Day Trips from North Dakota. Excursions, Nearby Cities, Tours

Nearby Destinations

Many captivating locations rest within a short travel time from North Dakota's urban hubs. Fargo and Bismarck serve as excellent starting points for these journeys.

Private vehicles, notably rental cars, represent the main mode of travel for these trips. Public transportation options linking these specific day-trip locations are generally unavailable. Independent travel offers maximum flexibility, allowing visitors to set their own pace and discover hidden gems.

Popular Day Trip Spots

Moorhead, Minnesota (from Fargo): Directly across the Red River, part of the Fargo-Moorhead metro area.
Itasca State Park, Minnesota (from Fargo): Origin of the Mississippi River, great for nature trails.
Jamestown, North Dakota (from Fargo): Home to the World's Largest Buffalo and National Buffalo Museum.
Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site (from Bismarck): Features Mandan and Hidatsa earthlodge villages.

Natural Escapes

Discover a range of natural areas near North Dakota's major cities, demonstrating diverse ecosystems.

Parks and Reserves

North Dakota and its adjacent areas feature many parks and nature reserves, each with unique landscapes.

Highlighted Natural Areas

Sibley State Park (Minnesota): Features prairie, forest, and lakes.
Audubon National Wildlife Refuge (near Bismarck): Excellent for birdwatching.
Sheyenne National Grassland (near Fargo): The only national tallgrass prairie.

Scenic Views & Seasonal Changes

Driving routes along the Missouri River showcase beautiful views, specifically where the river carves through the landscape.

Prime Scenic Spots

Missouri River Valley: Offers impressive river and landscape views.
Turtle Mountains: Forested hills contrasting with surrounding prairie.
Fall Foliage: Late September to early October in Pembina Gorge and Turtle Mountains.

Beaches & Water Activities

Lake Destinations

Lake Metigoshe State Park (Turtle Mountains): Popular for camping and water sports.
Grahams Island State Park (Devils Lake): Good for fishing and lake activities.
Weather can change rapidly, prepare for different conditions.
Strong winds are common on open waters.

Wildlife & Seasons

Spring/Fall Migration: Excellent birdwatching at various wetlands.
Pack binoculars for optimal wildlife observation.
Summer temperatures can be high, stay hydrated.
Insect repellent is advisable, especially near water.

Practicalities for Natural Visits

Footwear:Sturdy hiking boots
Sun Protection:Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses
Water:Ample hydration
Snacks:Energy bars, fruit

Navigation:Maps, GPS device
Clothing:Layers for changing weather
Emergencies:First-aid kit
Leave No Trace:Pack out all trash

Local Tip:

Always check park websites or local tourism offices for current conditions and specific seasonal advice before setting out.

Cultural Excursions

Historic Forts

Explore well-preserved military sites, each with a rich past. Fort Totten State Historic Site offers insights into 19th-century military life and its later use as a boarding school.

Cultural Heritage

Discover sites highlighting German-Russian heritage, including historic churches and local museums, especially in central and south-central North Dakota.

Rural Life

Journey through agricultural lands to understand North Dakota's economy. Small towns display unique grain elevators and historic main streets.

Significant Battlefields

The state features sites marking pivotal historical conflicts, providing a glimpse into the complexities of the past.

Battle Site

Whitestone Hill Battlefield State Historic Site (near Kulm): Site of a remarkable 1863 conflict.
Plan your route to include a stop for reflection and learning.
Interpretive signs share details of the historical events.

Small Town Charm

Small towns across North Dakota share an authentic rural experience, with local diners and historic architecture.

Rural Experiences

Local diners often serve hearty, traditional meals.
Historic main streets preserve the character of bygone eras.
Grain elevators are iconic symbols of agricultural life.

Additional Cultural Notes

Pilgrimage Sites:Limited prominent sites, but local historic churches hold deep community value.

Agricultural Practices:Witness firsthand farming methods across the vast plains.

Local Festivals:Seasonal festivals celebrate community and heritage.

Community Spirit:Observe neighborly interactions and local gatherings.

Historic Markers:Roadside markers share historical tidbits.

Art & Craft Fairs:Smaller towns sometimes host local artisan events.

Travel Insight:

Local museums often preserve unique community histories.
Check the opening hours of small-town attractions, as they can vary.
Many German-Russian communities hold annual events that welcome visitors.
Consider supporting local businesses in these smaller towns.

Multi-Day Extensions

North Dakota serves as a great beginning for broader regional explorations. Consider adding extra days to your trip to visit neighboring states or Canadian provinces.

Suggested Regional Loops

1

Badlands Loop 2-3 days

Combine Theodore Roosevelt National Park (South & North Units) with the Enchanted Highway, Medora, and Little Missouri National Grassland. Overnight in Medora or Watford City.

2

Missouri River Trail 2 days

Explore Bismarck, Mandan, Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park, Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site, and Garrison Dam for historical and recreational aspects.

3

Red River Valley & Lakes 2 days

Explore Fargo-Moorhead, then head east into Minnesota's lake region for water activities in Detroit Lakes or Park Rapids.

Neighboring Destinations

South Dakota: The Black Hills and Badlands National Park are a 4-5 hour drive from Bismarck/Medora.
Minnesota: Minneapolis/St. Paul is about a 3.5-4 hour drive from Fargo.
Manitoba, Canada: Winnipeg is roughly a 2.5-hour drive from Grand Forks/Pembina, offering an international city experience.
All these extensions are mainly car-based.
Amtrak's Empire Builder links to Minneapolis/St. Paul and beyond for longer rail journeys.
Consider a "Great Plains Loop" combining North Dakota with South Dakota and potentially eastern Montana.

Longer Regional Journeys

Great Plains Loop: Combine North Dakota with South Dakota (Black Hills, Badlands National Park) and potentially eastern Montana for a comprehensive Great Plains experience.
This route displays the diverse landscapes and cultures of the region.
Road conditions can vary seasonally, plan accordingly.
Border crossings into Canada require proper identification.
Check travel advisories for each destination.
Allow sufficient time for all travel segments.

Accommodation & Logistics for Extensions

Booking Ahead

For popular destinations like Medora or the Black Hills, securing accommodation in advance is advisable, especially during peak season.

Rental Car Flexibility

A rental car offers the most freedom for multi-day trips. Ensure your rental agreement permits cross-border travel to Canada if planning such a journey.

Pace Your Journey

The Great Plains region spans vast distances. Budget ample driving time between destinations and consider overnight stops to avoid fatigue.

Planning Tip:

For booking day trips and other activities, consider checking GetYourGuide for available tours and experiences.

Day Trips from North Dakota