This Scenic Road Trip Will Take You To All 7 Wonders Of North Dakota
×
Leah
Author
North Dakota has many awesome attractions and things to see, but there are a few that have really come out on top as some of the state’s wonders. Though these might not be part of the Seven Wonders of the World, they certainly can be considered some of the top natural wonders of North Dakota! We’ve put together a route that’ll take you to every one of them on one big, epic road trip. Read on if you’re curious to learn more about what you’ll explore on this North Dakota bucket list road trip.
For the full route and directions, click here. The route is approximately 670 miles long, so you will probably want to split it up over multiple days to get enough time at each stop to fully experience them.
Medora, ND 58645, USA
Starting from the western side of the state, this natural wonders in North Dakota road trip will begin in the town of Medora.
Medora is one of if not the most popular tourist towns in North Dakota. What makes it such a busy place with visitors? A combination of the beautiful badlands, the old-west atmosphere, and the history of the town. This is a place where former president Theodore Roosevelt fell in love with the grand landscapes and wonderful locals. The South Unit of the Theodore Roosevelt National Park has herds of bison, wild horses, pronghorns, and even more wildlife. The painted canyons serving as the backdrop to it all are the icing on the cake. It is certainly deserving of being called a wonder of North Dakota.
Advertisement
Head north towards Watford City and through the Little Missouri National Grassland to the North Unit of the park. This is the lesser-appreciated yet equally as impressive part of the Theodore Roosevelt National Park. The views are truly breathtaking, and there are great scenic overlooks you can visit to take in one of the natural wonders of North Dakota. The unique geological formations come together to form a place that only North Dakota has, and it's awe-inspiring.
Advertisement
Lake Sakakawea, North Dakota, USA
Once you've had the chance to experience the badlands, you'll head west across the Missouri River and to the place where it becomes Lake Sakakawea. Lake Sakakawea is the largest lake in the entire state and the third largest manmade lake in the country. It has more miles of coastline than the entire state of California, believe it or not! The road trip will take you to Fort Stevenson State Park, not far from the Garrison Dam that forms the lake, but there are multiple other state parks, recreation areas, resorts, and more along the lakeshore that can give you the same experience. Lake Sakakawea is just that impressive - and fun to visit! Therefore, it must be on your North Dakota bucket list.
Related Stories
The Scenic Drive In North Dakota That Runs Straight Through The Charming Small Town Of Washburn
The Scenic Road Trip That Will Make You Fall In Love With The Beauty Of North Dakota All Over Again
Take This Hidden Gems Road Trip When You Want To See Some Little-Known Places In North Dakota
Rugby, ND 58368, USA
After you've had some time at that massive lake, you will continue northeast towards a spot only North Dakota can say it has: the geographical center of the entire North American continent! Rugby, North Dakota has laid claim to the monument for the geographical center of North America. From the southern tip of Mexico to the farther northern point of Canada, and the most extreme east and west sides of the United States. Hence, the center of it all lies in good old North Dakota. Rugby itself is a pretty fun place to visit, too, with shops, restaurants, and more. Therefore, it's hands down one of the ultimate road trip ideas on its own or part of a bigger adventure when you're in North Dakota.
Dunseith, ND 58329, USA
From the center of the continent, you'll head straight north to a garden that two of the continent's countries share, the International Peace Garden. Located in the small town of Dunseith, the International Peace Garden straddles the border of North Dakota and Canada. There is a whole lot more here than impeccable flower beds. Beautiful monuments, statues, fountains, and greenhouses full of plants from all over the two countries are just a few of the many things you can view during this stop on your natural wonders of North Dakota road trip. It is considered one of the state's most underrated attractions and when you see it in person you'll understand why it could be considered a wonder.
Pembina Gorge State Recreation Area, 101 5th St, Walhalla, ND 58282, USA
Continuing from the gardens, you'll head to a more natural area that shows off some of the diverse natural beauty of ND: the Pembina Gorge. This place is especially stunning in the fall, but any time of the year is a good time to visit the Pembina Gorge and surrounding areas. From the more shallow valleys to steep wooded slopes, the Pembina River winds through the scenery and creates such a wonderful place. Nearby towns such as Walhalla, Cavalier, and Pembina are some of the oldest in the state. The town of Pembina specifically is the oldest settlement in both North and South Dakota, back when they were still considered the Dakota Territory. The history here along with the magnificent scenery definitely make it worthy of being on your
North Dakota bucket list.
Jamestown, ND, USA
For the last of the 7 wonders, you will head southwest to Jamestown to see the most famous of North Dakota's many "world's largest" statues: the World's Largest Buffalo. This ginormous statue, also known as Dakota Thunder, was built in 1959 and stands tall on a hilltop looking over Jamestown. Not only that, but it is right next to an area with a real bison herd that continues rare white bison and at one point had the only known true albino bison, White Cloud. Today, you can visit the statue, the bison herd, the National Buffalo Museum, and even Frontier Village all in the same spot when you take this North Dakota road trip.
Have you been to some or all of the places on this national wonders in North Dakota road trip? Let us know in the following comments section.
For more road trip ideas, take a look at this North Dakota road trip too.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
More to Explore
Natural Wonders in North Dakota
What are some of the top natural wonders in North Dakota?
Along with the destinations mentioned in the above road trip. here are some more natural wonders in North Dakota to add to your bucket list.
- The Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge: Based in Minot, this gem spans over 30,000 acres and is home to an array of birds of animals.
- Fort Ransom State Park: You'll feel like you've entered another world when you visit this natural wonder in North Dakota that's based in Sheyenne State Forest.
- Caprock-Coulee Trail: Be prepared to have your jaw drop when you explore this stunning hike with epic views of unique rock formations, the badlands, and much more!
- Grahams Island: Located in the center of Devils Lake, this destination is ideal if you'd like to picnic, camp, fish, and relax.
What are some road trip ideas when you're in North Dakota?
In addition to checking out natural wonders, take a look at the following North Dakota road trip ideas too.
- Delicious North Dakota BBQ Hole In The Wall Road Trip: Enjoy tasting your way through the state when you chow on unbelievable ribs, pulled pork, and much more!
- The Pie Shop Road Trip in North Dakota: If you're a fan of freshly made baked goods, you'll devour every stop on this tasty outing.
- Fall Foliage Road Trip in North Dakota: Bring your camera when you take a drive along this route in September or October.
Discover more road trip ideas in this article too.