road trip from dallas to north dakota

39 Best Stops Between Dallas and Sioux Falls

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How long is the drive from Dallas to Sioux Falls?

The direct drive from Dallas to Sioux Falls is 842 mi (1,355 km) , and should have a drive time of 12 hrs 38 mins in normal traffic.

If you’re going on a road trip from Dallas to Sioux Falls, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way — with Oklahoma City , Omaha , Wichita , Council Bluffs , Lincoln , Topeka , Overland Park , Saint Joseph , and Kansas City , as well as top places to visit like Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary and Historic Downtown McKinney, or the ever-popular Extreme Sandbox - North Texas.

Top cities between Dallas and Sioux Falls

Oklahoma city.

Overland Park

Kansas city.

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Council Bluffs

Best stops along dallas to sioux falls drive, extreme sandbox - north texas.

Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary

Historic downtown mckinney, denton county courthouse-on-the-square museum, ray roberts lake state park isle du bois, global event center at winstar world casino and resort, winstar world casino, choctaw casino & resort-durant, tucker tower nature center, turner falls park, chickasaw national recreation area, chickasaw cultural center, the toy & action figure museum, riverwind casino, sam noble oklahoma museum of natural history.

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Jasmine Moran Children's Museum

Overland park arboretum & botanical gardens, deanna rose children's farmstead, patee house museum and jesse james homes, pony express national museum, glore psychiatric museum, sunken gardens, nebraska state capitol, memorial stadium, omaha's henry doorly zoo and aquarium.

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Horseshoe Council Bluffs Casino

The durham museum, the old market, bob kerrey pedestrian bridge., desoto national wildlife refuge, top searches in sioux falls, other popular road trips from dallas, explore nearby places.

• Sioux Falls
• Buffalo Ridge
• the Valley Springs
• Dell Rapids
• Rock Rapids

All related maps of Sioux Falls

• Map of Sioux Falls
• Map of Renner
• Map of Harrisburg
• Map of Brandon
• Map of Crooks
• Map of Buffalo Ridge
• Map of Hartford
• Map of the Valley Springs
• Map of Baltic
• Map of Worthing
• Map of Larchwood
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• Map of the Canton
• Map of Humboldt
• Map of Dell Rapids
• Map of Colton
• Map of Inwood
• Map of Parker
• Map of Steen
• Map of Trent
• Map of Montrose
• Map of Luverne
• Map of Jasper
• Map of Rock Rapids
• Map of Canistota
• Map of Colman
• Map of Hardwick
• Map of Hudson
• Map of Beresford
• Map of Trosky

Sioux Falls throughout the year

• Sioux Falls in January
• Sioux Falls in February
• Sioux Falls in March
• Sioux Falls in April
• Sioux Falls in May
• Sioux Falls in June
• Sioux Falls in July
• Sioux Falls in August
• Sioux Falls in September
• Sioux Falls in October
• Sioux Falls in November
• Sioux Falls in December

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Sioux Falls?

Get inspired for your trip to Sioux Falls with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

• 1-Day Sioux Falls Itinerary
• 2-Day Sioux Falls Itinerary
• 3-Day Sioux Falls Itinerary
• 4-Day Sioux Falls Itinerary
• 5-Day Sioux Falls Itinerary

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i drive from dallas to sioux falls.

Yes! You can drive from Dallas to Sioux Falls.

How far is Sioux Falls from Dallas by car?

The drive from Dallas to Sioux Falls is 842 miles (1,355 km).

How long does it take to drive from Dallas to Sioux Falls?

Driving from Dallas to Sioux Falls should take you 12 hrs 38 mins in normal traffic.

How much would gas cost from Dallas to Sioux Falls?

Gas from Dallas to Sioux Falls would cost around $74 to $172 , depending on your vehicle's fuel efficiency.

Where should I stop on the way from Dallas to Sioux Falls?

You could check out Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary and Historic Downtown McKinney, or the always popular Extreme Sandbox - North Texas!

What are the best cities to visit between Dallas and Sioux Falls?

People love visiting Oklahoma City, Omaha, and Wichita, among others.

What's the weather like in Dallas?

