8 Great Road Trips to Take in North Dakota

North Dakota, also known as the Peace Garden State, is an abode of tourist destinations. From the urban hub of Bismarck to the scenic Theodore Roosevelt National Park, plenty of landmarks are scattered throughout. While visiting one place is great, why not take a road trip to see as much as possible? Plenty of routes throughout North Dakota start at major cities and feature many businesses, historical sites, and natural parks along the way. Road trippers can enjoy a few hours of traveling while they take in everything that makes North Dakota special. Whether it is Fargo to Jamestown with the Medicine Wheel Park or Bismarck to Medora with the Joachim Regional Museum, here are eight great road trips to take in North Dakota.

Fargo to Jamestown

Starting in the city of Fargo, this route to Jamestown is a 1.5-hour journey filled with natural and historical sights. Adventurers begin their journey from downtown Fargo and can visit the Red River Zoo for a fun start. This zoo features 33 acres home to over 600 animals, such as red pandas, gray wolves, and river otters. Heading west along the Interstate 94, visitors can stop by the Tower City Cafe around halfway through the journey to recharge with some heart pancakes. A short distance ahead, Medicine Wheel Park in Valley City is another outdoor option, showcasing Native American burial mounds. These mounds date back over five centuries, offering a glimpse into the past. Continue driving past Hobart Lake to reach Jamestown, where landmarks like Fort Seward and Reiland Fine Arts Center await.

Grand Forks to Pembina

This trip from Grand Forks to Pembina is a great option for a short journey over a weekend or holiday. It spans 70 miles, and one can start their exploration from the University of North Dakota campus in Grand Forks. It houses plenty of landmarks, such as the North Dakota Museum of Art and Ralph Engelstad Arena. Begin north along the snaking Red River to the town of Drayton, where Main Street offers an ideal rest stop. Hastings Landing is good for a meal; you can fill up gas at the Tesoro outlet. Driving further north, many nature areas follow the Interstate 29, such as the Pembina Prairie Waterfowl Production Area and Juhl National Wildlife Management Area. Upon arriving in Pembina, the Pembina State Museum offers an ideal locale to uncover the region’s history.

Bismarck to Medora

Nestled along the Missouri River, Bismarck is a great place to start a road trip to Medora. History enthusiasts have a blast at the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum, the Former Governers’ Mansion State Historic Site, and Keelboat Park. Head east on Interstate 94 towards Medora. The drive has plenty of views to keep you busy, such as the Sweet Briar Lake and the cascading Green River. Around three-fourths through the journey, one can stop at Dickinson, which has something for everyone. Cultural travelers opt for the Joachim Regional Museum, while hungry ones should grab a bite at the adjacent Country Kitchen Restaurant. End the trip 25 miles down the road at Medora, where you can catch a show at the Old Town Hall Theater for a fun day out. In total, this route should take about two hours to complete.

Grand Forks To Devils Lake

This 90-mile journey from Grand Forks to Devils Lake is perfect for a day trip filled with art, nature, and relaxation. Start at the North Dakota Museum of Art on the University of North Dakota campus, showcasing captivating regional and international exhibits. Heading west on US Route 2, stop at Turtle River State Park, a tranquil spot ideal for hiking or picnicking amidst lush greenery. As you approach Devils Lake, take a detour to Spirit Lake Casino for some entertainment or a quick meal. End your trip at Grahams Island State Park, nestled along Devils Lake's shoreline. Known for its excellent fishing and peaceful surroundings, it’s a great place to unwind and enjoy scenic views.

Bismarck To Garrison

For nature lovers, this road trip from Bismarck to Garrison has plenty to see and do. The Dakota Zoo along the Missouri River is perfect for the family to begin their journey, home to over 100 species of animals, such as tigers, snow leopards, pygmy marmosets, and even cattle. After meeting the wildlife, start on the US Route 83 north for about 40 minutes to Washburn. Here, The Cabin Bar & Grill is ideal for a quick meal, while Riverside Park offers a place to spread your legs along the Missouri River. Head back on the road to Lake Audobon, where adventurers can hop out to the Audobon National Wildlife Refuge for fishing, and hiking. Just a short drive further lies the town of Garrison. Roadtrippers can return to Bismarck or book a room at the North Shore Inn & Suites for a longer stay.

Minot To Kenmare

Those looking for a shorter trip in North Dakota can try the route from Minot to Kenmare. Start in Minot, which has an international airport, which makes it the perfect place to begin a journey. Here, the Roosevelt Park Zoo and surrounding Roosevelt Park offer a great place to unwind before hitting the road. Start the route on the US Highway 52 west, which runs along the Des Lacs River. A short detour off is the Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge, a hotspot for hiking, boating, and biking in the region. If you don’t plan on a nature outing, drive on to Donnybrook, where a gas depot lies on the right side of the road. It's perfect for a quick refuel. Keep driving past Middle Des Lacs Lake until you arrive at Kenmare, a quaint community in northern North Dakota. Here, the Kenmare City Memorial Hall is a rustic landmark ideal for ending your trip.

Minot To Grafton

Offering a longer getaway in North Dakota, the trip from Minot to Grafton is full of all sorts of attractions. Covering 200 miles in three and a half hours, the journey begins in Minot, where one can see a replica of the famed 12th-century Gol Stave Church at the Scandinavian Heritage Park before stocking up on some tacos for the road at the Casa Jalisco Mexican Restaurant. Continue to the US Highway 2 east as you cross by communities such as Denbigh, where you can refuel. A short drive further, shift to the North Dakota Highway 17 continuing east through areas like the Hurricane Lake National Wildlife Refuge, which offer some charm to the roadway. A short distance before Grafton lies Park River, where plenty of businesses, such as Jim’s Supervalu and Northdale Oil, make it an ideal spot to rest up. Finally, the trip comes to an end at Grafton, a quaint town with many opportunities. Spend the day along Park River at the Leistikow Memorial Park or uncover some history at the Elmwood House. As the drive back is quite long, visitors can stay the night at AmericInn by Wyndham Grafton, which is affordable and lies on the route, so you can leave early the next morning.

Grand Forks To Jamestown

The journey from Grand Forks to Jamestown offers a mix of cultural, historical, and natural attractions across its 140-mile stretch. Begin your trip in Grand Forks by exploring the North Dakota Museum of Art, located on the University of North Dakota campus, featuring exhibits that celebrate regional and global creativity. Go south on Interstate 29, passing through Hillsboro, where the downtown area boasts charming local shops like The Hillsboro Cafe for a quick coffee. As you near Jamestown, visit the North American Bison Discovery Center, home to a live bison herd as well as artifacts and artwork on the topic. Be sure to visit the "World's Largest Buffalo" statue in town, too. End your trip at Frontier Village, a replica pioneer town, where you can explore historic buildings and even take a stagecoach ride.

Conclusion

North Dakota’s road trips perfectly blend history, nature, and small-town charm. From Fargo’s vibrant attractions to Devils Lake's scenic beauty or Grafton's quaint streets, these routes showcase the state’s diverse landscapes and rich culture. Each journey, just a few hours from major cities, features unique stops like wildlife refuges, historic landmarks, and lively local businesses. Whether you’re seeking adventure or relaxation, these road trips promise unforgettable experiences. Pack your bags and explore the Peace Garden State’s hidden treasures as revealed by these eight great road trips to take in North Dakota.