Experience North Dakota Year-Round With These 12 Day Trips

You have a whole year ahead of you to fill with new adventures and memories to last a lifetime. There are so many things to do and experience in North Dakota for every month of the year and beyond. If you're Googling "day trips near me" nonstop—then you've come to the right place. Here is a list of the best North Dakota day trips, one for every month of the year. Let's make 2026 the year we venture out of our comfort zones and explore something new every month. Check it out:

January – Bottineau Winter Park

January may be cold, dark, and snowy, but that just means you have to embrace winter and find your new favorite cold weather activity. Enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and tubing at one of North Dakota's best winter parks. This spot has everything you need for an entire day's worth of snowy fun with the whole family or a group of friends.

February – Fort Ransom State Park

Enjoy the coziness of a luxurious yurt and beautiful, snowy landscapes outdoors at Fort Ransom State Park. They have year-round camping options, snowshoe rentals, cross-country skiing trails, and more. This place easily proves that it doesn't have to be summer for camping—you can do it even in February.

March – North Dakota Winter Show

This is the oldest and longest-running agricultural show in North Dakota—it has been around since 1937 and has been held annually ever since. With an entire week of March filled with live entertainment, vendors, competition, and more, this is one event you can't miss. This year, the show will run from March 4 through March 7, 2026. Visit the North Dakota Winter Show website to learn more.

April – Maple Sugaring Day

If you love maple syrup, then you'll absolutely adore this annual event being held at one of North Dakota's state parks. Learn how to tap real maple trees, enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides, and—of course—eat tasty, fresh maple syrup over pancakes or turned into maple taffy (otherwise known as maple sugar on snow). This year's festivities are scheduled for Saturday, April 11, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday, April 12, from noon to 3 p.m. Discover all this event has to offer this year at the official event page.

May – SkyFest Over Fort Stevenson

Each year in May, the skies over this historic fort fill with colorful kites for the annual SkyFest over Fort Stevenson. Bring your own kite and enjoy flying it next to Lake Sakakawea, or watch professional kite fliers soar their special kites. This multi-day event offers things for people of all ages and skill levels. This year, the event will be held from May 23 to May 25, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Visit the SkyFest website to see what the 2026 event will bring!

June – Theodore Roosevelt National Park

This place should be on everyone's bucket list. Theodore Roosevelt National Park is absolutely spectacular, and one of the best times to visit it is early summer. When the prairie grasses are lush and green, wild animals like bison and horses roam with their young by their side, and the weather is near perfect, you'll see why it's one of the best places to visit in North Dakota.

July – Red River Valley Fair

Summertime is the time for fairs, and there are few better fairs in the Midwest than the Red River Valley Fair. Generally around a week long, this event has everything you love about fairs and more. Fun rides, amazing live entertainment, games, and everyone's favorite fair foods are just the beginning of all this fair has to offer. The best 10 days of summer in 2026 take place from July 3 to July 12. Visit the Red River Valley Fair website to learn more about this awesome attraction in North Dakota.

August – Medora

Though a tiny town with fewer than 200 residents, Medora, North Dakota, draws in crowds of thousands every summer. Located in the southwest corner of North Dakota, this charming small town is famous for its Wild West theme, popular outdoor musical, great food, and access to history, natural wonders, and more. It's the perfect place to plan a summer day trip in North Dakota.

September – Walhalla's Annual Giant Pumpkinfest

Walhalla's Annual Giant Pumpkinfest is one of North Dakota's most notable fall events. Held annually in late September, it brings people together on downtown Walhalla’s Main Street to enjoy colorful gourds and fall colors, along with live music, local vendors, and delicious food. The date of this year’s festival is September 26, 2026.

October – Papa's Pumpkin Patch

What better way to spend an October day than getting into the seasonal spirit at a pumpkin patch? This particular one is rated in the top 10 of the entire United States, and for good reason. Papa's Pumpkin Patch in Bismarck has been delighting kids and adults for more than 40 years with fun and memorable activities, as well as plenty of pumpkins to pick for your porch.

November – Lake Metigoshe

In the final days of fall, you should definitely visit Lake Metigoshe. This beautiful spot in North Dakota is nestled in the Turtle Mountains and is absolutely stunning when it's surrounded by fall colors. Even under the snow, this place is a must-visit.

December – Dickens Village Festival

All throughout the weekends of December, one special town in North Dakota becomes the Christmas Capital of North Dakota. The whole town of Garrison, North Dakota, themes itself after London of yesteryear to fit the famous Charles Dickens play, including traditional red telephone booths, people in character, and a double-decker bus.

What are some of your plans for day trips in North Dakota in the upcoming year? Share this article with someone special to plan one of these day trips in North Dakota with.

Ready for more? Check out some of our favorite small towns in North Dakota. Once you've picked a destination for your next North Dakota day trip, be sure to use Only In Your State's AI-powered itinerary planner to add even more exceptional stops to your getaway.