A lot of people out there seem to think that North Dakota is nothing but flat fields. They couldn’t be more wrong! The varying landscapes of the Roughrider State are loaded with unique, beautiful, and unusual natural wonders. If you want to check out some of the best to show off the state in a way you’ve never seen, then you absolutely must take this road trip. What are the natural wonders of North Dakota? Find out on this epic adventure!

This road trip will take you across the entire state and you'll probably want to set aside an entire weekend for it. Check out the official Google Maps route for the interactive map.
Google maps
If starting in the east and heading west, your first stop will be the breathtaking Fort Ransom State Park.
Fort Ransom State Park, Walt Hjelle Parkway, Fort Ransom, ND, USA
ND Parks and Recreation Department/Flickr
This amazing splendor is tucked in the Sheyenne River Valley, which creates a gorgeous wooded area dotted with historic farms. It's like something out of a fantasy movie.

Check out this short and sweet video by ND Parks and Rec for an overview of Fort Ransom State Park:
Next, you'll head north towards North Dakota's largest natural lake and one that keeps growing: Devils Lake.
Devils Lake, ND 58301, USA
ND Parks and Recreation Department/Flickr
This particular route will take you to Grahams Island - an island park connected by a narrow road across the water. It's beautifully scenic, serene, and a special part of the state's natural wonders.

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Now you'll begin your journey westwards to another special park: Cross Ranch State Park.
Cross Ranch State Park, 1403 River Rd, Center, ND 58530, USA
ND Parks and Recreation Department/Flickr
This park, near Washburn, is situated on one of the last undeveloped stretches of the Missouri River. It's all natural and fantastic in its own way.
After this, you'll be heading towards North Dakota's most scenic areas, a place that certainly disproves anyone who says the state is entirely flat - Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota, USA
wewhynot/Tripadvisor
The park is split up into two units in the Little Missouri National Grassland, and the first one you'll be at is the North Unit. Each unit has its own special quirks.

This absolutely spellbinding video shows you all the majesty of Theodore Roosevelt National Park in stunning 8k:
The South Unit of the park is next, situated around the town of Medora.
Medora, ND 58645, USA
charliespal2/Tripadvisor
This amazing place is full of the beauty of the badlands. This one is especially great to visit near sundown to see the painted canyons really come to light.
For the final stop of the road trip, you'll visit the highest point in North Dakota, White Butte.
White Butte, Chalky Butte, ND 58623, USA
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr
You can admire the spot from a distance or take the trek all the way to the top where the elevation is taller than any other place in the state. It towers over the surrounding landscape and certainly catches your eye, plus it's just cool in general to say you've been there!

North Dakota’s natural attractions are truly incredible and after you’ve taken this trip you’ll definitely know that this state is full of a variety of landscapes other than flat prairie. Need more ideas for awesome outdoor places to visit? Happy to help! Check out some more of the most beautiful places in North Dakota while you’re here.

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What Are The Natural Wonders Of North Dakota?

Tori Jane | February 06, 2023
  1. What are the natural wonders of North Dakota? 

North Dakota is an awe-inspiringly beautiful state and it doesn’t get nearly enough credit that it rightly deserves. In fact, it’s the least-visited state in the country, and we think that’s some sort of travesty. There are tons of natural wonders in North Dakota, including (but not limited to):  

  • Theodore Roosevelt National Park – all of it, but especially the petrified forest parts 
  • Icelandic State Park might actually be one of the most beautiful places in the entire upper Midwest 
  • The Caprock Coulee Trail leads hikers through some truly amazing geological wonders of North Dakota that most folks don’t even know exists 

 

Learn more about the amazing natural wonders in North Dakota you ought to add to your bucket list.   

  1. Are there National Parks in ND? 

North Dakota is home to two amazing National Parks, both of which are 100 percent worthy of a long visit (preferably in the form of an extended camping trip). Those parks are:  

  • Badlands National Park, which is shared with South Dakota (who, admittedly, has a claim to way more of the park than we do) 
  • Theodore Roosevelt National Park, which is absolutely incredible (and also shared with our southern counterpart, though there’s a significantly larger portion of TRNP in ND than SD) 

 

Learn more about the amazing National Parks in North Dakota.   

  1. What kind of places should I add to my ND bucket list? 

There are a number of places that make excellent additions to the old bucket list, even in little ol’ North Dakota. Some of the must-add places for your ND bucket list are places like:  

  • The Chase Lake National Wildlife Refuge is absolutely amazing, especially for anyone who appreciates wildlife.  
  • Theodore Roosevelt National Park – yes, it’s 100 percent worth mentioning AGAIN.  
  • The Sheyenne National Grassland is an amazing demonstration of how beautiful the prairie can be.  
  • Pembina Gorge is incredibly photogenic year-round.  

 

Learn more about some of the best bucket list places in North Dakota.   

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