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

• Weather in Dallas in January
• Weather in Dallas in February
• Weather in Dallas in March
• Weather in Dallas in April
• Weather in Dallas in May
• Weather in Dallas in June
• Weather in Dallas in July
• Weather in Dallas in August
• Weather in Dallas in September
• Weather in Dallas in October
• Weather in Dallas in November
• Weather in Dallas in December

What are some other road trips from Dallas?

There are plenty! Below you'll find links to all the road trips we've assembled for Dallas.

• Dallas to New York City drive
• Dallas to Orlando drive
• Dallas to San Antonio drive
• Dallas to New Orleans drive
• Dallas to Las Vegas drive
• Dallas to Chicago drive
• Dallas to Austin drive
• Dallas to Houston drive
• Dallas to Washington DC drive
• Dallas to San Francisco drive
• Dallas to Branson drive
• Dallas to Nashville drive
• Dallas to Los Angeles drive
• Dallas to Memphis drive
• Dallas to Mexico City drive
• Dallas to San Diego drive
• Dallas to Atlanta drive
• Dallas to Toronto drive
• Dallas to Oklahoma City drive
• Dallas to Saint Louis drive
• Dallas to Gatlinburg drive
• Dallas to Boston drive
• Dallas to Galveston drive
• Dallas to Niagara Falls drive
• Dallas to St. Augustine drive
• Dallas to Savannah drive
• Dallas to Montreal drive
• Dallas to Kansas City drive
• Dallas to Miami Beach drive
• Dallas to Colorado Springs drive

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Best Attractions on an Epic North Dakota Road Trip

Much to my husband’s annoyance, a focus of mine this year – since I’m turning the big 4 0 – is to finish visiting every state in the United States. With only two to go, my fifty-before-forty goal will be complete this summer with a week to spare! Since I am so close, I just could not let this go. When I found out the Midwest Travel Network Conference was going to be in my 49th state, I immediately started doing some research. So here we are finishing up an epic North Dakota road trip, leaving only one more state on my list.

Ultimately, we found the drive-through state to be filled with outdoor adventure, quirky roadside attractions, authentic cowboy culture, revitalized urban spaces, and my favorite, unwavering kindness.

Follow along on I-94 as we discover all the best North Dakota attractions you should add to your trip itinerary when you decide to visit.

Map of North Dakota Road Trip

HOW TO USE THIS MAP: To view the layers and see the names of the places on this map, click the tab in the top left corner. You can select the check marks to show or hide certain layers. If you select the icons on the map, you will get more information about the point of interest.  HOW TO SAVE THIS MAP: If you select the star icon, you can save this map to your Google Maps account. To view it, open Google Maps in desktop or on your phone, select the menu button, go to “Your Places,” scroll to the right to Maps, and you will see this map.  

Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Theodore Roosevelt, often called the “conservation president,” played a major role in expanding the National Park system. We can thank him for the Antiquities Act of June 8, 1906, which enabled President Roosevelt and succeeding Presidents to proclaim historic landmarks, historic or prehistoric structures, and other objects of historic or scientific interest in federal ownership as national monuments.

Under his presidency, five national parks and four national monuments were established. And his love and respect of the rugged outdoors started in Dakota Territory.

He first came to the Badlands to hunt in 1883 and eventually built two ranches. Both of which you can still visit in North Dakota’s only national park with his namesake. The Theodore Roosevelt National Park covers 70,000 acres of sprawling natural beauty with winding waterways and painted canyons and should definitely make your North Dakota bucket list. 

MUST-SEE: South Unit 36-mile Loop Drive (*partially closed in the southern section due to road damage- check website for updates), Sunset at Wind Canyon, Painted Canyon Visitor Center Overlook, Ridgeline Nature Trail, Roosevelt’s Maltese Cross Ranch Cabin, Boicourt Trail, Buck Hill Trail, Oxbow Overlook, River Bend Overlook, Cannonball Concretions Pullout, 14-mile North Unit Scenic Byway.

RELATED: PLACES TO VISIT IN SOUTH DAKOTA

Medora, North Dakota

When exploring Theodore Roosevelt National Park book your stay in Medora, one of the “15 Best Small Towns to Visit,” according to Smithsonian Magazine. The delightful western town lies along the edge of the South Unit of the park and is home to two classic North Dakota experiences: The Medora Musical and Pitchfork Steak Fondue.

