From fine dining and cultural festivals to art galleries and a trip to the state capitol in Bismarck, there is always something fun to do on the weekend in North Dakota. Explore the outdoor attractions in Fargo, or make a splash in the Pembina River in Walhalla. When you’re craving wide open spaces, exciting activities, and the beauty of the grasslands, then book a stay at a for your weekend getaway. Take a look at the state’s most popular destinations.
1. Fargo
As one of North Dakota’s most popular tourist cities, Fargo is the ideal vacation destination if you want to tour historic sites and explore the outdoor adventures at Lindenwood Park. Rent bikes from the Great Northern Bicycle Company and make your way around Lindenwood Park before treating the kids to a day at the Red River Zoo. If you’re an art lover, browse more than 3,000 works of art at the Plains Art Museum or learn more about history at the Fargo Air Museum. The kids can expel some energy at the Children’s Museum at Yunker Farm before you head back to your cozy Fargo vacation rental.
2. Medora
Feel like you’re stepping back in time when you make Medora your vacation destination. This town along the North Pacific Railway was established in the 1880s and tourists can still see how the city has been preserved with tours of the Harold Schafer Heritage Center and Chateau de Mores. Have some fun in the sun when walking the trails of Theodore Roosevelt National Park or set out for a horseback ride with Medora Riding Stables on the Maah Daah Hey Trail.
3. Minot
Minot is a North Dakota city rich in culture and American pride, with the Minot Air Force Base occupying the city and the Scandinavian Heritage Park offering a look at the town’s early history. Seek out educational opportunities on your weekend getaway with a visit to the Dakota Territory Air Museum or the Railroad Museum and Magic City Express. Minot is also home to the Roosevelt Park Zoo, where the kids can feed the goats and visit the petting zoo. When hunger strikes, start your day with a hearty breakfast at Homesteaders Restaurant or enjoy some wood-fired pizza for lunch or dinner at The Starving Rooster.
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4. Walhalla
Reserve your North Dakota vacation rental near the Canadian border and along the Pembina River. Walhalla is a quaint historic city that offers nature enthusiasts a chance to admire the Pembina Gorge or opt to make a splash in the Pembina River when water skiing, canoeing, or kayaking. The Tetrault Woods State Forest is also a haven for the outdoorsy type with horseback riding and hiking trails. Take advantage of the snowfall in the winter when snowboarding or skiing on Frostfire Mountain in Walhalla or warm up indoors with a performance at the Frost Fire Theatre.
5. Bismarck
Immerse yourself in the history of Bismarck when opting for a vacation rental near Chief Looking’s Village Historic Site and the Buckstop Junction Historic Town, both offering artifacts and interactive exhibits to entertain all ages. The North Dakota State Capital is a draw for visitors with its grand structure and walking trails that feature displays with historical facts about the city. Bismarck also offers adventure for the kids with the Gateway to Science Center and the North Dakota Zoo. Indulge the outdoor enthusiasts in your group with a hike or trot around Beaver Lake State Park, or entertain the artist in your family when touring the Bismarck Arts and Galleries Association.
6. Valley City
A vacation rental in the stunning Sheyenne River Valley puts you within close proximity to the banks of the Sheyenne River. Take a scenic drive to the Sheyenne River Valley National Scenic Byway when the leaves are changing colors in the fall for the perfect photo, then head to the pioneer wagon trails that follow Native American footpaths. Visit all of the historic bridges in Valley City when signing up for the Historic Bridges Tour. When the cold winds of winter arrive, spend your weekend on snowmobiles and snowshoes with rentals from Sheyenne Sno-Drifters.
7. Grand Forks
Settle in to your vacation rental with views of the Red River when choosing Grand Forks for your weekend getaway. This historic city dates back to the mid-1800s and displays artifacts of the early settlers at the Myra Museum and the Grand Forks Historical Society. Get to know this thriving art community when stopping in at the Empire Arts Center to view local artwork or catch a performance at the Burtness Theatre. Hike the 43 miles of trails in the downtown area, or rent canoes and kayaks from Ground Up Adventures to get up close and personal with the Red River during the warmer months.
8. Jamestown
Find a mix of peace and quiet in the North Dakota prairie, nestled among outdoor activities when spending the weekend in Jamestown. Combine modern technology with a historic sightseeing adventure when walking the Jamestown Talking Trail that includes a cellphone-guided tour. History buffs enjoy touring the St. James Basilica and the National Buffalo Museum with the world’s largest buffalo monument on display, while nature enthusiasts flock to the Trail of Louis L’Amour for stunning views and challenging hiking trails. Before retreating to your cozy vacation rental, stop in at Fred’s Den for some comfort food.
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