Unveiling the Treasures of North Dakota

When you think about where to go for your next trip, North Dakota is probably not one of the destinations to cross your mind. Sitting at the top of the Midwest region of the United States, North Dakota tends to get forgotten in the minds of travelers drawn to the major metropolises of the country. Get ahead of the game and avoid falling into that trap. Don’t miss these treasures of North Dakota on your next trip!

Step Back Into History

There is no better way to experience “back in the day” in North Dakota than by visiting Bonanzaville, a pioneer village that recreates what life was like living in North Dakota when the land was being settled. Spread out across 12 acres, Bonanzaville is home to 43 historic buildings and 400,000 artifacts that take visitors back in time. Complete with a general store, log cabin, blacksmith shop, school, barbershop and more, you’ll get to do more than just learn about the history – you get to relive it.

Bonanzaville USA Log Cabin – Photo by Fargo-Moorhead CVB via Flickr.com

Get Outside

Take advantage of the full service marina at Lake Sakakawea State Park by Walleye fishing, sailing, kayaking, canoeing or even taking part in one of the many fishing derbies throughout the summer.

Make sure to explore Theodore Roosevelt National Park, as you’ll be among more than just breathtaking scenery and 65 million years of badlands history. You’ll also be supporting the memory of Teddy Roosevelt, who first visited the Dakota Territory when he was a young man in 1883 to hunt bison. He later went on to become the President of the United States, which he claims never would have happened if it were not for his time spent in North Dakota. He helped to significantly grow the National Park System, eventually establishing five national parks and assisting in the foundation of the U.S. Forest Service.

Connecting the northern and southern portions of Theodore Roosevelt National Park is the 96-mile long Maah Daah Hey Trail. Enjoy the roaming wildlife, rolling prairies, and rocky badlands as you hike or horseback ride along the trails.

Teddy Roosevelt National Park – Photo by Jasperdo via Flickr.com

Explore the Rich Culture

Both Native American and western culture has widely influenced the state of North Dakota. Stop by the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame to see the Native American, Ranching, and Rodeo communities come to life. Or visit Knife River Indian Villages, an area that was occupied for more than 11,000 years by Native Americans and is now a national historic site with 15 miles of trails and a museum.

Knife River Indian Villages – Photo by Hilton Lieberum via Flickr.com

It may not have been the first destination to cross your mind before, but I hope you are as excited as I am to uncover the treasures of North Dakota! It happens to be the home to the geographical center of North America, which you can find at a stone marker in the town of Rugby. Look beyond your typical trip destinations, and choose the unique experience you’ll have in North Dakota instead!

Have you been or would you like to visit North Dakota? What intrigues you the most about the state?

This post was sponsored by North Dakota Tourism.