Theodore Roosevelt National Park — South Unit
Dramatic badlands with wild bison herds, feral horses, prairie dogs, and Roosevelt's historic Maltese Cross Cabin near Medora.
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About North Dakota
North Dakota offers a genuinely off-the-beaten-path US experience. Theodore Roosevelt National Park's painted badlands host wild bison herds and feral horses. The Enchanted Highway features the world's largest scrap-metal sculptures. Medora, a historic frontier town, comes alive each summer with the Medora Musical. The state's Native American heritage is profound — the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nations have called this land home for centuries. Fargo punches above its weight with a thriving arts scene, craft breweries, and excellent dining, while Bismarck balances state government with outdoor access along the Missouri River.
- Capital
- Bismarck
- Largest city
- Fargo
- Population
- 780,000
- Languages
- English
- Currency
- US Dollar
- Time zone
- Central Time (UTC-6/UTC-5 DST) for eastern ND; Mountain Time (UTC-7/UTC-6 DST) for western ND
Explore North Dakota by topic
Jump straight to the experience you're planning.
Best places to visit in North Dakota
The 5 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.
Enchanted Highway
A 32-mile stretch of highway south of Regent featuring the world's largest scrap-metal sculptures, including Geese in Flight and Deer Crossing.
International Peace Garden
2,300-acre formal garden straddling the US–Canada border at Dunseith, commemorating lasting peace between the two nations.
North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum
Bismarck's world-class 253,000 sq ft museum tracing 600 million years of the state's natural and cultural history.
Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site
Largest known Hidatsa village site, where Sacagawea spent her early years — includes an earth lodge replica and exceptional museum.
Recommended itineraries
Pick a length, follow the route. Each itinerary balances headline sights with breathing room.
5-Day North Dakota Explorer
- Day 1Arrive in North Dakota, explore city center
- Day 2Visit top attractions and museums
- Day 3Day trip to nearby highlights
- Day 4Local markets and hidden gems
- Day 5Final sightseeing, departure
7-Day Classic North Dakota
- Days 1-2North Dakota city highlights
- Days 3-4Regional exploration
- Days 5-6Cultural immersion and local experiences
- Day 7Return and departure
14-Day Ultimate North Dakota
- Days 1-3North Dakota comprehensive city tour
- Days 4-6Northern region exploration
- Days 7-9Eastern highlights
- Days 10-12Southern attractions
- Days 13-14Return to North Dakota, departure
Where to stay in North Dakota
Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.
Budget $65
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Mid-range $150
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
Luxury $400
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
Hotel Donaldson
Check rates on Booking.comRough Riders Hotel
Check rates on Booking.comRamada by Wyndham Bismarck
Check rates on Booking.comDoubleTree by Hilton Bismarck
Check rates on Booking.comWhere to eat in North Dakota
Cafés, neighbourhood gems, and tasting menus worth the table reservation.
Pirogue Grille
Mezzaluna
HoDo Restaurant
Little Missouri Saloon & Dining
Usher's House
Wurst Bier Hall
Getting around North Dakota
North Dakota is best explored by car. The two main airports are Hector International Airport (FAR) in Fargo and Bismarck Municipal Airport (BIS). Amtrak's Empire Builder crosses northern North Dakota daily, stopping in Grand Forks, Devils Lake, Rugby, Minot, Stanley, and Williston. Interstate 94 runs east–west connecting Fargo, Bismarck, and Medora.
Budget breakdown
Daily spend by tier in USD, broken out by category.
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $30 | $100 | $270 |
| Food (per day) | $18 | $30 | $80 |
| Transportation | $10 | $25 | $50 |
| Activities | $7 | $20 | $60 |
| Daily total | $65 | $150 | $400 |
Best time to visit North Dakota
June–August for Theodore Roosevelt NP and outdoor activities; September–October for fall colors and wildlife viewing; January–February for ice fishing and winter festivals
The Medora Musical runs June through Labor Day weekend. Sunflower season peaks in late July–August across the Red River Valley. Theodore Roosevelt NP is open year-round but summer offers the best wildlife viewing.
Essential travel tips
- North Dakota has no state income tax and a 5% sales tax — listed prices are pre-tax
- Tipping 18–20% is standard at restaurants
- Fuel up whenever possible in western ND — gas stations can be 50+ miles apart
- The Medora Musical (June–Labor Day) requires advance reservations at medora.com
- National Park America the Beautiful Pass ($80/year) covers entry to Theodore Roosevelt NP and is worthwhile for multi-park visits
Safety information
Never approach bison in Theodore Roosevelt NP — they can run 35 mph and are unpredictable
Check weather forecasts before driving in western ND — blizzards can arrive quickly October–April
Download offline maps (Google Maps or maps.me) — cell service is absent across large portions of the state
Carry at least 2 gallons of water per person when hiking in the badlands in summer
Drive with extreme caution on rural roads at dawn and dusk — deer and pronghorn crossings are frequent