Hidden Gems Places To Visit in North Dakota, United States

1. 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..
   
2. 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..
   
3. 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..
   
4. 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..
   
5. 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..
   
6. 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..
   
7. 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..
   
8. 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..
   
9. 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..
   
10. 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..
    
11. 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..
    
12. 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..
    
13. 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..
    
14. 4.5 Fort Mandan State Historic Site (98 reviews)
    - Interesting place!
    Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites
    
    
    Visitors can step back in time at the reconstructed Fort Mandan, a fully furnished, full-size replica of the fort in which the Lewis and Clark Expedition overwintered in 1804-1805. Their time here was characterized by the hospitality of the Mandan and Hidatsa peoples. In fact, this is where they met and built friendships with such important figures as Sacagawea, Toussaint Charbonneau and Sheheke-Shote. Available by guided tour only, weather permitting. Many great learning experiences are available at Fort Mandan. Join one of the guided tours that depart at regular intervals throughout the day. Our interpretive staff is always on hand to bring the stories of that winter to life through programs on a wide array of related topics. Exhibits in the Visitor Center reveal that winter in greater depth, while a children's play area allows young visitors to discover history with costumes, camp supplies, and more. Our museum store offers a great selection of souvenirs, beverages, and snacks. See more..
    
15. 4.5 University of North Dakota (96 reviews)
    - NEW Memorial Union! Impressive!
    Educational sites
    
    
    We took some time this summer to check out the newly built Memorial Union on UND’s campus. Wowzers! A lot of open spaces, unlike the previous building. The manager of the Memorial Union even stopped us, greeted us, and showed us a few things. Thank you! It must have been super easy to see that it was our first time here since we were walking around slowly and taking photos. This place is pretty impressive for sure! All alumni and guests need to stop by the NEW Memorial Union when they are in the area. You’ll be glad you did! See more..
    
16. 4.5 Drekker Brewing Company (85 reviews)
    - Train Brewery
    Monday: 4:00 PM - 10:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Breweries
    
    
    Drekker Brewing is a brewery and taproom located in one of Fargo's oldest buildings - a restored railroad shop built in 1883, before North Dakota was a part of the United States. Drekker Brewing Company specializes in unique and adventurous small batch beers but has something on tap for everyone. See more..
    
17. 4.5 Chahinkapa Zoo (83 reviews)
    - An EXCELLENT little zoo!
    Monday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Zoos
    
    
    Wow! This was a pleasant surprise! I have been to about 90 zoos / aquariums around the world. This is a wonderful little zoo! Extremely impressive animals for its size.....Plains Zebras, Southern White Rhinoceros, Bornean-Sumatran Orangutan, Cheetah, Fossa, Snow Leopard, North American River Otters, Eagles, Camels, Alpacas, Llamas, Bobcats, Cougar/Mountain Lions, Kangaroos, Lemurs, Spider Monkeys, White-handed Gibbons, Elk, Bison, etc. It was a beautiful warm and sunny day. There were hardly any guests, so it was the perfect day for a quiet stroll. The animals were all active and the walking paths take you pretty close to their cages, exhibits, and habitats. The admission with AAA discount was $10.25. I HIGHLY recommend a visit to this zoo if your travels ever bring you to this part of North Dakota! See more..
    
18. 4.5 On-A-Slant Village (83 reviews)
    - Incredible Tour Guide - Johann
    Historic Sites
    
    
    Home of the Mandan Indians for over 200 years until they were virtually wiped out by smallpox. See more..
    
19. 4.5 Flood Memorial Monument (81 reviews)
    - Outdoor recreation in the heart of the city!
    Monuments & Statues
    
    
    Monument honors the rescue workers of the April 18, 1997 flood. See more..
    
20. 4.5 Medora Riding Stables (80 reviews)
    - 2 Hour Trail Ride
    Horseback Riding Tours
    
    
    My wife and I took a two hour trail ride at Medora Riding Stables and had a marvelous time. We opted for the first slot in the morning so got ahead of the heat and I would advise this to anyone visiting in July or August. The guide was great and very informative. The horses were gentle and we went at a slow pace. Both of us had done a lot of riding as younger people but hadn't been in the saddle in years! Despite that we were not sore at all. The ride was advertised as two hours but in reality it was about 1:45. The other 15 minutes involved getting organized, safety speech and then dismounting. FUN! See more..
    
