11 Unimaginably Beautiful Places In North Dakota That You Must See Before You Die
It’s a shame people stereotype North Dakota as being mostly flat – they don’t know what they’re missing! From the rugged badlands, to the gently rolling hills of the prairie pothole region, to the huge and beautiful river valleys that make up the state, there really is a little bit of everything. You don’t have to travel the world to see unimaginably gorgeous natural settings, you can stay right here in the Peace Garden State for that.
Don’t believe me? Then you obviously haven’t seen these amazing spots:
During these uncertain times, please keep safety in mind and consider adding destinations to your bucket list to visit at a later date.
This large lake near Medina, ND becomes a bird paradise during certain times of the year that you have to see to believe. Thousands upon thousands of birds - specifically white pelicans - nest here. It is an amazing sight to behold in person. That, and the lake itself is stunning.
This place needs no introduction - North Dakota's most famous and popular park rests in the western region and is visited by thousands of people every year. The painted canyons of the badlands here are mesmerizing to see. Exploring this spectacular place brings beauty at every turn and a whole lot of bison and wild horses, too!
This scenic lake is located near Wishek, ND and is the picture perfect waterside destination. Whether you want to take a stroll along the trails around it or jump into the water at the beach, this lake is undeniably pretty - and fun.
Right on the edges of North Dakota's largest natural lake, Devils Lake, is this truly breathtaking preserved area. Trails up through the dense trees will take you to the top of Sullys Hill where you can see by far the best view of the lake possible.
North Dakota's other largest lake - this time manmade - is Lake Sakakawea. It's hard to beat the recreational opportunities at this lake, and it is also hard to deny how gorgeous it is. You can experience it at places like Fort Stevenson State Park, Lake Sakakawea State Park, or the Lewis and Clark State Park.
If you're looking for the perfect fall destination for future leaf peeping excursions, this is the place you absolutely must go. The Pembina Gorge is near Walhalla, ND and has awe-inspiring views like this one. It doesn't even have to be fall to look this pretty, you can visit year round and experience how lovely it is.
Take a trip into this fantastic state park near the adorable little town of Fort Ransom, ND. The Sheyenne River creates the perfectly valley of rolling hills and secret meadows tucked away among the trees. The park offers plenty of trails, cabins, yurts, and campgrounds for you to see it for yourself.
This state park contains awesome natural sights along with a deep and well-preserved history. It is located near Mandan, ND and has a few key spots that make it stand out from the rest. The fort itself is fun to visit, as is the beautiful On-A-Slant village along the river. That along with great trails and the state's only trolley ride, and you've got a place worthy of your bucket list.
Take in the sight of this record-breaking bridge along a scenic riverfront in Valley City, North Dakota. This quaint little park offers the perfect view of the Hi-Line railroad bridge as well as peaceful place to have a picnic and take in the scenery.
Tucked away in the Turtle Mountains of North Dakota is this absolutely jaw-dropping lake. It is no surprise why this is one of the state's most popular destinations. It will almost make you feel like you've stepped into some enchanted forest with secret ponds and creeks and of course the big and beautiful Lake Metigoshe itself. This one is especially great in the fall when the vivid colors are reflecting into the calm waters below.
Experience one of the last untouched stretches of the mighty Missouri River at this state park near Hensler, ND. Don't be surprised if you see quite a bit of wildlife while you're here. Bison, deer, and plenty of fascinating birds can be spotted here.
Where else in North Dakota would you consider a must-see place? There are plenty of gorgeous locations here, it’s hard to name them all! That’s part of what makes ND “legendary,” after all.
There’s a lot more where this came from, and we even put together a road trip to explore some of these natural scenic places here in the Peace Garden State. Check it out by clicking here.
