In the last few days there has been a viral survey on Facebook (seems like there is one every week!!). Simply put, “How Many States Have You Visited” is fun for all because it is simple and adds color and is really a “go viral” piece. MapLoco.com has apparently used it to draw attention to their site. I did it and my results are above – yes, I only have three states to go. Many of my friends have done it as well and one common theme I found among many of them….they had not yet been to North Dakota. In fact, a couple of my friends even indicated that they may never find a reason to go to North Dakota.
North Dakota gets a bad rap from people because in the winter there are unbearable blizzards and snow. The state is relatively flat and “may not” have interesting places to visit (or so people think). But, despite the cold winter, there is plenty to see and do in North Dakota for fun, especially if you go in late Spring or during the Summer. Here are my TOP TEN places to visit in North Dakota.
1. Theodore Roosevelt National Park – Medora, ND
Yes indeed, there IS a National Park in North Dakota. Theodore Roosevelt National Park, named after the President that pushed forth conservation by establishing the National Forest Service, and establishing 51 Federal Bird Reservations, 4 National Game Preserves, 150 National Forests, 5 National Parks, and enabling the 1906 American Antiquities Act which he used to proclaim 18 National Monuments. During his presidency, Theodore Roosevelt protected approximately 230,000,000 acres of public land.
2. The Enchanted Highway – Dickinson, ND to Regent, ND
The Enchanted Highway is a collection of the world’s largest scrap metal sculptures constructed at intervals along a 32 mile stretch of two-lane highway from east of Dickinson, ND to Regent, ND. In my opinion, this is one of America’s TOP Roadside Attractions. (See my complete blog post about it here).
3. Interstate 94 – The Highway of Giants
Interstate 94 from Fargo to Dickinson boasts FOUR of the World’s Largest things (see my post about this part of North Dakota)…the World’s Largest Buffalo in Jamestown, ND; the World’s Largest Sand Crane in Steele, ND; Salem Sue, the World’s Largest Holstein Cow in New Salem, ND (see #6 below); and “Geese in Flight”, the first piece of the Enchanted Highway and the Guinness World Record Holder for the largest scrap metal sculpture in the world.
4. Rugby, ND – The Geographical Center of North America
I got to visit Rugby in 2014. The novelty of visiting the Geographical Center of North America was too much to resist (see my post here).
5. Space Aliens Bar and Grill in Fargo, ND
I have visited three of these locations over the years. For an out of this world tasty experience (they have BBQ Ribs!!) you must stop by Space Aliens. They actually have TWO locations in North Dakota (Bismarck as well). As you can see below, back in 2005 we finished off a massive all-you-can-eat dinner. And the quirky theme restaurant has all of the outer-space kitsch you want too!
6. Salem Sue, the World’s Largest Holstein Cow, New Salem, ND
For an udderly moooving experience, Salem Sue is a must see attraction. At 38 feet tall, 50 feet long and weighing over 12,000 pounds, this cow is amazing fun. On a hill near New Salem, ND (I-94, exit 127), this bodacious bovine can be seen from as far as seven miles away on a clear day.
7. A Pyramid in the Middle of Nowhere – Nekoma, ND
This pyramid is actually called the Missile Site Radar (MSR) installation. It is part of a larger installation called the Stanley R. Mickelson Safeguard Complex (SRMSC). Built in the 1970s. this complex was the United States’ first operational ABM (anti-ballistic missile) defense system. This lonely 80 foot tall pyramid can be seen for miles. (See my complete post about this part of North Dakota)
8. Thunderbird Sculpture in Bismarck, ND
This large four headed thunderbird statue at the Keelboat Park is uber impressive. The sculpture represents a powerful American Indian spirit that depicts thunderstorms. (See more here)
9. Scandinavian Heritage Park in Minot, ND
A tribute to North Dakota’s Scandinavian roots, the Scandinavian Heritage Park is a unique destination and most certainly worth a visit!! I loved it here. (See my complete post).
10. Ducks and Ponds and Grasslands
Contrary to what many may believe about North Dakota, I was quite surprised by what I saw on ND Highway 1. All along the way there were many small ponds surrounded by grasses and filled with ducks and many other birds and wildlife.
Personally, I am not sure why North Dakota deserves the negative attention. It is really a great place to visit (most times of the year). Make sure to plan on adding North Dakota to your map of states visited!! You will certainly have a Smile! (Smiley Water Tower in Grand Forks, ND)
Who knew North Dakota had so much awesomeness to offer? Great post!
I knew!! There are way more than 10 good reasons to visit North Dakota
Like gas stations with funny names (Kum & Go) and the chance to see where the buffalo really do roam, and see the deer and antelope (pronghorn) play.
There is way more then that in Bismarck we have the heritage center museum it’s amazing the old governor’s mansion in Mandan Indian village in Mandan we have Fort Abraham Lincoln it takes you back to the 1800’s when General Custer would have been there with the Calvary there is also on a slant Indian village with tepees beautiful rivers and lakes the capital building and state library in Bismarck
Nicole: i agree! I could spend an entire day there
Also Nicole: Pls bear in mind that the post was focused on “giant” things in ND. 🙂
I need to get to that Cold War-era Pyramid in Nekoma one of these years before they do away with it. It’s only a couple hours from where I live.
I really found the pyramid to be interesting…and it is so far out in the middle of nowhere. Nekoma is a little place you’ll find to be interesting too!!
International Peace Gardens didn’t make top 10 ??? UNREAL ! You clearly have never been there, or it would be at the top of this list !
Actually, i have been there!! It should have been on the list…you’re right BW
Thanks for the North Dakota shout out!!!
Thanks @bebadoozle!! I just want people that ND is a great place to visit and is filled with diversity!
I’m a recent move in here and have been pleasantly surprised myself
You Did not say anything about the giant fish in Wahpeton?
Rita: i have not yet been there. Ony ND bucket list!! Thanks for noting it here
I’ve lived here all my life and never knew about the giant fish in Wahpeton, but know about the giant one in Garrison!
Lots of big fish stories in ND!!
Don’t forget they have the best college hockey experience and arena in the country in Grand Forks! Go Sioux!
Gotta love that NoDak pride and that Grand Forks smiley water tower!!
Don’t forget the Dinosaur Museum in Dickinson.
Thanks Susan! Didnt know abt that one
Visited NoDak several times. The very best feature of ND has to be the most friendly and welcoming people anywhere. I hope the oil boom does not change that; fear that it will though. Thank you ND for all you many kindnesses.
Agreed!!
Cool article! How about the big chief at The Chieftain in Carrington? Tourists are constantly taking pictures at his feet.
Completely missed the Bully Pulpit golf links (not a course). Truly you can not claim to be a golfer if you have never played this links (along with St. Andrews in Scotland which is less arduous).
all the prairie trails in nw north dakota fun place to drive your 4 wheeler
Great post! I was just writing a similar one on reasons to visit North Dakota this summer and stumbled upon yours! I didn’t even know a lot of this stuff existed! Mines here: http://www.lustfortheworld.com/10-reasons-to-visit-north-dakota-this-summer/
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Thanks for the information on traveling Hwy 2! My husband and I only have 16 days for travel this summer to fulfill my desire to see all 50 states. ND and MT are on the list, as well as others in the Notthwest. I want to travel Hwy 2; he wants to stay on I-90, I-94. It’s not as desolate as I thought. Can’t wait to see Hwy 2.
Skip the interstates!!! Highway 2, though seemingly desolate, has tons to see. Also, in ND make sure to get to the Enchanted Highway! Enjoy the Ride!!