8 Free or Low Cost Things to Do in North Dakota

North Dakota is an unexplored territory by many. When planning your family road trip, North Dakota, most likely is not your destination of choice. Even though ND doesn't include scenic beaches, mountains for hiking, or lakes for water enjoyment there is a wonderful spirit of the land that only comes with touring the state.

The best way to see the beauty of ND is by taking a road trip around the state. The scenic prairie landscape and rolling hills will surround you with an open beauty not found in other areas of the United States. Along the western half of the state you can tour the rugged Badlands of the state, while along the eastern half of the state an ancient river bed called the "Red River Valley" with the best soil in the world for agriculture.

I've lived in North Dakota my whole life, but have visited over half the states in the United States as part of my career. Although I've enjoyed my time spent in other areas of the country, I cannot leave my home roots in North Dakota. So don't be fooled, this list comes straight from a resident of the great state.

Capitol Grounds and Heritage Center (Bismarck, ND)
Located in the center of the state is the city of Bismarck. Bismarck is the capital city of ND and was the city that I was born and raised. A wonderful capital building is located in the center of the city with scenic grounds that have been used time and time again for wedding pictures. You can take a tour of the capital building, or simply walk the capital grounds for exercise. Located on the same grounds as the capital building you will find memorials for war veterans, an authentic train car and a museum called the Heritage Center. The Heritage Center includes authentic native american exhibits, and gives you an understanding of the people and animals including Buffalo that used to roam the scenic prairie.

Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park (Mandan, ND)
Directly across the river from Bismarck, is the city of Mandan. Mandan boasts the Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park. The park is rich in a history of both military and native american. The battle of the Little Big Horn was faught on the grounds of the park between Custer and the Sioux tribe. The military posts have been reconstructed along with the Custer house that can be toured. You can camp within the park, or simply tour the area. Native American dwellings can be toured as part of the Slant Village exhibits. A trolley runs along the railroad tracks near the park and can be ridden to enjoy the landscapes of the park.

The Enchanted Highway (Regent, ND)
Have you ever seen metal sculptures that are built to replicate birds, people, or animals in nature? The Enchanted Highway is a must for road travelers. This highway stretch includes metal sculptures that are over 20 feet high. Each sculpture depicts something different and has it's own theme. Here are a few to mention, "Teddy Rides Again", "Pheasants on the Prairie", "Grasshoppers in the Field" and the list goes on and on. This stretch of highway is completely free and is a great pitstop location with many photo opportunities.

The Badlands (Medora, ND)
Every summer when I was younger, was spent on a family vacation in Medora. Medora is located in the Badlands of western ND and captivated Theodore Roosevelt during his visit on a hunting trip. He purchased two cattle ranches in the area, and found that his time in the Badlands molded his outlook on nature and helped him in his perspective for presidency. A museum can be toured of his cabin, next to the entrance to the Badlands National Park. The city of Medora contains several small shops and museums. In the summer months, the Medora Musical is performed in a robust outdoor amphitheater with the Badlands as backdrop. Although there is a cost for the musical, and a steak pitchfork fondue that is served before the concert for a cost, the event as a whole is worth the money spent. Medora is certainly a town that you could spend a couple of days touring the town and all it has to offer.

The Missouri River (Bismarck, ND)
The rustic Missouri River flows through the city of Bismarck. Along the banks of the river are wonderful bike or walking trails. These paved trails include beautiful sculptures and views of the river. In the fall and summer months a riverboat tours the river. There is a fee to ride the riverboat, but the money is well spent on the beauty of the river in the large boat. This same riverboat boasts dinner tours which include your dinner aboard the riverboat as well as a ride up and down the river. Want a more kid friendly option? The Dakota Zoo in Bismarck along the same river is a great time for all ages, and across from the zoo is the Super Slide Amusement Park that has its own ferris wheel, batting cages, and miniature golf.

Bonanzaville (Fargo, ND)
Along the eastern edge of the state lies the city of Fargo. Fargo is nestled in the Red River Valley, which has some of the best soil in the world. When visiting Fargo, one place you will want to stop is in Bonanzaville. Bonanzaville is a museum with so many different types of historical items. This replicated town has historic buildings that have been preserved and also has several antique planes, fire engines, automobilies, trains and the list goes on and on. Walking through the town, you will feel as though you've stepped back in time.

Hjemkomst Center (Moorhead, MN)
Although this article was geared towards ND tourism, this article would not be complete without mentioning the Hjemkomst Museum. Fargo is located on the border or ND and MN, and is called the Fargo-Moorhead area by residents of the city. The Hjemkomst Center houses an authentic Viking ship that was made by a man in Minnesota of Norwegian heritage. His dream was to build a Viking ship and sail the ship to Norway, although he wasn't able to sail the boat, it was used and sailed to Norway, as his dream. The Hjemkomst Center houses the ship, along with a video of his journey in building the boat, and attempts at getting the boat to sail home to Norway. Along with the ship, this center also houses a museum of artwork and a Norwegian church carved from redwoods.

Ralph Engelstad Arena (Grand Forks, ND)
Grand Forks is home to a lot of different things, but one thing that most North Dakotans will mention is that Grand Forks is home to Sioux hockey. The Fighting Sioux is a team associated with the school of University of North Dakota (UND). Since North Dakota is a state that is very familiar with wintery weather, it is natural that hockey would be an important sport. So much so, that Ralph Engelstad built an elite hockey area called the Ralphy Engelstad Arena. This arena cost over $104 million dollars to build, and is over 400,000 square feet that is nothing but first class. Engelstad wanted an area that was the finest facility of its kind in the world. The area is made with the finest of materials that include granite, cherry wood, and leather. When in Grand Forks, stop by the Engelstad for a look at this dynamite arena.

The plains of North Dakota are a land rich in culture, history and land that's been untouched. Give North Dakota a try for your next road trip, or when you want to take a unique road trip. You will not regret it. We welcome you with open arms.