Performing all summer long outside among the breathtaking Badlands backdrop, the Medora Musical is a throwback to the Old Wild West days.

Take a seat at the open-air Burning Hills Amphitheatre and soak in the live show dedicated to President Theodore Roosevelt’s time here. There’ll be snappy music, spirited dancing and even fireworks.

Pair your evening at the musical with a hearty meal cooked by cowboys. I never thought the words, “slap my steak on that pitchfork” would ever come out of my mouth but that was before I spent time in Medora North Dakota!

Come hungry because the steak also comes with fresh fruit, salad, coleslaw, vegetables, baked beans, garlic toast, baked potatoes, brownies, and cinnamon-sugar donuts served cafeteria-style.

Walk around and soak in the authenticity and charm of this small town. Take a selfie with Teddy, grab an ice cream cone, and pick up a souvenir or two.

Stop in the Little Missouri Saloon , established in 1883, where the door handles are pistols and the ceiling is draped in dollar bills. There’s even a small blackjack table tucked away in the corner. If it’s nice out, head upstairs to the outdoor patio for a bite to eat.

Enchanted Highway

Heading east through the state, take the detour south at exit 72 to the Enchanted Highway, a road turned into an outdoor art gallery. The 32-mile stretch of scrap metal sculptures will take you from the rural towns of Gladstone to Regent.

Local artist, Gary Greff, devised the project in 1989 and continues to add on to the artsy North Dakota roadside attractions.

Some of our favorites were the “Tin Family,” “Fisherman’s Dream,” and “Pheasants on the Prairie.”

TIP: If you want to make the drive extra special, plan to spend the night in Regent at the Enchanted Castle , co-owned by the creator of the metal sculptures.

New Salem Sue

Roll your way back to I-94 so you don’t miss the next crazy roadside oddity of Salem Sue, the world’s largest Holstein cow.

New Salem is rich in dairy farms and dang proud of it. At 36 feet high and 50 feet long, Salem Sue can be seen from five miles away. I couldn’t help but wonder how big her udders are!

Her presence shows that New Salem grows With milk-producers’ yields; We’ve got the cow, world’s largest cow That looks across our fields.

North Dakota State Capitol in Bismarck

Your first stop in Bismarck should be the “Skyscraper of the Prairie,” the North Dakota State Capitol. The 19-story Art Deco building looks nothing like most of its counterparts across the country on the outside but is historical nonetheless.

Head inside, grab a self-guided pamphlet at the info center – if tours are not going on – and take a look around. You might be wondering what is North Dakota known for? Head to the ground floor to find out. The North Dakota’s Hall of Fame is where you’ll discover the who’s who of notable people from the state and what they’ve accomplished.

Walk up the stairs to the first floor while noticing the jet black Belgium marble along the wall leading you to the prominent North Dakota seal.

You’ll find yourself in the monumental Memorial Hall , where bright gold colored ornamental sculptures keep watch above the revolving doors. They depict the farming and mining communities so prevalent throughout North Dakota. Keeping with the agricultural theme, the huge chandeliers hanging overhead represent the head of wheat.

On the same floor, walk to the east side of the building to see the tower elevators that are adorned with bronze reliefs representing the pioneer experience.

Then zip on up to the 18th floor observation deck for fantastic views of the city.

And afterward, walk over to the North Dakota Heritage Center and State Museum , the official history museum of the state. Enter through the sleek glass atrium and take notice of the rare round stones planted at the front entrance. The cannonball concretions are unique formations from the Cannonball River in North Dakota.

MUST-SEE: Explore the Underwater World exhibit that has the world’s largest giant squid fossil, the Innovation Gallery that has a handpainted mural of Double Ditch Indian Village, a rare mummified dinosaur, and much more!

Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park

Travel back in time during two specific time periods at Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park . The museum at the Visitor Center gives a great introduction and in-depth look at the history of the area.

Then, delve into the 1500’s at On-A-Slant Indian Village where you’ll discover five reconstructed earthlodges. The Mandan tribe inhabited the confluence of the Missouri and Heart Rivers from the late 16th century until 1781.

