Looking for something to do to get you out of the house? North Dakota is full of unique and interesting places that are well worth the trip! So don’t search for “day trips near me in North Dakota;” instead, take a trip to some of the following places. Some will expand your knowledge of the state’s history; others offer unique thrills and adventures! Read on for five unique day trips in North Dakota that are an absolute must-do:

1. State Capitol Grounds
Management/TripAdvisor
We know this is something that sounds like a school field trip, but there actually is so much to see at the capitol in Bismarck that it will take up a whole day. It's an important part of North Dakota and something everyone should see once. See the Skyscraper on the Prairie in person and take a tour of the indoors, where it has a gorgeous art deco-style interior that would wow anyone.
North Dakota State Capitol, 600 E Boulevard Ave, Bismarck, ND 58505, USA
David H./Tripadvisor
The grounds also include the North Dakota Heritage Museum, a completely free museum full of artifacts of the people and history of the state, all the way back to the dinosaurs that roamed here. You stop by the Liberty Memorial Building right next to the museum, as well. There's plenty to see and do here, and everyone should put a day aside to do it. It's one of the most informative North Dakota day trips you can take!
2. Fargo Escape Room
Fargo Escape Room/Tripadvisor
Picture this - you're trapped in a room and all you have are the objects in the room to gain information on how to escape, and you only have anywhere from one to three hours to do it. This sounds like it might be full of panic but it's actually crazy fun. You aren't told much other than the rules of the game and the premise, then it is up to you and your group to solve how to get out. Every part of the room and every prop might be a clue so you really have to search everything. Beating the clock to get out can be super intense and will get your adrenaline going for an action-packed afternoon in one single room.
Fargo Escape Room, 2220 Main Ave E, West Fargo, ND 58078, USA
Fargo Escape Room/Tripadvisor
This is best done with a large group, or you can go alone and get paired with random people. Try it for yourself; there are two different rooms to try to escape from, and they're working on a new one to be released soon. It is an experience you'll be talking about for weeks afterward, especially if you win! Visit the Fargo Escape Room website for more information.

Take a look at this video by @Fargoescaperoom:
3. Fort Abraham Lincoln
FortALincoln/Tripadvisor
This gorgeous place is both a state park and a historical site. You can hit the nature trails around the breathtaking Missouri River, have a picnic, and take a trip to the fort buildings or the Custer House in the afternoon and get a tour of the huge prairie home that once housed the colonel himself.

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Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park, 4480 Fort Lincoln Rd, Mandan, ND 58554, USA
AC97/TripAdvisor
The interior of the house is just as beautiful and loaded with historical items and information to learn. The entire park is a wonderful way to get away from everything else and take some time for yourself to enjoy what is around you and appreciate the history of where you live. Rumor has it, this charming place is haunted!

Take a look at this video by @1stminnsharpshooters341:
4. Strasburg
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr
Take a relaxing drive to one of North Dakota's beautiful small towns located in the south-central county of Emmons. It's a great way to get away from your busy life and appreciate the simpler things, and it has the famous Welk Farmstead State Historic Site or the birthplace of Lawrence Welk.
Strasburg, ND 58573, USA
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr
The beautiful little farm was where the famous late TV bandstand host Lawrence Welk got his start in life. His fascinating history is kept preserved at his childhood home where, like many early settlers of the Dakotas, his German immigrant family began their life and made this place their own. It's an interesting part of history and an interesting stop for a North Dakota day trip!
5. Medora
BellaEatsBooks/Flickr
Now this is one place in North Dakota that is, and should be, on everyone's bucket list to visit. The drive may be a bit long for some but it is very worth any trip. The incredible natural land formations surrounding Medora will take your breath away. Hop over to the Theodore Roosevelt National Park, which lies right next to the town, to see the best of the badlands and tons of wildlife.
Medora, ND 58645, USA
Horatio3k/Flickr
You can also explore the town of Medora itself. There are historical sites, amazing restaurants, and museums such as the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame, shown here. You'll probably need more than one day here if you really want to experience it all, but for one of the best day trips in North Dakota, it will absolutely fill your day with perfect fun.

Take a look at this video by @TheHungryCubanAdventures:

If you haven’t been to some of these places yet, definitely put them on your radar! And if you’re still wondering about “day trips near me in North Dakota,” be sure to check out these photo-perfect places to visit in the Peace Garden State. You’ll be glad you did!

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More to Explore

Day Trips Near Me In North Dakota

Sarah | August 02, 2021

Where can I learn about more day trips near me in North Dakota?

You can learn more about day trips in North Dakota at Only In North Dakota! Check out some of our top road trips in North Dakota in this article which include:

  • The Western North Dakota Scenic Wonders Road Trip which visits the Badlands and other scenic locales in the region
  • The Haunted North Dakota Road Trip, which cruises past some of the creepiest places in the state
  • North Dakota Fall Foliage Road Trip, which is an absolute dream come autumn.

 

What are some of the best road trips I can take in North Dakota?

Some of the best road trips you can take in North Dakota include six weekend road trips, which will lead you to some truly extraordinary places like the following:

  • The Old Red Old Ten Scenic Byway is a great road trip to take if you'd like to explore the small-town scene of North Dakota. It will take you through a ton of small towns on a scenic drive from Mandan to Dickinson.
  • The Red River Valley: By taking this scenic route in North Dakota, you can explore the biggest urban areas in its two largest cities - Fargo and Grand Forks. Plus, there are many other small towns along the way to check out as well. Both of these cities have a lot to offer when it comes to food, attractions, and general fun.

 

Are there many fun things to do in North Dakota?

Yes, there are many fun things to do in North Dakota like all the unique attractions and destinations to explore! A great way to experience some of our state's best places is with these 12 day trips. Designed to be tackled over the course of the year, you'll see must-visit places such as Fort Ransom State Park, Theodore Roosevelt National Park, Medora, and Lake Metigoshe, along with epic events like Norsk Høstfest and Red River Valley Fair.

 

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