7 Reasons North Dakota Should Be On Your Bucket List

Summer is almost here and many of us will be traveling soon. Instead of visiting the typical vacation destinations, why not consider somewhere more off the beaten path?  You can avoid high prices and crowds by traveling somewhere that has yet to be discovered by everyone.  One such secret gem is North Dakota which is emerging as a great spot for adventure and family experiences.  If you don’t believe me, here are 7 reasons why you should put North Dakota on your bucket list for this year:

 1) View Amazing Wildlife

North Dakota is full of wildlife and is home to 63 wildlife refuges – more than any other state. North Dakota’s wildlife refuges offer opportunities for viewing birds and other wildlife in their natural setting.  I enjoy spotting any kind of wildlife but would especially love to see bison and buffalo.

2) Enjoy Outdoor Adventures

There are many things to do in North Dakota year round but the best is to just enjoy the great outdoors and the many available activities and adventures.  Visit one of North Dakota’s national and state parks. Outdoor activities in North Dakota include hiking, biking, horseback riding, birding, kayaking and other water sports.  For city slickers like myself, this is a chance to leave the concrete pavement behind and enjoy some solitude and nature.

3) Stay in a Luxury Yurt

I’ve never stayed at a yurt but it sounds fun.  Two luxurious yurts opened this year in Fort Ransom State Park with a fully equipped kitchen with pots and pans and a full-sized fridge, sitting area, a bathroom and two bedrooms with an overhead loft for kids.  There are also yurts at Cross Ranch State Park and Lake Metigoshe State Park.  Yurts are a great option for those of us that want to enjoy nature but don’t want to go camping.

 4) See a Rodeo or Powwow

Many rodeos take place in North Dakota between April and October.  The dates around the 4th of July holiday are referred to as Cowboy Christmas because of all the money that can be earned at the rodeos during that time.

A powwow is a Native American ceremony involving feasting, singing, and dancing. Powwows were originally held in the springtime to celebrate the beginning of new life, but are now held year round.

Here is a list of dates of major rodeos and powwows in North Dakota.

5) Golf 

North Dakota has more golf courses per capita than any other state in the United States and is one of the best spots in the country for golf.  More golf courses means fewer crowds and not having to make reservations weeks in advance.

Many of North Dakota’s courses have been ranked highly by golf magazines.  Golf lovers should check out the Lewis and Clark Golf Trail, a collection of 18- and nine-hole courses along the Missouri River, and the unique 27-hole links-style course at Dakota Winds Casino in Hankinson.

6)  Fishing in North Dakota’s Many Lakes and Rivers

North Dakota is full of lakes and rivers that are great spots for fishing. North Dakota is renowned for walleye fishing but you can also fish for northern pike, bass, perch, Chinook salmon and catfish.

7)  Learn and Experience History

North Dakota is a great place to experience history.  Visit a historic fort or state historic site to learn about North Dakota’s military history.  To learn more about Native American history visit Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site and On-A-Slant Indian Village.

So, for anyone interested in outdoor adventures or family fun, check out North Dakota.  With a long list of activities, North Dakota is an ideal destination for outdoor adventures no matter what you’re looking for.

This post was sponsored by North Dakota Tourism but all opinions are my own.
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