21. 4.5 Dakota Territory Air Museum (77 reviews)
    - Nice Museum for a Small Town
    Temporarily closed - Closed until May 13, 2023 Spent 1-2 hours Military Museums • Speciality Museums
    
    
    Founded in 1986, the Dakota Territory Air Museum has evolved into a significant historical depository honoring the men, women and machines that have impacted the rich history of aviation. Displays include an impressive collection of airworthy WWII aircraft and general aviation aircraft, a full-scale replica of the Wright Flyer, many artifacts and much more! The museum has become a viable and important historical resource for the region and the state of North Dakota. The museum is open seasonally from Mid-May through Mid-October. Hours during the open season are Monday through Saturday 10:00am - 5:00pm and Sunday 1:00pm - 5:00pm. See more..
    
22. 4.5 Dickinson Museum Center (72 reviews)
    - Excellent experience for the price
    Monday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums
    
    
    Featuring a 12-acre cultural and natural history campus with dinosaur exhibits, heritage exhibits, Pioneer Machinery Museum - ranching and farming equipment, Prairie Outpost Park with 11 historic buildings, classes, demonstrations, educational programs, and special events! Park Tours are available between Memorial Day and Labor Day only. See more..
    
23. 4.5 North Dakota State University (68 reviews)
    - Visited the bookstore
    Educational sites
    
    
    North Dakota State University affirms its heritage as North Dakota's land-grant institution. See more..
    
24. 4.5 Fargo Marathon (62 reviews)
    - Fantastic 1/2 marathon
    Sports Camps & Clinics
    
    
    One of the best races!!! Running the states for Half marathons. Extremely well run and a super fun and flat course. Bands and music throughout the course. A scenic trip through Minnesota. Everyone was so nice and helpful. Start and finish in the Fargodome! Yummy food at the end. See more..
    
25. 4.5 Medora Visitor Center (61 reviews)
    - Ranger Run Visitor Center
    Visitor Centers
    
    
    Stands at the entrance to the Theodore Roosevelt National Park. See more..
    
26. 4.5 Custer House (61 reviews)
    - EXCELLENT TOUR
    Historic Sites
    
    
    Reconstructed home of Gen. George Armstrong Custer. See more..
    
27. 4.5 Petrified Forest Loop (56 reviews)
    - Wonderful views and access
    Scenic Drives
    
    
    16-mile scenic drive in the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. See more..
    
28. 4.5 Harold Schafer Heritage Center (47 reviews)
    - Great History mixed with Great memories
    History Museums
    
    
    Phone - 1-800-633-6721 See more..
    
29. 4.5 River Cities Speedway (47 reviews)
    - world of outlaws
    Spent More than 3 hours Auto Racing Tracks
    
    
    We took two years off from coming here...loved every second of being back. My daughter enjoyed the whole night. See more..
    
30. 4.5 Oak Park (47 reviews)
    - Great nature walk
    Spent 2-3 hours Parks • Playgrounds
    
    
    Oak park is my favorite place to bike or run in Minot. There are two many paths - a road open to cars and bikes with a one mile loop, and a bath restricted to foot traffic that goes a total of 1.4 miles. Lots of trees, and the foot path winds through a very secluded area. Wildlife includes plentiful geese and squirrels, and I've also seen raccoons and deer. See more..
    
31. 4.5 Lindenwood Park (44 reviews)
    - Great spot
    Spent 2-3 hours Parks • Playgrounds
    
    
    This park has a great shade area with various spots to picnic or play on the play grounds. It is safe and clean. See more..
    
32. 4.5 McDowell Dam Nature Park (39 reviews)
    - Beautiful area, well maintained!
    Nature & Wildlife Areas
    
    
    I’ve seen a lot of improvement over the past few years! Very nice area and the manager is more than willing to help. The rental area for boats is at a very reasonable price and they also sell ice cream and sodas. People are frequently going out just to pick up trash that visitors leave in the parking lot. See more..
    
33. 4.5 North Dakota Museum of Art (39 reviews)
    - Well worth searching for
    Monday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 AM Spent 1-2 hours Art Museums
    
    
    North Dakota Museum of Art houses temporary exhibitions of regional, national, and international art. See more..
    
34. 4.5 Lake Metigoshe State Park (38 reviews)
    - What can I say? Great park!!!
    State Parks
    
    
    For me being around water, trails, trees, wildlife, birds....well, Lake Metigoshe State Park supplies all that. Seems like every time I visit there's a new "surprise" or something "different". I enjoy spending time at the South and North Hill Picnic area. This visit I was greeted by a doe and her two yearlings and an American Bald Eagle flew over just after my arrival. I went into the campground and found a portion of the Old Oak Trail that I wanted to hike. It went out to Oriole Island. I had heard there were loons there but unfortunately I didn't see them. I was lucky to see other song birds in the trees though and chipmunks and a snake. This trip I didn't stay in the park but I had stayed in the Cormorant Cabin previously and enjoyed it very much. Sunrises over School Section Lake can be really amazing. I hope you enjoy the photos I'm including. See more..
    
