A reconstructed earthlodge measuring 40 feet in diameter brings history to life; the 144-mile Maah Daah Hey Trail runs through the Badlands as a non-motorized singletrack route. These different discoveries show the variety of ways North Dakota appeals to travelers. The focus is on both places with distinctive historical traces and trails, rivers, and landscapes that draw your attention outdoors. Choose what to focus on based on whether you are interested in cultural history, nature, or outdoor activities.
History that takes shape on site
At Knife River Indian Villages, history reaches far back: For centuries, the villages were an important trading center for Indigenous peoples; after 1750, they became an important marketplace for fur traders. A full-size reconstructed earthlodge illustrates traditional building methods. It measures 40 feet in diameter. The trails also offer different experiences: the 1.3-mile Village Trail leads to the village sites of Awatixa Xi'e and Awatixa. The Two Rivers Trail, by contrast, follows the Knife River for 6.2 miles to its confluence with the Missouri River. Check trail conditions before your visit, as they may change.
Fort Union tells another story of the fur trade on the Upper Missouri. From 1828 to 1867, it was the most important fur trading post there. The reconstruction reflects its appearance in 1851. At the Trade House, seasonal living-history talks led by costumed interpreters bring the fort's trade and history to life. The visitor center and museum are located in the Bourgeois House.
At Chateau de Mores, history comes to life in a 26-room house museum featuring original furnishings and personal belongings of the de Mores family. The History Alive! programs draw on original letters, diaries, and archival documents; their seasonal schedule may vary. Another trace of history can be found at Chimney Park: the brick chimney there survived the 1907 fire at the Chateau de Mores packing plant.
The history of the Lewis and Clark Expedition also comes to life at several named sites. Fort Mandan is a fully furnished, full-size reconstruction of the fort where the expedition spent the winter of 1804–1805. The Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center presents exhibits, hundreds of historical artifacts, art collections, and educational programs about the expedition. The Fort Mandan Overlook looks out over the area where the expedition established its headquarters in the winter of 1804–1805.
Landscapes and outdoor activities
For those who enjoy exploring trails, the options vary widely: Pembina Gorge State Park has more than 16 miles of trails for hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, and OHV riding. Pembina Gorge itself is characterized by steep valley slopes, quiet prairies, and small wetlands, and is surrounded by North Dakota's largest contiguous, undisturbed forest. Kayaking on the Pembina River is seasonally possible there, weather and river conditions permitting. Cross Ranch State Park and Nature Preserve also has more than 16 miles of designated trails. A separate water route for kayaks and canoes follows the Missouri River for nine miles from Washburn to the Sanger boat landing.
At Lake Metigoshe State Park, nature watching and activity go hand in hand: forests and wetlands provide habitat for a wide variety of plant, animal, and bird species. More than 13 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails are available alongside winter activities such as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, fat biking, and ice fishing. Turtle River State Park also offers mountain biking, hiking, and interpretive trails; in winter, more than 7.5 miles of groomed cross-country ski trails and opportunities for snowshoeing are available. This contrast between seasonal activities can help you plan your trip around the topics that interest you most.
Water and long trails shape other activities. Sailing and windsurfing are possible on Lake Sakakawea, which is home to walleye, northern pike, and Chinook salmon. Lake Sakakawea State Park is also the western terminus of the 4,800-mile North Country National Scenic Trail. At Fort Ransom State Park, the Sheyenne River offers opportunities for canoeing, fishing, and birdwatching. The park's trail network includes more than 20 miles of non-motorized trails for hiking, horseback riding, cycling, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. Sodbuster Days, featuring demonstrations and exhibits about settler life, is also held there every year.
At Theodore Roosevelt National Park, trails and roads offer views of Painted Canyon and the Little Missouri River. The South Unit has a paved loop road with two-way traffic that is open to motor vehicles and cyclists; check current conditions before setting out. The Maah Daah Hey Trail offers a different way to explore: 144 miles of non-motorized singletrack through the North Dakota Badlands. At Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park, historic discoveries and trails bring together the interests of culture and outdoor enthusiasts: visitors can see reconstructed earthlodges at On-a-Slant Village, as well as Fort Abraham Lincoln and Fort McKeen, with blockhouses, furnished barracks, and an exhibit on living history. The park also has a trail network for hikers, cyclists, and horseback riders.
A garden with its own history
The International Peace Garden was established in 1932 on the principles of peace, cooperation, and friendship. Its Formal Gardens feature more than 80,000 blooming annual and perennial plants; the seasonal displays of flowers change throughout the year. This destination, too, brings together two perspectives: the garden's institutional history and the variety of its plantings.
Discover more destinations: Cass, Walsh, Stutsman, Ward, Grand Forks, Burleigh County, Williams County, Mercer, Barnes County, Stark County, Cavalier County, Foster County, Mchenry County, Nelson, Ramsey, Pierce County, Traill County, Mckenzie County, Richland County, Dunn County, Mountrail County, Lamoure County, Morton County, Bowman County, Billings County, Cavalier, Bottineau County, Eddy County.
For the main travel overview: Usa.
