MileHacker Logo
North Dakota Travel Hacks

North Dakota Travel Hacks

Great Plains USA Travel Guide

Smart Savings for Your Trip

Many attractions across the state invite visitors to explore without a fee or for a nominal cost.

Discount Passes

Free Attractions

  • The North Dakota Heritage Center & Provincial Museum: Free entry in Bismarck.
  • Driving the Enchanted Highway: A free and unique experience.
  • Theodore Roosevelt National Park Scenic Views: Enjoy after entrance fee.
  • Trekking on a multitude of public trails: Costs nothing.

Dining and Deals

  • Happy Hour Specials: Look for discounts on drinks and appetizers in cities.
  • Lunch Specials: Often more affordable than the evening meal.
  • Picnic Supplies: Purchase from grocery stores for outdoor meals.
  • Local Farmers Markets: Fresh, affordable produce.

Accommodation Choices

  • Camping: Significantly reduces lodging costs.
  • Motels: A budget-kid-friendly places to stay option.
  • Self-catering With kitchens: Allows for self-catering, cutting costs on food.
  • Consider Shared Accommodations: For solo travelers or small groups.

Transportation Tactics

Efficient transport selections contribute to your budget goals.

Car Rental Tips

  • Book in Advance: Often secures better rates.
  • Compare Companies: Prices vary between diverse providers.
  • Avoid Airport Pick-up: Sometimes higher fees apply.
  • Compact Cars: Better fuel mileage for long-distance drives.

Fuel Management

  • GasBuddy App: Discover the cheapest gas prices along your route.
  • Fill Up in Larger Towns: Prices can be pricier in very rural areas.
  • Check Tank Before Remote Areas: Stations are sparse on some routes.
  • Drive Conservatively: Maintain steady speeds for better fuel economy.

Travel Efficiency

  • Map Your Route: Group attractions geographically to save drive time.
  • Consider Car Camping: If equipped, sleeping in your vehicle reduces costs.
  • Bike Rental: For exploring smaller towns or park trails.
  • Public Transport within Cities: Limited, but useful in Fargo/Bismarck.

Affiliate Resources

Savoring Local Flavors

Discovering dining activities that align with your budget and palate.

Budget-Friendly Bites

  • Local Diners: Often offer generous portions at lower prices.
  • Food Trucks: Increasingly popular in urban centers for quick, affordable meals.
  • Supermarket Deli: Quick and easy meal options.
  • Brewpubs: Numerous ones possess good food menus at affordable rates.

Unique Experiences

  • Pitchfork Fondue: A unique eating outside event in Medora.
  • Farm-to-Table Restaurants: In larger cities, for fresh local ingredients.
  • Ethnic Restaurants: Diversity in Fargo and Grand Forks.
  • Bakeries: Enjoy fresh baked goods and coffee.

Seasonal Produce

  • Farmers' Markets: Access to fresh, produce in season.
  • Stands By the side of the road: Small stands for fruits from the area and vegetables.
  • U-Pick Farms: Experience harvesting your own berries or produce.
  • Culinary Events: Local food festivals throughout the year.

Beverage Choices

  • Craft Breweries: Sample local beers across the state.
  • Cafes: Independent cafes with unique atmospheres.
  • Winery Tours: The Peace garden state contains a couple of regional wineries.
  • Distillery Tastings: Discover local spirits.

Maximizing Outdoor Fun

Engage with The Peace garden state's natural beauty through activities that are often free or low-cost.

Park Exploration

  • State Park Trails: Many accessible for hiking and biking.
  • Theodore Roosevelt National Park: Scenic drives and overlooks.
  • Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park: History and nature.
  • Knife River Indian Villages: Cultural heritage and walking trails.

Wildlife Viewing

  • Badlands Wildlife: Bison, wild horses, prairie dogs.
  • Bird Watching: The Peace garden state is on a major migratory flyway.
  • Photo Opportunities: Capture gorgeous views and living beings.
  • River Activities: Kayaking or canoeing on local rivers.

Winter Activities

  • Cross-country Skiing: Many parks give groomed trails.
  • Ice Fishing: A popular winter pastime on frozen lakes.
  • Snowshoeing: Accessible way to explore winter landscapes.
  • Winter Photography: Unique opportunities for stunning shots.

Community Engagement

  • Local Fairs and Festivals: Experience regional culture.
  • Sporting Events: Attend local high school or college games.
  • Art Galleries: Explore local art scenes in urban centers.
  • Live Music Venues: Find local bands plus live acts.

Financial Planning Advisory

Travel insurance covers unexpected medical emergencies, trip disruptions, or baggage issues. Review policy details for your individual journey.

Smart Itinerary Building

Organization creates the most of your time in North Dakota.

Navigation Focus

Strategic routing minimizes driving time from one location to another.

Booking Ahead

Prior reservations secure popular activities and accommodations.

Structured Time Management

Attraction Timing

  • Theodore Roosevelt National Park: Early morning or late afternoon for wildlife viewing.
  • Medora: Weekends during July and August are busiest; weekdays quieter.
  • State Museums: Mid-week usually has smaller crowds.

Booking Ahead

  • Accommodations: Book well in advance, especially in Medora summer.
  • Rental Cars: Advance booking for favorable rates.
  • Medora Musical & Pitchfork Fondue: Highly recommended tickets.

Travel Considerations

Driving is the fastest way to travel the state; mass transit for inter-city journeys is largely unavailable.

← Previous
North Dakota Itineraries
← Back to Great Plains
Next →
North Dakota Travel Resources

Next Up: North Dakota Travel Resources. Apps, Maps, Emergency Contacts

Continue to North Dakota Travel Resources