Afterward, either walk or drive up to the Infantry Post. The blockhouses offer spectacular views of the Missouri river valley.

Then fast forward to 1875. Over 100 years later after the tribe had already left, the land became a military post. General George Custer and his wife lived here until his death.

Travel Tip: Plan for at least 3-4 hours. The state park surprised us as far as depth of information and walking trails.

Lewis and Clark Riverboat

One of the top attractions in Bismarck is the Lewis and Clark Riverboat tour. Float down the Missouri River and see what it was like back in the early days when riverboats were the major mode of transportation.

Begin your voyage at Keelboat Park on the 40-foot flat bottom boat as you feel American history come alive. Plan a sunset cruise like we did and you’ll have the glowing prairie sky meet the rippling waters edge for a perfect end of the evening.

Be on the lookout for the unusual four-headed Thunderbird statue located right on the banks of the river next to the parking lot for the boat. Built by students, the sculpture has an eerie kind of beauty to it.

Bismarck is one of those cities that will surprise you. We only planned for one overnight but wished we had designated another one to explore more.

If you like artsy things check out Art Alley located on 5th street halfway between Broadway and Main Avenues. It reminded me of Kansas City’s art scene a little bit. Turning ugly dark alleyways into colorful paths of genuine talent is a fantastic way to revitalize an area.

Frontier Village and the World’s Largest Buffalo

In case you haven’t seen enough buffalo yet, your next stop should be the World’s Largest Buffalo, Dakota Thunder. Standing tall over Jamestown since 1959 at 26-feet high and weighing in at 60 tons, it is quite a sight to see. Also, be on the lookout for the rare albino buffalo in the pasture below.

On your way to the concrete giant, you’ll pass by old pioneer buildings that were transplanted here from other parts of North Dakota.

Take a walk in and explore a little.

Lining the street is a trading post, saloon, barber shop, post office, church, and print shop all right out of an Old Wild West movie. I could almost hear the swinging doors and banging gunfights.

Fun Fact: Louis L’Amour, the American novelist who wrote Western books dedicated to life on the frontier, was born and raised in Jamestown. You can read more about him and his books at the Writer’s Shack.

LIKE ROADSIDE ATTRACTIONS? ROUTE 66 IS LINED WITH THEM!

Tower Travel Center

The Tower Travel Center is not just another truck stop, it is a pie destination. You read that right, this pit stop is more like a pie stop. Pies are made fresh daily with a wide selection to choose from. We planned on taking two to go but they didn’t make it out the door!

Fargo-Moorhead Visitors Center

Our final stop is looking for fun things to do in Fargo North Dakota. Lying on the edge of the Minnesota – North Dakota border in a repurposed old grain elevator, you’ll find the Fargo-Moorhead Visitors Center.

It is not your typical tourist information center. Walk down the Celebrity Walk of Fame where names like Def Leppard, Dr. Ruth, Metallica, and Neil Diamond will jump out at you.

Then head inside for free popcorn, coffee, and a few photo ops like shoving a foot down in the renowned woodchipper from the cult classic, Fargo .

And if North Dakota is your 50th state, join the Best for Last Club. Young and old have joined the ranks from nine to ninety-nine years old. You’ll receive a commemorative t-shirt, an official certificate, sticker and a round of applause from the staff. If I had only gotten to Oregon first! DANG!

OTHER NOTABLE THINGS TO DO IN FARGO: Drekker Brewery, Sandy’s Donuts, Fargo Air Museum, and North Dakota University.

Is North Dakota worth visiting? Is there anything to see in North Dakota? That’s a hard YES. In fact, throughout our North Dakota road trip we found ourselves saying over and over again, the poor state gets a bad rap as boring but it is nothing close to that. There are so many unique things to do and authentic experiences to be had but maybe we should have kept that to ourselves so it doesn’t get overrun by tourists!

We found so many cool North Dakota attractions on our road trip! Did we miss any? Share with us in the comments below!

*Disclaimer: We were hosted by Bismarck Mandan CVB for one night during our North Dakota road trip. All thoughts, opinions, and experiences expressed, however, are my own.*

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• About Author
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Angela E. is a travel writer from the Chicagoland area who has visited all 50 states in the US and has traveled extensively around the world. She is passionate about exploring the great outdoors and hiking in particular. Her love for nature has taken her to some of the most beautiful locations on the planet. She has written extensively about her travels on her own website, Dang Travelers, and has been published in collaboration with other travel websites and multiple visitor bureaus around the country.

