from the same old bachelor or bachelorette party? The Fargo Escape Room is designed to challenge your brain and charge your senses. Let your inner sleuth out while you get locked in. See more..
    
19. 5.0 Escape Point (16 reviews)
    - Awesome
    Monday: 10:30 AM - 9:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Escape Games
    
    
    When you first pull up you think wth have we gotten into but trust me don't judge this book by its cover, its really a gem inside. We have done one other escape room and this one was way better!!! We had Jesse as our guide and he was awesome can't say enough good things about him. Sorry about thumbs.....we really cant take him anywhere. I would say defiantly check this place out......great fun at a great price. See more..
    
20. 5.0 Fire Hall Theatre (14 reviews)
    - Best theatre in our area
    Spent 1-2 hours Theaters
    
    
    don't let the size fool you, its very big on fun. You feel like your part of the show. Acting is good. I like to take the family at least once a year. See more..
    
21. 5.0 Boicourt Overlook Trail (14 reviews)
    - How did that sidewalk get there?
    Spent < 1 hour Hiking Trails
    
    
    The trail is listed as 0.3 miles, 15 minutes. Maybe they are measuring to the end of the new concrete sidewalk (or maybe *from* the end), but the narrow dirt trail goes farther, culminating on a narrow ridge with a stunning panoramic view of a spectacular valley landscape. I would not advise small children or anyone unsteady on his feet to go to the end as a fall or misstep could easily be fatal. The round trip from the car took me 30 minutes. See more..
    
22. 5.0 Grand Forks County Historical Society Myra Museum (14 reviews)
    - History and beauty
    History Museums
    
    
    My husband and I arrived at the official closing of the museum, but we walked around the grounds for free. There are plenty of plaques that explain what you are looking at for each of the buildings. We tried to peer in some of the windows, without much luck. haha I'd like to go back when it was open. Note: It is free just to walk around, without the tour. One of the buildings is the oldest building in Grand Forks. It is a log building that once served as the Post Office. There are period homes, furnished from each particular time frame. Nicely kept grounds. Fantastic picture taking opportunities. Picnic area and gazebo in front of the buildings. See more..
    
23. 5.0 Crow Flies High Butte (13 reviews)
    - STOP HERE!!!!
    Scenic Drives
    
    
    What a fantastic view and only a short distance from the highway. From now on I will stop every time I pass it. See more..
    
24. 5.0 Dreamers Lounge (13 reviews)
    - Dreamers prices can’t be beat
    Bars & Clubs
    
    
    Wonderful relaxing atmosphere. The staff is friendly. Nice space. They have nightly specials and is a large lounge area located in the Ramada Inn. See more..
    
25. 5.0 Bismarck-Mandan Convention and Visitors Bureau (12 reviews)
    - Friendly, knowledgable staff, lots to see, and unique gifts available
    Spent < 1 hour Visitor Centers
    
    
    Located at 1600 Burnt Boat Drive in Bismarck, North Dakota, the Visitor Information Center and Genuine Dakota Gift Shop is part of the Bismarck-Mandan Convention and Visitors Bureau. The operator that day took some time to lay out a route to the nearby "Badlands". She unrolled a map, indicated places of interest along the way and answered every question. Her daughter was at the center that day and also gave some advice as to the drive ahead. The accompanying store/museum was interesting and could be an attraction on its own as it offers lots to see and learn about the region, and a selection of unique gifts that are available. See more..
    
26. 5.0 All Seasons Garden Center (11 reviews)
    - All to Better Serve Their Customers
    Monday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Speciality & Gift Shops
    
    
    All Seasons Garden Center is the premier garden center for North Dakota and Western Minnesota attracting passionate customers from all over the state and country! All Seasons provides knowledgeable staff and outstanding customer service. All Seasons Garden Center has many things to offer including; floral arrangements for fresh and silk flowers, landscaping and nursery services, a well stocked garden store, an amazing gift shop, and huge selection of plants for your home and garden. Come to take a tour through our greenhouses and grounds, view our beautiful pond, let the kids play a game of checkers or have fun in our playground, feed the bunnies and chickens or just grab a cup of coffee, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. We welcome you to All Seasons Garden Center! See more..
    
27. 5.0 The Parrot's Cay (11 reviews)
    - Great hidden gem
    Monday: 4:30 PM - 1:00 AM Bars & Clubs
    
    
    Unbelievable appetizers with great service. Very good value for the money. Suggest the bone-in wings and 7-layer dip. Will not be disappointed. See more..
    
28. 5.0 Dakota Chappy (10 reviews)
    - Always have good finds here!
    Monday: 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality & Gift Shops
    
    
    If you're looking for a specific shopping experience with one on one help this is for you. Great ideas and honest help with what works with your style and body. There are some everyday items as well as fun fancy big purchases as well. Any body, any style can find goodies here!! See more..
    