35. 4.5 West River Community Center (34 reviews)
    - Great place to relax or workout
    Sports Complexes
    
    
    Enjoy the full service recreation center with water recreation, gymnasiums, racquetball, fitness center, climbing wall, locker rooms, lounge area and a community room. The indoor facility also includes tennis courts, golf, a playground and track. See more..
    
36. 4.5 Little Missouri National Grassland (32 reviews)
    - Great Inland sea
    National Parks • Nature & Wildlife Areas • Scenic Drives
    
    
    The national grassland is a massive amount of property that surrounds all three units of TRNP. While the north Unit is surrounded by this green plain that is so endless it almost looks like the sea, South Unit has a mixture of plains, plateaus and badlands. It is here in the National Grassland, that our group took a two hour trail ride with Medora Stables. The views atop the grassland plateaus are every bit as amazing as the view from the overlooks like Painted Canyon. It is also here that we saw what brought Roosevelt to the Dakotas, cattle ranching. Dozens of cows were grazing here in the protected grasslands high above. However, in addition to cattle grazing, the designated area has Ponderosa Pine forest and badland buttes. I thoroughly enjoyed my time here and was so glad we were able to connect to the Old West that brought Roosevelt here. See more..
    
37. 4.5 Pioneer Trails Regional Museum (32 reviews)
    - Wow! Never expected this!
    Monday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Natural History Museums • History Museums
    
    
    A museum exploring the rich history of the prairies of the Mid West, from Native American civilizations to early settler culture to dinosaur fossils. The first week of June, PTRM hosts an ATV tour, following the many historic trails that cross the area. Throughout the summer, the Paleontology Department offers Day Tours for individuals and groups that would like to experience a day in the life of a Paleontologist. PTRM also offers a week long opportunity to experience the nitty-gritty work during Field School. Call the museum to book your tours today! See more..
    
38. 4.5 Maah Daah Hey Trail (29 reviews)
    - An Epic Ride, Amazing Views. Bumps in the road are expected!
    Biking Trails • Equestrian Trails • Hiking Trails
    
    
    A 120-mile biking, hiking and horseback riding trail. See more..
    
39. 4.5 Icelandic State Park (28 reviews)
    - Excellent State Park Campground!
    State Parks
    
    
    Icelandic State Park was the break we needed. My wife and I spent two weeknights here in June on a Monday and Tuesday. There were very few people camping. It was brilliantly quiet and we had two moonless nights that made star gazing pretty amazing! The bathroom/showers were incredible! Clean and spacious! Loved the hot water! We did have to make contact with the Park Rangers and they were super helpful. We spent time hiking around the campground area, around the lake, and across the dam. We enjoyed spening time in the Heritage Center’s small museum. Firewood is $6 for a bundle. We appreciated seeing a doe walk bravely through the camping area. The red squirrels were psycho! They ran all over the place from sunup to sundown chasing each other and chattering loudly. Other than being rained on while tenting... everything else was excellent! We look forward to being back! See more..
    
40. 4.5 Wahpeton Wahpper - World's Largest Catfish (27 reviews)
    - Big Fish
    Monuments & Statues
    
    
    Just another part of North Dakota art meant to draw tourist. Must work, I stopped. Actually, I was going to Wahpeton to golf in 2 states on the same course, but I did deliberately stop at Jamestown to see the World's Largest Buffalo just a couple minutes off I-94. See more..
    
41. 4.5 Red River Market (27 reviews)
    - Exciting Community Market
    Monday: Spent 1-2 hours Farmers Markets
    
    
    The Red River Market is such a treasure in our community. It runs from the Saturday after the 4th of July through the end of October. In additional to so much good seasonal produce, there is meat, local art, jewelry, household products, and so much more. I've been going for a few years, and there are ALWAYS the most interesting musicians, cultural performers, cooking demonstrators, and others that make it such a great place to be on a Saturday. See more..
    
42. 4.5 Fort Abercrombie State Historic Site (27 reviews)
    - Following our Great Great Grandfather’s Journey.
    Monday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites • History Museums
    
    
    When the Red River Valley was the western frontier, Fort Abercrombie was the gateway to the West and the spearpoint of the army’s advance into the northern plains. The original guardhouse and the reconstructed blockhouses and stockade attest to the bloody conflict that spilled into the Dakotas from Minnesota in 1862. During this conflict Fort Abercrombie was besieged by Dakota warriors for almost six weeks. After the fort was abandoned in 1877, fort buildings were sold and removed from the site. A Works Progress Administration (WPA) project in 1939-1940 reconstructed three blockhouses and the stockade and returned the original military guardhouse to the site. Major portions of the WPA project have been refurbished and the site reinterpreted. See more..
    
