Ultimate North Dakota Bucket List {Serious FOMO}

North Dakota is one of those states that was not really on my radar, but then we moved to northern Minnesota and it was right there. Why not, right?! WOW! We were so wrong! North Dakota has some serious FOMO going on. It’s raw and beautiful and just a fantastic summer trip for the whole family.

No, Mount Rushmore is not in North Dakota. That’s in South Dakota.

North Dakota might not be the first state that comes to mind when you’re planning your next adventure, but don’t be fooled—this ruggedly beautiful, wide-open gem in the Upper Midwest is packed with natural wonder, deep history, and unexpected cultural charm. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, a night sky chaser, or a college town explorer, North Dakota has something to surprise and delight you.

Here are seven of the best things to do in North Dakota—each offering a unique slice of what makes this state truly special.

Table of Contents

Audubon National Wildlife Refuge: A Haven for Birdwatchers and Nature Lovers

Located near Coleharbor in central North Dakota, Audubon National Wildlife Refuge is a serene, 14,735-acre sanctuary centered around Lake Audubon. It’s a must-visit for anyone who enjoys quiet trails, wetlands teeming with birdlife, and the peaceful sounds of nature.

🦅 Birdwatching Heaven: Watch pelicans, tundra swans, and dozens of duck species during spring and fall migrations.
🚶 Walking Trails & Boardwalks: Meander through prairie grasslands and shoreline paths that offer stunning views of the lake.
📷 Photography Hotspot: Sunrise and sunset over the lake create unforgettable photo ops.

The Buffalo Stampede: A Nod to North Dakota’s Wild Side

Every July, the town of Jamestown hosts the Buffalo Days and Buffalo Stampede, celebrating the region’s prairie heritage and deep connection to bison. If you’re in the state during this event, don’t miss it.

🐃 Run with the Herd (not literally – buffalo are dangerous!): The Buffalo Stampede is a 5K/10K run that kicks off a weekend of festivities.
🎉 Community Events: Parades, live music, car shows, and a vibrant atmosphere make this one of the state’s best summer celebrations.
📍 While You’re There: Visit the National Buffalo Museum and see the World’s Largest Buffalo statue nearby!

Theodore Roosevelt National Park: North Dakota’s Crown Jewel

If there’s one place that defines North Dakota’s wild beauty, it’s Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Split into three units (South, North, and Elkhorn Ranch), the park is a stunning mix of badlands, wildlife, and historical significance.

🥾 Hiking & Scenic Drives: The South Unit near Medora offers epic vistas, the Painted Canyon, and dramatic overlooks. The North Unit is quieter but equally jaw-dropping.
🐎 Wildlife Viewing: Bison, wild horses, prairie dogs, elk, and golden eagles are all common sights.
🏕️ Camping & Stargazing: Camp under dark skies where Roosevelt himself once found solace and inspiration.

Dig for Dinosaurs: A Real Jurassic Experience

North Dakota is one of the best places in the U.S. to get hands-on with real fossil digs. Paleontology buffs and curious adventurers alike can join live dinosaur digs through programs like the North Dakota Geological Survey’s Paleo Program.

🔍 Public Digs: Participate in actual fossil excavations and maybe uncover the next triceratops skull!
🦖 Dinosaurs Rock Here: Some of the best-preserved prehistoric fossils in North America have come from the Hell Creek Formation in western North Dakota.
🏛️ Prehistoric Museums: Don’t miss the exhibits at the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum in Bismarck.

Pembina Gorge: A Hidden Gem of Natural Beauty

Tucked away in the northeastern part of the state near Walhalla, Pembina Gorge offers some of the most diverse and untouched wilderness in North Dakota.

🍃 Adventure Playground: Kayak the Pembina River, hike through forested bluffs, or hit up over 30 miles of multi-use trails for mountain biking or horseback riding.
🌼 Rare Ecosystem: Home to over 480 species of plants and animals, some found nowhere else in the state.
🍂 Best in Fall: The gorge lights up with fiery reds and oranges during autumn—arguably North Dakota’s best fall foliage display.

Dark Skies: A Stargazer’s Dream

Far from the light pollution of bigger cities, North Dakota offers pristine, dark skies that make it ideal for stargazing.

🌌 Top Spots: Theodore Roosevelt National Park, the Maah Daah Hey Trail, and rural areas like Lake Sakakawea offer some of the darkest skies in the continental U.S.
🔭 What You’ll See: The Milky Way, meteor showers, planets, and occasionally even the Northern Lights on a clear night.
🎯 Plan Ahead: Consider timing your visit around a new moon or during a major meteor shower for the best experience.

City Life: Explore Fargo, Grand Forks & Bismarck

Don’t let North Dakota’s reputation for open space fool you—its cities are full of energy, arts, and authentic Midwestern hospitality.

🌆 Fargo

A vibrant college town (home to North Dakota State University) with a killer food scene, hip downtown, and quirky art culture.
Must-sees: Fargo Air Museum, Downtown Fargo, Red River Zoo, and the Fargo Theatre.

🎓 Grand Forks

Home to the University of North Dakota, Grand Forks is a friendly riverside town with bike trails, riverwalks, and indie coffee shops.
Don’t miss: North Dakota Museum of Art, Greenway Trail System, and Ralph Engelstad Arena for UND hockey games.

🏛️ Bismarck

The capital city blends politics with outdoor fun and local charm.
Highlights: North Dakota State Capitol (Skyscraper on the Prairie), Dakota Zoo, and Missouri River boat tours.

Final Thoughts

From the whispering grasslands to the vibrant hum of college towns, North Dakota is a land of contrasts—serene and wild, rural and cultured, ancient and ever-changing. Whether you’re digging up dinosaurs, watching the bison roam, or grabbing a latte in Fargo before catching a local show, you’re sure to come away with unforgettable memories and a deeper appreciation for this underrated gem of a state.

Pack your curiosity—and maybe some hiking boots—and get ready to discover North Dakota.