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7-Day North Dakota Itinerary

A mix of scenic landscapes, national parks, Native American history, and charming small towns across North Dakota.

Day1

Arrive in Fargo & Explore

Fly into Hector International Airport (FAR).

Top Things to Do in Fargo

  • Visit the Fargo TheatreA historic 1926 Art Deco movie theater.
  • Explore the Plains Art Museum.
  • Stop by the Fargo-Moorhead Visitors CenterSnap a photo with the famous wood chipper.
  • Try Local Beer at Drekker Brewing Company.

Overnight in Fargo.

Day2

Drive to Bismarck - North Dakota's Capital

Drive from Fargo to Bismarck (3 hours).

Top Things to Do in Bismarck

  • Tour the North Dakota State CapitolThe "Skyscraper on the Prairie."
  • Visit Fort Abraham Lincoln State ParkHome to Custer's Last Stand.
  • Take a Sunset Cruise on the Missouri River.
  • Dinner at Peacock AlleyA historic downtown steakhouse.

Overnight in Bismarck.

Day3

Theodore Roosevelt National Park (South Unit - Medora)

Drive from Bismarck to Medora (2 hours).

Top Things to Do in Medora

  • Explore Theodore Roosevelt National ParkSouth Unit.
  • Drive the Scenic Loop for Stunning Badlands Views.
  • Look for Bison, Wild Horses, and Prairie Dogs.
  • Watch the Medora Musical (Seasonal, June-September).
  • Have a Cowboy Steak Dinner at the Pitchfork Steak Fondue.

Overnight in Medora.

Day4

Theodore Roosevelt National Park (North Unit) & Watford City

Drive from Medora to the North Unit (1.5 hours).

Top Things to Do in Theodore Roosevelt National Park - North Unit

  • Hike the Caprock Coulee Trail for Incredible Views.
  • Drive the Scenic Byway to Oxbow Overlook.
  • Spot More WildlifeThis Unit is Quieter & More Rugged.

Drive to Watford City (30 minutes).

Overnight in Watford City.

Day5

Fort Union Trading Post & Lake Sakakawea

Drive from Watford City to Fort Union Trading Post (1.5 hours).

Top Things to Do at Fort Union & Lake Sakakawea

  • Explore Fort Union Trading PostA Key Fur Trade Site on the Missouri River.
  • Visit Lake Sakakawea State ParkGreat for Boating, Fishing, & Hiking.
  • Optional: Rent a Kayak or Boat for an Afternoon on the Lake.

Drive back to Bismarck (2.5 hours).

Overnight in Bismarck.

Day6

Enchanted Highway & Return to Fargo

Drive from Bismarck to Regent (1.5 hours).

Top Things to Do Along the Enchanted Highway

  • See Giant Metal Sculptures Like "Geese in Flight" & "Grasshoppers in the Field."
  • Take Fun Roadside Photos Along the Way.

Drive from Regent to Fargo (4 hours).

Overnight in Fargo.

Day7

Final Explorations & Depart

Spend the Morning Exploring Fargo Before Flying Out.

Optional Last-Minute Stops

  • Visit Bonanzaville USAA Pioneer Village Museum.
  • Grab a Treat at Sandy's DonutsA Local Favorite.

Fly out of Fargo (FAR).

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Header photo: Acroterion, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.