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14 Responses

Rob+ann @travellatte(.net).

You’re making us want to head to North Dakota for sure! Rob went as a teenager…that was so long ago that it hardly counts anymore! 😉 Great post, and great photos! The views are just spectacular. Thanks for stoking our wanderlust!

Diane E Clinton

Add the Lewis and Clark museum in Washburn, Writing Rock State Park in Divide County, Norsk Hostfest each September in Minot, Scandinavian Heritage park in Minot. You’ll need to come back to ND for your 41st!

Dang Travelers

Thanks for these great ideas Diane! We focused on I94 this trip since we’re we’re heading to the national park but next time we’d love to get around the state more!

I remember the Jamestown buffalo from my childhood! Always a memorable stop.

Chelsey Knuth

Totally wish I could have gone to the conference in Medora this year! TDNP has been on my bucket list for quite awhile. North Dakota sounds incredible!

It really was. Even when I was doing my research, I didn’t fully grasp what was out that way and just how beautiful it is. And how cool is it that the National Park isn’t busy?! So not used to that! Hopefully you’ll get out there soon!!

Jamestown actually has a lot of really beautiful walking trails, too! There’s a 10 mile white cloud trail, a 5 mile scenic overlook trail along the reservoir, 8 mile trail just out of town at pipestem with a 5 mile one way trail just next door at northridge/parkhurst (these are great for biking, and there’s even a bike race there every year).

Get out!? We will have to get back there and explore more!

How many days was this trip?

It was 9 days – we spent a few in Theodore Roosevelt National Park/Medora and a few in Bismarck.

Sylvia Brown

Where did you fly into and out of? Where were your overnight stays? Thank you for sharing this, I’m planning on visiting this summer.

Hi Sylvia! We drove out to North Dakota but you can fly into Dickinson or Bismarck. We stayed in Medora (Badlands Motel but it is temporarily closed down, an alternative is the Rough Riders Hotel or the AmericInn), Bismarck, and Fargo – both cities have a variety of hotels to choose from. Let me know if you have any questions!

Thanks for the ideas and tips! Hoping to visit Summer 2021.

Pat Johnson

You should have stopped in Valley City and checked out the Medicine Wheel. It’s not far off the highway. Glad you enjoyed North Dakota!

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How to Plan an Epic North Dakota Road Trip: 5 Day Itinerary Exploring Small Towns and Stunning Nature

Posted on Published: October 3, 2019  - Last updated: August 6, 2020

Categories Blog , North Dakota , Road Trips , Travel Guides , United States

I really didn’t know what to expect when I booked my plane ticket to Bismarck, North Dakota. Although I was traveling to Montana for a travel blogging conference, I had the opportunity to tack on a few days at the beginning of my trip to visit North Dakota. While I didn’t have an idea where people typically went sightseeing there, I was excited to embark on a North Dakota road trip to uncover what there was to see and do.

I had one of those super early morning airport trips. You know, the kind where you wake up at 3:00am, but never really fall asleep the night before. At the Toronto airport, we go through US customs and border control before boarding the flight. When I told the US officer that I was going to Bismarck, she gave me a funny look. “WHY are you going THERE?” She seemed almost offended by my choice of destination. I quickly stammered, “Well, there’s the national park, and some nature, and some small towns…” . The officer shook her head a little bit as she handed my passport back, sending me on my way.

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When I arrived, I discovered that North Dakota is often the last state that many people visit when ticking off their US states bucket list. There’s even a “ Best for Last Club ” to honor those visiting North Dakota last, since it seems to happen so often. I’m not sure why people leave ND until the very end. In my case, North Dakota is somewhere in the middle on my list of visited states. I am not sure that tourists realize how many incredible hidden gems await. Well, I’m going to provide you with all of the details for an amazing North Dakota road trip itinerary. I’m glad that I didn’t prolong my trip to North Dakota, and I am sure that I will be back in the future to explore even more of this great state.

