931 North Dakota Vacation Rentals & Short Term Rentals

About North Dakota

North Dakota, located in the midwestern region of the U.S., is one of the most rural of all the states. With farms covering more than 90 percent of the land, North Dakota tops the charts in terms of wheat production and other agricultural products. The state is dominated by the Great Plains, with vast expanses of flat land suitable for cattle ranching and dry farming. North Dakota is one of the least visited states in the U.S., having no single key tourist attraction. However, with over 20 state parks and recreation areas and annual state events, North Dakota draws regional visitors throughout the year.

Things to do in North Dakota

North America’s largest Scandinavian festival, Norsk Høstfest, is held each fall in Minot, North Dakota. This Norwegian autumn festival attracts tens of thousands of people with its show of culture and entertainment. The North Dakota State Fair is another annual event held in Minot early July. The fair features carnival rides, agricultural expositions and various forms of entertainment. Also every summer, the Burning Hills Amphitheatre sets the stage for Medora Musical, a production that looks back at the “wild west” days of the region.

Best cities to visit in North Dakota

As the most populous city, Fargo offers the most dynamic and varied selection of attractions of all the cities in North Dakota. Bismark, the capital of North Dakota, features a history and government-centric array of sights. Minot, which is widely known for the Air Force base located about 15 minutes from the city, is also where Norsk Høstfest and the North Dakota State Fair take place. Jamestown is home to the world’s largest buffalo, and a great city for a taste of frontier life. Bottineau, located just over ten miles south of the Canada, is the city to visit before a jaunt across the border.

Best small towns in North Dakota

The town of Jud has a population of less than 75 people, but this “Town of Murals” is worth a visit to see the beautiful mural art on nearly every building. With the motto: “The town with a heart,” Park River is a quaint afternoon destination with a lot of character and friendly residents. The charming small town of Salem attracts visitors with its commemoration of all the dairy farms in the state—a giant fiberglass cow statue called Salem Sue. Medora is another top small-town tourist destination, with gorgeous scenery enveloping a picturesque town.

Best lake vacations in North Dakota

North Dakota’s biggest lake is Lake Sakakawea, created from the Missouri River by the Garrison Dam in the 1950s. The two state parks located on its banks make for a whole lot of recreational fun. Devils Lake is the second biggest body of water, known for fishing and watersports. The Stump Lake area is popular for it’s full-service campground and activities at nearby Pioneer Village. Homme Dam is another campground and recreational area, appreciated for its quiet and peaceful atmosphere.

Best National Parks in North Dakota

Theodore Roosevelt National Park, named in honor of the 26th President of the U.S., is filled with scenic routes, bountiful wildlife and numerous recreational opportunities. The International Peace Garden is another pretty picture, with 2,300 acres of spectacular floral displays, lakes and wildlife representing the peace between Canada and the U.S. For panoramic views, the North Country National Scenic Trail through the Sheyenne National Grasslands offers sweeping views of the northern Great Plains. The Lewis and Clark Trail, ideal for adventurers and hiking enthusiasts, is an attraction dedicated to the historic expedition of the early 1800s. It’s said that Lewis and Clark passed through the Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site area, which now houses a modern museum, reconstructed earth lodge and walking trails.