7 Legitimately Fun Things You Can Do In North Dakota Without Spending A Dime

This extensive museum is part of the state capitol grounds in Bismarck and is totally free to enter! Enjoy the vast history of North Dakota, from the dinosaurs to today. A little bit of every part of history here is covered, and there is plenty to see. Plus, it's a good excuse to see the capitol grounds.

North Dakota Heritage Center is located at 612 E Boulevard Ave, Bismarck.

Other than seeing the world's largest buffalo statue in Jamestown, you can take a walk down to the Frontier Village right next to it. Seeing the statue and the village are completely free. Frontier Village has a ton of original, old buildings of the earliest days for the settlers on the prairie that have been moved here and kept preserved as a town. They are full of antique artifacts inside. Some highlights of what you can see are the jail, schoolhouse, trading post, and even a dentist office. And you can see an authentic stagecoach drive up and down the village. Rides in the stagecoach are $5, but you don't need them to enjoy your visit! The buffalo herd of the Buffalo Museum and state are right next to the village and viewable, as well. It is a great way to spend the afternoon without a single penny spent.

Frontier Village is located at 17th St SE, Jamestown.

Once known as the Grandest Fort on the Missouri River, the Fort Union Trading Post was a highly important place in North Dakota. Thousands of items were traded here from settlers to the Native Americans, and it was a place of prosperity. Today, it has been beautifully restored to showcase the history of our state and country, and is lovely to behold. It is located right along the Missouri River. Best of all, no entrance fee!

Fort Union Trading Post is located at 15550 HWY 1804, Williston.

Explore the heritage of a large portion of North Dakotans at this park in Minot. The gorgeous Stave Church is a popular part of it, but there are even more things to see and experience there, all completely free. Take a delightful walk through the grounds and see the statues of important Scandinavian figures. Check out the buildings that depict life in early Scandinavian countries. They may show you what life was like for your ancestors before they came here. It's a beautiful place and an easy, fun way to spend your afternoon.

Scandinavian Heritage Park is located at the corner of 11th Ave SW and S Broadway St in Minot.

There are tons of fun things to do along or on the Missouri River, all without any sort of entrance fee along most stretches of the water. Small sandy beaches are great for some summer fun while you can also take walks along the banks and see interesting statues, bridges, monuments, and more. Especially around the Bismarck area, there is a ton to see, and all you have to do is enjoy it - no charge.

A local once decided that the drive along a certain stretch of road was boring, so he decided to make it the opposite. See the efforts of one man in making a drive like a museum of art. These massive metal sculptures have broken world records and fascinated many who take the route of the Enchanted Highway. They are impressive in many ways, both size, craftsmanship, and beauty, and make great stops for photos along the way. There is no entrance fee for this place, of course - all you have to do is drive.

The Enchanted Highway is located out of Regent.

Did you know you can camp for free in places like the Sheyenne National Grassland? There are many other places that allow it, too. You don't need to worry about park fees here, although if you aren't used to camping without the luxuries of electricity and modern facilities, you may want to try somewhere else. This is for people who really want to get away and enjoy some peace and quiet, all without any park fees. Plus, the grassland is absolutely beautiful.