Table of Contents

Bismarck, North Dakota

Bismarck is the second largest city in North Dakota (after Fargo) and the capital city of the state. It’s the seventh fastest-growing city in the USA. Bismarck is full of surprises, including a world class museum, historic sites and state parks, and eclectic public art. When you’re thinking about what to do in North Dakota, start your journey in Bismarck.

Pick up a Rental Car

For this North Dakota road trip, it’s vital to have access to a car. You might live within driving distance of North Dakota, which works out quite wonderfully. However, if you need to rent a car, I recommend checking out the car rental prices at Hertz. It’s conveniently located at the Bismarck Airport, making for a seamless transition between flying and driving. I do always suggest comparing prices for the best rate as there are a few rental car companies in Bismarck. You can easily compare rental car prices with this convenient online tool .

Next, make sure that you take a look at our detailed road trip packing list so you know exactly what you need to bring. It’s always good to be prepared when taking a road trip adventure!

Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park

Established in 1907, the Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park is the oldest state park in North Dakota. You’ll learn all about the historical, cultural, and natural significance of the area. Travel back in time through tours of reconstructed sites, complete with lively and knowledgeable tour guides who get right into character. It’s possible to visit the military fort, the reconstructed home of General Custer and his wife, the On-A-Slant Indian Village with its reconstructed Earthlodges, and the trail system for breathtaking scenery overlooking nearby hills and the river.

Check out the Street Art and Public Art

I was surprised to find that Bismarck had quite a bit of public art and murals around the city. First, there are a series of commissioned eagle sculptures on the Missouri Valley Legacy Trail. These were created by student artists at United Tribes Technical College (UTTC), and there are six eagles in total. The one pictured below is called “Reflections”. The sculpture is meant to remind us that all beings have a spirit and need to be treated with respect.

For fans of street art and murals, Bismarck has its very own art alley called Alley 5.5 . Local street artists painted the alley between 5th and 6th streets with a series of beautiful murals (between East Broadway Ave and East Main St). The street art depicts various animals, outdoor scenes in North Dakota, and other colorful designs.

Just a few blocks away on Fourth Street (next to Glance Salon), you’ll find another massive mural splashed across an expansive wall. This one is completely painted by one artist, Melissa Gordon. It features a mythological theme, showcasing goddesses of beauty and love from various cultures. In total, it measures 150 feet in length and it’s 15 feet high.

Double Ditch State Historic Site

Next stop on our North Dakota road trip: the Double Ditch State Historic Site . While only small, rolling hills remain nowadays, you’ll have to use your imagination a little for this one. It used to be the site of a Mandan Native American earth lodge village from around 1450 AD to 1785 AD. All that exists today are remains of earth lodges, midden mounds , and fortification ditches. At one point in time, up to 2000 people lived there. Sadly, the site was abandoned after a small pox epidemic ravaged the village. You can visit Double Ditch and admire this peaceful and calm place. Walk around the grassy mounds and read the historical signage to learn more about its history.

North Dakota Heritage Center and State Museum

Now, let’s move from the outdoor historic sites to a fascinating museum. The North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum in Bismarck has all sorts of exhibits and artifacts highlighting the history of the region. Admission to the museum is always free, too! It’s the perfect rainy day activity, but you don’t need to wait for the weather to act up to check out this interesting attraction.

You’ll discover dinosaur exhibits and information about early civilizations (including a cyclorama of Double Ditch!), as well as galleries featuring innovation, the agricultural heritage of North Dakota, and more. You can truly spend hours and hours here, absorbing so many intriguing details and stories. Head straight to the museum on your North Dakota road trip, especially if you have kids.

Where to Eat in Bismarck: Humpback Sally’s

Humpback Sally’s in downtown Bismarck describes itself as a “small plates tavern”. It’s one of the most innovative restaurants in Bismarck in terms of its menu and overall vibes. The whole idea is to order numerous small dishes and share them with your dining companions. The restaurant has a kitschy design, and the menus are made out of old license plates. I was pleased to discover that there were several vegan dishes on the menu. Our server was very knowledgeable as to which items were naturally plant-based. I ate the edamame (dressed with sambal, miso and ginger), the roasted red pepper hummus, and the vegetarian yellow curry. Other vegan items on the menu are the veg out salad, truffle fries, balsamic beets (minus the goat cheese), and bruschetta (minus the cheese).

