9 Best Destinations for a Winter Vacation in North Dakota

North Dakota should be your next winter vacation destination for a number of reasons. First, it’s calm and quiet during the winter months, which will translate to a peaceful and relaxing getaway. Second, it has tons of diversity to offer travelers of all ages. From outdoor activities like snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snow tubing to walking around museums and historical sites, there is plenty to explore in this northern US state. Plus, if you plan to visit during the holidays, you will get to enjoy all kinds of seasonal festivals and events, like the Spring Lake Park Holiday Lights Drive in Williston or the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train in Minot. So, pack your bags and hit the road on a winter vacation through the Peace Garden State.

Bottineau

Bottineau is the first North Dakota winter vacation destination that you have to visit. Located in the Turtle Mountains, there is tons to do and see in this small town nestled along the Canadian border. Quirky attractions include Tommy the Turtle, a statue of a 30-foot-tall turtle riding a snowmobile, and Mystical Horizons, a famous astronomical site. If you’re willing to drive 30 minutes outside of Bottineau, you can also visit the International Peace Gardens.

Further, roughly 10 minutes north of the town of Bottineau is where you will find Bottineau Winter Park. This family-friendly ski resort is referred to by locals as “the Jewel above the prairie.” The park is an ideal spot for skiers, snowtubers, and snowboarders, with eight trails, a bunny hill, a triple chair lift, a tow rope, and a handle lift. There is also a rental shop if you don’t have your own equipment. Once you are done hitting the slopes, check out Annie’s House Visitor Center, where you can warm up by the cozy fire or grab food at the cafeteria.

Cross Ranch State Park

Another place to enjoy a winter vacation in North Dakota is Cross Ranch State Park. Situated along the Missouri River, this state park boasts 17 miles of trails that offer outdoor activities year-round. In the winter is the best time to go snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. It’s also an excellent spot for a peaceful winter hike.

The main four trails that are open during the winter months are the 2.9-mile Matah “River” Trail, the 2.5-mile Ma-ak-oti “Old Village” trail, the 5.4-mile Cottonwood Trail/Gaines Trail, and the 2.2-mile Levi’s Trail. Each trail is designated for either cross-country skiing or snowshoeing and hiking.

The park has cross-country ski and snowshoe rentals and they have sizes for both children and adults. If you plan on staying the night here, there are three cabins and three yurts that can be rented overnight.

Bismarck

Bismarck is the capital of North Dakota and the second-largest city in the state. This makes it an excellent spot to visit while on a winter vacation. Its charming downtown is lined with restaurants, coffee shops, and storefronts, as well as the city’s main shopping center, the Kirkwood Mall. Other popular attractions in Bismarck include the Dakota Zoo and the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum.

If you feel like getting outside the city, you can travel to nearby Sertoma Park, which sits on the Missouri River, Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park, home to a number of historical sites, Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, or Huff Hills Ski Area.

Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Theodore Roosevelt National Park, which is divided up into the North Unit and the South Unit, is one spectacular park to visit in the winter. Both the North and South Units of the park offer picturesque drivers, opportunities to see wildlife, hiking trails, visitor’s centers, and ranger-run programs and walks.

One of the most spectacular sights is the wild horses that can be found roaming here, even during the winter. You might also see deer, porcupines, eagles, rabbits, and bison.

Beyond hiking trails like Boicourt Overlook Trail and Little Mo Trail, you can also enjoy snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. The area receives a generous helping of snow each year, which makes it an ideal spot to enjoy these activities. However, the park does not groom the trails, so make sure to proceed with caution. In addition, please note that the roads in the park can get icy, so it’s best to use four-wheel-drive or winter tires.

Medora

Located not far from the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park is the tiny town of Medora. Medora is part of the Badlands of North Dakota and is a historic town that is home to just over 150 people. Not only is the region surrounded by breathtaking scenery but the town has a distinct Western aesthetic. You can learn all about its history at the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame and the Chateau de Mores State Historic Site.

Meanwhile, Medora is also a fantastic jumping-off point for accessing the Maah Daah Hey Trail. This trail spans 96 miles and links the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park to the North Unit. You can travel the trail year-round on foot or by horseback (you can also snowshoe on it in the winter), following the same path that Theodore Roosevelt once walked.

Walhalla

Your next winter vacation destination in North Dakota is Walhalla. One of the oldest towns in the entire state, Walhalla was originally a trading post for early European settlers and Native American tribes.

Nowadays, the town, along with the surrounding area known as the Rendezvous Region, turns into a snowy playground during the winter months. For example, Frost Fire Park is a local ski park with downhill skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, and snowshoeing facilities. Meanwhile, Pembina Gorge State Recreation Area is the perfect place to enjoy cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling. In addition, just south of Walhalla lies Icelandic State Park, where guests can tour historic buildings and walk around the 200-acre Gunlogson Nature Preserve.

Williston

In Western North Dakota lies the small town of Williston, which is a fantastic destination for your next winter vacation. If you like getting outdoors during the winter, you can go ice fishing on Lake Sakakawea or at one of the smaller lakes surrounding it, which is stocked by the North Dakota Game and Fish. There are also a number of snowmobile trails nearby, and both snowmobiles and ice houses can be rented in Willison.

Do you like skating? If so, spend an afternoon ice skating at the Western Star Complex or grab tickets to a home game of the Williston State College Tetons NJCAA hockey team.

Lewis and Clark State Park is a great spot for snowshoeing, while Blacktail Dam has cross-country skiing trails for visitors to enjoy.

If you plan to visit Williston during the holiday season, you might be able to attend the annual Holiday Lights Parade and the Spring Lake Park Holiday Lights Drive.

Minot

With a population of just under 50,000 people, Minot is a wonderful place to visit during the wintertime. The city is known for its art scene, family-friendly attractions, and Scandinavian traditions.

While in the city, be sure to check out the Scandinavian Heritage Association, the Dakota Territory Air Museum, the Roosevelt Park Zoo, the Taube Museum of Art, and the Dakota Square Mall.

If you are visiting Minot over the holidays, don’t miss out on the colorful light displays of Christmas in the Park, held at Oak Park each year between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train, which raises money and food for local food banks during the holiday season, typically stops in Minot in December.

Grand Forks

Grand Forks, North Dakota, is one final winter destination that is worth your time. It is the third largest city in the state and sits on the banks of the Red River of the North. It is situated on the Minnesota border and is a lively college town thanks to the University of North Dakota campus that resides here.

There is plenty of winter fun to be had while in Grand Forks. For example, Lincoln Drive Park has groomed cross-country ski trails, a skating rink, snowshoeing, and a hill for sledding and snowboarding.

There are also a number of winter events that take place here, such as HollyDazzle Festival of Lights, which features a parade, Christmas caroling, cookie decorating, ice skating, fireworks, and carriage rides, or Greenway Ski Day, which takes place annually in February. Greenway Ski Day has everything from horse-drawn sleigh rides to cardboard sled races, ski clinics, and more.

North Dakota might not be the first state that comes to mind for a winter vacation, but it has plenty to offer travelers. Whether you want to learn more about the state’s fascinating history in Medora or Minot, explore the vibrant cities of Grand Forks and Bismarck, or get outdoors in Theodore Roosevelt National Park, Cross Ranch State Park, or Bottineau, you will have a wonderful winter vacation.