29. 5.0 Wind Canyon Trail (10 reviews)
    - Small risk with great rewards!
    Spent 1-2 hours Hiking Trails
    
    
    A pretty gentle hike from the parking lot. The trail takes you to the riverside, then to the top of the hill, then back to the parking lot, offering unparalleled views of the North Dakota grasslands. Absolutely not hard of a trail and it rewards you an absolute gem of a view. When we visited, there was also a bison resting at the butte opposite the trail and that was a cool sight to see. See more..
    
30. 5.0 Medicine Wheel Park (8 reviews)
    - Great historical stop
    Spent < 1 hour Parks
    
    
    The park, located off of I94, provides easy access to a Native American medicine wheel. Designed and built by Native Americans to track the seasons and movement of the stars, the park offers some picnic tables, explanatory signs, and plenty of places for dogs or kids to run around. Those visiting should keep in mind that the stones are laid out in an astronomical alignment so please do not disturb or move them. See more..
    
31. 5.0 Williston Area Recreation Center (8 reviews)
    - Great place to celebrate a family reunion!
    Spent 1-2 hours Sports Complexes
    
    
    We rented space for a family reunion last July. The accommodations were very clean and a great time was had by all! See more..
    
32. 5.0 Elkhorn Ranch Site (8 reviews)
    - Calming visit
    Ranches
    
    
    Teddy Roosevelt bred cattle on this ranch in the late 1800s. See more..
    
33. 5.0 Four Bears Bridge (7 reviews)
    - Beautiful view of Lake Sacajawea
    Bridges
    
    
    This scenic drive is a lovely drive! Rolling hills and valleys. Lots of old homesteads tucked in the hills. Like travelling through the old west See more..
    
34. 5.0 The Putt District (7 reviews)
    - Fun place
    Spent < 1 hour Miniature Golf
    
    
    Neat little 14 hole mini golf course. Everything is glow in the dark, cool artwork on the walls. Will be going back. See more..
    
35. 5.0 Schmitt Locker (6 reviews)
    - Love that sausage!
    Speciality & Gift Shops
    
    
    If you are looking for delicious authentic German-Russian sausages, this little family owned shop is the mother load. Whether it is fry sausage, headcheese or liversausage, you won't be disappointed. They have jojo's, and hamburger, etc., the standard locker plant stuff, but don't leave without some sausage or headcheese, it's too good to miss out on! Oh and say hi to the just nice folks, sister and brother, Sherry and Bill while you're there, See more..
    
36. 5.0 Dakota Sun Gardens & Winery (6 reviews)
    - Enjoy Wine Made from a Variety of Fruits
    Spent 1-2 hours Wineries & Vineyards • Gardens
    
    
    This is a great place to enjoy a few hours of country air, beautiful gardens, and wine made from fruit other than grapes. It is an award winning winery!! We called ahead and order a cheese, meat, and cracker platter to enjoy with our tasting. Both the platter and the wine exceeded our expectations. The owners work everyday to make great wines, introduce people to wines made using fruits other than grapes. We tasted 17 different wines and found each one to provide a great taste. We bought a case of several of their wine. They currently have 29 and are planning on adding additional flavor this fall. The gardens, metal sculptures, and various water features are worth the visit. The tasting room is cozy and comfortable. When you need to get away from the the everyday grind...head to Dakota Sun Winery! See more..
    
37. 5.0 Midland Continental Depot Transport Museum (6 reviews)
    - Fantastic Transportation Museum
    Speciality Museums
    
    
    This is a great reason to get off the interstate to learn about the idea far ahead of its time to build a north/south railroad from Winnipeg, Canada to Galveston, TX at the turn of the last century to allow midwest farmers to bypass the Mississippi River and eastern middlemen for a direct market outlet and newly built Panama Canal. Wish we had it today! This depot was also the former home to Jazz singer great, Miss Peggy Lee, when she lived there with her family from 1934-1937 and the community of Wimbledon stepped up to see to it that this little girl with a remarkable voice, got launched on her way to international fame. Well worth the stop! http://themidlandcontinentaldepot.com/ See more..
    
38. 5.0 Frost Fire Summer Theatre (6 reviews)
    - You will not leave disappointed in this Theatre experience
    Spent 2-3 hours Theaters
    
    
    Frost Fire Summer Theatre is a professional theater company that operates at Frost Fire Park in northeast North Dakota. Productions typically run from the last weekend in June to the first weekend in August. Tour busses are welcome. The lodge has a restaurant. Frost Fire Park is located 7 miles west of Walhalla, North Dakota. See more..
    
39. 5.0 Theodore Roosevelt Center at Dickinson State University (6 reviews)
    - If you love libraries or Theodore Roosevelt, you must stop here!
    Monday: 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM Libraries
    
    
    The Center houses a comprehensive, digital presidential library of personal letters, diary entries, notes, cartoons, scrapbooks, newspaper columns, photographs, and magazine articles by and about Theodore Roosevelt. Visitors will be able to view films in which Theodore Roosevelt makes an appearance and also be able to listen to audio recordings that feature his famous falsetto voice. See more..
    