43. 4.5 Billings County Court House Museum (26 reviews)
    - Small but Excellent
    Speciality Museums
    
    
    There is a small museum on the first floor, but one of my favorites. There is a courtroom on the 2nd floor with a great skit for a small fee. Everything is reasonably priced. This, in my opinion, is a hidden gem in Medora. See more..
    
44. 4.5 Long X Trading Post Visitor Center (25 reviews)
    - So much more than a Visitor Center
    Visitor Centers
    
    
    This Visitor Center is so much more than a visitor center. Though it offers tourist information, the three floors of historical artifacts from the Watford City area are well worth seeing. It is free. Be sure to see the HUGE petrified wood inside near the entrance. It is open 10-5. Thursday is Dogs on the Deck (hot dogs, music, and fun) that benefit a different charity every week. In the rear of this building is a liquor store that has different hours. Wonder about the name? The Long X Trail was where 4000 longhorns were driven from Texas to this area in 1884. See more..
    
45. 4.5 Sullys Hill National Game Preserve (25 reviews)
    - Best Wildlife viewing in the Lake Region
    Nature & Wildlife Areas
    
    
    I love Sullys Hill... Bison, Elk, Prairie Dogs and Eagles . Plus most local birds that you can think of. Its a beautiful drive through the park . But don't forget the visitors center! If you love photography it is a much see location. Maybe you'll even want to join the Shutterbugs Camera club.. Can't say enough..Ill be back. See more..
    
46. 4.5 Maple River Winery (25 reviews)
    - Maple River Winery, simply awesome wines
    Wineries & Vineyards
    
    
    We operate a small boutique winery in historic downtown Casselton, ND. Our tasting room is open Monday through Saturday 9am to 5pm year around. We have over 200 locally made products in our gift shop so our visitors can bring home a great taste of North Dakota. Whether it is award winning wine, hand crafted jams, jellies and sauces, or just down home friendly service....drop by and say hi or visit our website. See more..
    
47. 4.5 Tommy Turtle Statue (23 reviews)
    - Tommy turtle rocks my socks!!
    Spent < 1 hour Parks • Playgrounds
    
    
    If your not from the area this you have to get a picture by tommy.. if your from the area get a tattoo of Tommy See more..
    
48. 4.5 Cross Ranch State Park (23 reviews)
    - Don’t miss this place!
    Monday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM State Parks
    
    
    Located along seven miles of the last free-flowing, undeveloped stretches of the Missouri River, North Dakota's Cross Ranch Centennial State Park is rich in both cultural and natural history. The park is purposely left primitive to preserve the land's natural beauty. The River Peoples Visitor Center has displays and information about the once mighty Missouri River, which has now been tamed through a series of major dams and reservoirs along its length. A boat ramp is available for those wishing to explore this scenic segment of the river, while anglers will find walleye, pike and bass in its waters. Canoe rentals are also available. An extensive trail system can be explored either on foot or on cross country skis during the winter months. During the summer, the trails allow access to a 5,000-acre dedicated nature preserve where mixed grass prairie, river bottom forests and woody draws can be seen. Cross country ski and snowshoe rentals are available. A back country area is open for those wishing to hike to their camping spot. See more..
    
49. 4.5 General Sibley Park & Campground (22 reviews)
    - A quiet camping even during the night
    Parks
    
    
    We liked the General Sibley Park. No one was making noise, even in the night. We slept so well. We had a concrete path for our RV. And the restrooms and showers were a few feet away. We had lots of trees. People played golf here. There is a shelter with picnic tables. For the children there is a playground. The river was beautiful! Worthwhile to see! See more..
    
50. 4.5 4e Winery (22 reviews)
    - Wonderful winery on the prairie
    Monday: Spent < 1 hour Wineries & Vineyards
    
    
    4e Winery is a boutique North Dakota business that crafts high-quality wines from northern prairie ingredients. They pride themselves on getting back to the basic elements of wine making to let the fruit express what it wants to be. They offer a selection of artisan wines made from local grapes, as well as a line of fruit wines that are sure to please the palate. Find them on a century old farmstead, part of the original bonanza farms, just south of Casselton. Their welcoming tasting room, decks and grounds are available for private events or for you to enjoy. See more..
    

What's a Hidden gem?

We call places hidden gems that are new, extremely good, but are not that popular yet - you should check them out. The criteria is to have a rating of 4.5 or more and more than 20 reviews and less than 100 reviews.