The Ultimate Guide To Seasonal Activities In North Dakota: Pumpkin Patches, Christmas Lights, Water Parks, And More
North Dakota is a wonderful state in which to experience all four seasons. We’ve got traditions for each, like taking an all-day float trip or killing an entire afternoon at the water park in summer. When the leaves begin to turn and fall is upon us, we bring the family to a pumpkin patch, find comfort in an apple orchard, or get lost in a corn maze. With winter comes the holidays, and that means incredible Christmas lights, awesome sleigh rides, and even Christmas trains and entire Christmas villages to get us into the spirit. And, finally, once spring returns, it’s time for Monarch butterflies and never-ending wildflower fields. No matter what time of the year it is, this state is a wonderful one to be in; this is your ultimate guide to all things seasonal in North Dakota!
Visit The Dreamy Sunflower Fields In North Dakota
Want to know something cool? North Dakota is the second-largest producer of sunflowers in the country. If you've munched on sunflower seeds in the past, chances are they came from here. Some years, you'll even find we're having a "superbloom" event, during which time there are even more sunflowers blooming than usual (and the usual is a lot - more than 500,000 acres worth). No matter where you go, you'll find sunflowers in late summer. Peak blooming is usually in late August, so plan accordingly. Do you remember the incredible sunflower superbloom event of 2019?
The Most Epic Water Parks In North Dakota
North Dakota might get a little cold in the winter, but that doesn't mean we don't know how to have a great time while the weather is warm. We're home to several epic water parks, in fact, and each one has its own special draw. Our favorite water park in North Dakota, though, is definitely Splasher's of the South Seas, an incredibly awesome summer wonderland hidden inside the Canad Inn Hotel in Grand Forks. Don't worry, you can enjoy it even if you're not a guest at the hotel. Which one of the epic slides will you go on first?
The Best Natural Pool In North Dakota
North Dakota is home to 35 breathtaking lakes. One of the best of the best, however, is the crystalline natural pool that is Lake Metigoshe, which is nestled up in the Turtle Mountains. You won't believe how crystal-clear it is, and the scenery surrounding it is truly picture-perfect. How many of these amazing natural pools have you visited?
The Most Charming Pumpkin Patches In North Dakota
Every autumn, you can rely on the fact that there will be plenty of pumpkin patches throughout the state to explore. Each pumpkin patch comes with its own unique charm, like Berry Acres, in Minot. Usually it can be found with more than 50,000 pumpkins to choose from, as well as epic corn mazes, cider, and other fall-oriented delights. How many pumpkins will you be taking home?
The Incredible Cider Mill In North Dakota
Did you know that North Dakota is home to exactly one cidery? It's true! And, dear reader, this is some seriously delicious cider that you won't want to miss out on. Nestled within the tiny town of Ayr, North Dakota, is Cottonwood Cider House, which began as an orchard in 2012 and evolved over the years into what it is today. You'll definitely want to go on a tour, and you've got to bring some home. So how about them apples?
Get Lost In These Awesome North Dakota Corn Mazes
Autumn simply wouldn't be complete without corn mazes, especially in beautiful North Dakota. Some are more difficult than others, like, for example, the lengthy and elaborate mazes at Nelson's Pumpkin Patch year after year. Nelson's is located in Emerado, and it's known for its legendary corn mazes. Whether you come by yourself or with friends and family, you're certain to have the most fun you've ever had while being totally lost. How fast can you conquer this North Dakota autumn legend?
The North Dakota Fall Foliage That Will Delight And Amaze You
Finally, we cover what might be the best part of autumn of all: the color! North Dakota shifts into brilliant hues of reds, oranges, and golds as autumn transitions into winter. Fall color is everywhere every year, and it's definitely worth embarking on a road trip to see some of the best of it. Don't you deserve a fall color road trip before winter?
The Most Magical Christmas Village In North Dakota
If there's any holiday North Dakota takes seriously, it's Christmas. Did you know that there's a town that, every year, transforms into an incredible winter wonderland based on the famous Dickens tale A Christmas Carol? There is, and you've got to see it to believe it. Garrison, North Dakota is known as the "Christmas capital" of the state, and it goes all-out to bring Christmas magic to every resident and visitor. Always make sure to double-check event dates for Garrison's annual transformation.What do you want for Christmas this year?
The One Of A Kind Holiday Drive Thru In North Dakota
What's as much, if not more, fun as driving from neighborhood to neighborhood to admire Christmas lights? What about holiday drive-thrus? Trust us, they're totally fun and will fit in perfectly with your other family holiday traditions. For example, year after year, Fargo decks out Lindenwood Park and transforms it into the ultimate Christmas light display that you can drive through. Dates and times vary from year to year, so make sure to double-check the most up-to-date information while planning your visit. Have you ever been to a holiday lights drive-thru?
Must-Visit Spots To View Christmas Lights In North Dakota
Speaking of Christmas lights, where are the best places to view them outside of drive-thrus? Easy - just visit the dazzling main streets of several North Dakota towns. Minot, for example, gets decked out every year, and it's truly a magical sight to behold. Carrington goes all-out, with a parade, main street lights, and numerous events. There are numerous towns in North Dakota that take the holidays very seriously, and trust us. Christmas is especially magical in those towns. Which town's Main Street has the best Christmas lights display?