40. 5.0 Maltese Cross Cabin (6 reviews)
    - Excellent ranger program
    Historic Sites
    
    
    The Maltese Cross Cabin ranger program was literally the first experience we had of what would be a multi-state, two week vacation through the Dakotas, so I am biased on the newness of it all, but this was wonderful. The cottonwood trees were blowing their fluff too which made it ethereal as we stood outside. We came whipping over from the Rough Riders Hotel with about 30 seconds to spare slipping into this ranger program on the history of the cabin. I wish I could remember our ranger’s name but she was excellent. She had tons of factoids and tidbits to impart as she walked us (literally and figuratively) around and through the history, and how this all came to be here in Medora North Dakota. Kids actually seemed to like this program too. I would highly recommend if visiting the park to add this into your plans - it will give you a good foundation on the history of the man and how the national park came to be. See more..
    
41. 5.0 Scenic Loop Drive (6 reviews)
    - About the road closure, and how to use it efficiently
    Scenic Drives
    
    
    The final 4 miles of the "Scenic Loop Drive" going clockwise are closed and impassable. Funds have been procured, reconstruction should start this year (2022), and work is expected to last for 2 years, meaning the full looping loop *might* be open by spring/summer 2024. Do your research before planning your venture into the park. We decided to first drive all the way into the park, up to the obvious barricades well into the scenic loop, which are 23.5 miles from the park entrance. The Badlands Overlook is at this point and appears to be sufficient for a large vehicle to turn around. We then stopped at the various trailheads on the way out, which proved to be an efficient way to approach our visit. It started raining as we exited the Boicourt trail overlook (our 4th mini-hike of the day), and since we had already spent 4 hours, we just drove out knowing we had seen pretty much everything on the scenic loop. See more..
    
42. 5.0 Pointe of View Winery (5 reviews)
    - A Glass of Wine or Two
    Wineries & Vineyards
    The Pointe of View Winery is not the world's largest; in fact it probably ranks as one of the smallest. But, as the old saying goes: Good things come in small packages. Our group had a great afternoon listening to the owner explain the operation before sampling his product. And - the samples were great. Most everyone in the group bought wine to take home, in my case home was about 1500 miles. Its well worth the trip if you visit North Dakota. See more..
    
43. 5.0 Ashley Golf Course (5 reviews)
    - Great Course for the Young and Not so Young
    Golf Courses
    You will find a very nice course with 9 holes and super peaceful surroundings. Enjoy a game and fall in love with the area. See more..
    
44. 5.0 Hettinger County Historical Society Museum (5 reviews)
    - Hidden Gem
    Spent 1-2 hours History Museums
    
    
    We were delighted to discover this remarkable and expansive museum. Set on the Main Street, across from the whirligig cafe, this donation only (generosity is rewarded here) museum is jam-packed with treasures from a bygone era. Encompassing multiple buildings, you can observe the way of life in small town America as it used to be: family life, post office, church, farm, barbershop—to just name a few. Pleasant volunteer staff and careful curation throughout the museum makes this a true hidden gem. See more..
    
45. 5.0 Southwest Speedway (5 reviews)
    - Great races
    Spent More than 3 hours Auto Racing Tracks
    
    
    Lots of fun for Our whole family, lots of great racing action. One of the best burgers I have had in Dickinson. Kids had a great time getting autographs after the races. See more..
    
46. 5.0 Broadway Square (5 reviews)
    - Top Stop in Fargo, ND
    Monday: Parks
    
    
    Broadway Square is a ton of fun for all ages when there are events happening, most of which are free! It's also a perfect place to hang out when there isn't an event happening. Summer has water spouts for kids to dance in, seating, public restrooms, an awesome stage, music... Winter is skating, a giant holiday tree with dancing lights, fire pits... Just across the street are tons of restaurants and shopping, including ice cream, coffee/hot cocoa, waffles, and so much more. Every visit to Fargo deserves a stop at Broadway Square in the heart of downtown. Plan to leave the car in a public parking garage, stay and walk awhile. You'll want time to explore the neighborhood. See more..
    
47. 5.0 Dakota Cyclery (4 reviews)
    - Great customer service
    Bike Tours • Gear Rentals
    Went in with a rear brake problem for my bike. Despite keeping the owner late, we left with not only the parts to 100% fix the problem, but great local advice on trails and places to cycle. Great service! See more..
    
48. 5.0 St. Mary's Catholic Church (4 reviews)
    - Wonder
    Churches & Cathedrals
    
    
    Beautiful building, art, windows, music. Heritage site along with old Cemetery west of Hague is noted for its iron cross grave markers. See more..
    
49. 5.0 Freds den (4 reviews)
    - Awesome place!
    Bars & Clubs
    
    
    Friendly. Good selection of beer. Good prices. Atmosphere was relaxed. Nice small patio of two tables out front for drinking and smoking. See more..
    
50. 5.0 Bry's Guide Service (4 reviews)
    - Great Ice Fishing trip
    Fishing Charters & Tours • Kayaking & Canoeing
    
    
    What a great trip on a guided 2 day trip w Jay from Bry’s guide service & Fish Rehab Lodge in March 2020! So much history in the area- hard not to take interest in the surroundings. Such a good trip last we decided to do it again this year See more..