Sometimes, you just want to get in the car and drive. Where to? We don’t know, but wherever you go, you’re sure to run into some truly majestic places and things on the way. We’ve put together a semi-short road trip across parts of this beautiful state for just such an occasion. If you’re wanting (or needing) to get away, look no further than this delightfully scenic road trip in North Dakota which leads you to some of our state’s most coveted destinations. Gas up the car and let’s go – there’s much to see! To follow along, make sure to download your copy of the directions.

Google Maps
Our starting point on this epic journey is Beaver Lake State Park.
Beaver Lake State Park/Facebook
Beaver Lake State Park is an astonishingly beautiful little slice of paradise situated along – you guessed it – a tranquil lake.
There are primitive and modern campsites available and even lovely little cabins to rent (which are super affordable).
Beaver Lake State Park, 3850 70th St SE, Wishek, ND 58495, USA
Beaver Lake State Park/Facebook
The area is steeped in interesting history and a stay overnight is a great idea to take it all in! Beaver Lake State Park is awesome year-round, but in summer, it truly shines.
Next up is the absolutely wonderful Fort Ransom State Park.
Fort Ransom State Park/Facebook
It takes its name from an 1860s-era military fort, and it sits smack-dab in the middle of Sheyenne River Valley, which affords it some of the most breathtaking views in the state. Any road trip in North Dakota must include this exciting place!
Open year-round, each season seems to bring with it certain pros and cons (okay, let’s be real – there are very, very few cons!
Fort Ransom State Park, Walt Hjelle Parkway, Fort Ransom, ND, USA
Fort Ransom State Park/Facebook
In the summer at Fort Ransom State Park horseback riding and camping are the most popular activities ‘round these parts. In winter, folks love to come here for the world-class snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

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Next, we move on to the amazing Chase Lake National Wildlife Refuge.
USFWS Mountain-Prairie/Flickr
It is often called one of North Dakota’s "crown jewels."
This amazing stretch of land is remarkable for many reasons: it’s one of just two official wilderness areas in the National Wildlife Refuge System in North Dakota and, amazingly, it’s home to one of the largest breeding colonies of American White pelicans in the world.
Chase Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Tappen, ND 58487, USA
USFWS Mountain-Prairie/Flickr
Amazingly, the Chase Lake National Wildlife Refuge is where a third of the earth’s population of these birds come to roost! The area is also home to some unique geology, and, obviously, some of the most top-notch bird watching in the nation. If you're looking for a North Dakota road trip, this is one stop you’ll never forget!
Up next, we arrive at beautiful (and grossly underrated) Devils Lake and boy, is it beautiful!
Beatnik Photos/Flickr
Devil's Lake is located in east-central North Dakota.
This little place is home to some of the best fishing in the state, as well as plenty of delightful local shops, eateries, and galleries to explore.
Devils Lake, ND 58301, USA
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr
The draw is the lake itself, but the town is well worth a look-see, too! Come figure out why Devils Lake is known as the "perch capital of the world" and it’s also a blast to do some good old-fashioned boating here, too.
Our final stop on this delightfully scenic North Dakota trip is the famous Lake Metigoshex.
Roderick Eime/Flickr
This beautiful lake – and the state park built around it – is an amazing, 1,544-acre masterpiece that’ll make you feel like you’re somewhere tropical instead of land-locked in the great state of North Dakota.
Camping here is wonderful, though it’s also perfect for a day trip.
Lake Metigoshe, Roland, ND 58318, USA
ND Parks and Recreation Departmen/Flickr
We suggest taking each stop of this road trip slowly, and Lake Metigoshe is no exception! It truly takes more than just one day to take in all the wonders it has to offer (and to try and hike around the whole thing!).

So, there you have it – a 444-mile journey that leads to some amazing places in our beautiful state. Do you have any favorite spots you’d like to add to the itinerary? Tell us about them in the comments! We love hearing from you, especially about the places you hold dearest in your heart.

If you’re interested in other exciting North Dakota adventures, check out this family-friendly road trip!

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Road trip in North Dakota

Lysa Allman-Baldwin | August 06, 2022

I'm looking for a good breakfast restaurant in North Dakota.

Oh, man! There are some fantastic breakfast places dotted all over the state and you'd be hard-pressed to not find one that suits your particular breakfast fancy. Whether you love great egg dishes, pancakes, breakfast burritos, or buffets with a little bit of everything, you're sure to find it here. One of the most popular places for simple fare is the Broadway Bean and Bagel Co. Located in the town of Minot it offers some of the most delicious bagel sandwiches you can imagine! From flavored cream cheeses to eggs, vegetables, salmon, and more, there’s a topping or filling sure to delight. 

Where is Sully Creek State Park?

Sully Creek State Park is located in the heart of North Dakota’s Badlands region. Open seasonally, it is a very popular place for hiking, camping, bird watching, and fishing, among other outdoor recreational activities. Sully Creek State Park is also known as a great place to view wildlife. Depending on when you come and where you are in the park, you can catch glimpses of elk, wild horses, bison, and other beautiful creatures.

What are some things to do in Bismark?

Bismark, the capital of North Dakota, offers a wealth of things to see, do, and experience. You definitely want to visit the state capital, which was built in the art deco architectural style. There is also the Gateway to Science Museum featuring lots of fun for the entire family, the Dakota Zoo, Keelboat Park (be sure to check out the amazing statues there), and Chief Lookings Village, which offers some of the most scenic walking trails in the area, just to name a few. You'll also find tons of great restaurants and brewpubs in town, as well as live entertainment.

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