Where to Eat Breakfast: Terra Nomad

Terra Nomad is a cozy cafe in downtown Bismarck. We visited fairly early in the morning when they were serving light breakfast items, baked goods from the bakery case, and coffee. The staff are very knowledgeable about vegan options, and their regular menu has lots of vegan meals. For breakfast, I ordered a cup of coffee and an acai smoothie bowl. It was topped with coconut chips and crunchy granola. The coffee was rich and flavorful. The smoothie bowl was a delicious and nutritious way to start day two of my North Dakota road trip.

Where to Stay in Bismarck: Radisson Hotel Bismarck

On this North Dakota road trip itinerary, I recommend spending an entire day and night in Bismarck. For accommodations, the clear choice is the Radisson Hotel Bismarck . It’s a favorite among visitors and one of Bismarck’s top rated hotels. It has everything you’ll need for a comfortable night’s stay: a spacious suite, roomy living space, a large desk, a flatscreen TV, and free Wi-Fi. There’s also a complimentary airport shuttle, free parking, and it has a convenient downtown location. Should the mood strike you, there’s also a swimming pool and a fitness center. Book your stay at the Radisson Hotel Bismarck and be sure to check out more reviews from fellow travelers.

Williston, North Dakota

On day two of this North Dakota road trip, we head northwest to the town of Williston. If you’re a fan of historical sites and small town charm, Williston will be exactly what you’re seeking in an ideal North Dakota itinerary. Interact with some friendly locals on its picturesque main street. Then, Fort Buford and Fort Union offer interactive history lessons that are very interesting and insightful. There’s truly something for everyone in Williston.

Wander the Cute Small Town of Williston

The downtown main street of Williston has two movie theaters, restaurants, and boutiques. It’s worth going for a stroll and popping your heads into the independently owned shops. There’s one called Little Muddy Gifts that features handmade and locally produced wares. If you’d like to pick up a souvenir to commemorate this North Dakota road trip, Little Muddy Gifts is the place to do just that. Some of my favorite items included all of the bath products, the cat themed mugs, the scarves, and the North Dakota t-shirts.

Books on Broadway is another fabulous shop in Williston, ND. Who doesn’t love a cute local bookshop? They have a great selection of books for all ages, as well as a little coffee shop in the back of the store. Browse their selection of books for a new read, and then grab a yummy coffee on your way out. Or stay for a while at one of their diner booths at the cafe!

Attend a Cooking Class at Cooks On Main

Cooks on Main is another amazing shop in downtown Williston, selling just about everything you could think of that relates to kitchen wares and cooking. There are some really innovative gadgets to make life easier in the kitchen, as well as top of the line products to cook the best meals. You’ll also find a huge selection of oil, vinegar, and flavored coffee beans.

I had the opportunity to attend a special cooking class that focused on knife skills. We learned all sorts of ways to slice and dice fruits and vegetables from a trained chef. Cooks on Main has all kinds of cooking classes to help you learn some new tricks in the kitchen. Definitely check one out if you have the chance!

Fort Buford State Historic Site

I feel like I learned so much at Fort Buford , especially as a Canadian with only a small amount of knowledge about American history. It’s what remains of a military post that became a huge supply depot for military operations. Built in 1866, this fort protected those traveling by land or river to settle in the west. Fort Buford is also the place where Sioux Chief, Sitting Bull surrendered in 1881. Fort Buford is one of the best things to do in North Dakota for history lovers.

We took a short tour around the exterior property and inside some of the buildings. There are many exhibits and artifacts to delve into the history. Some of the original structures include a large officers’ quarters (turned into a museum), a stone powder magazine, and a cemetery. It’s worth a stop on your North Dakota road trip, especially if you’re into historical sites.

If you’re looking for what to do in North Dakota, it’s a state that’s rich in history and historical sites. When traveling to Williston, it’s worth the short drive out to the Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site . For nearly 40 years (from 1828 to 1867), Fort Union was the most important trading post on the Upper Missouri River. Members of the Assiniboine and Northern Plains tribes exchanged furs for other goods with white people of European descent. This site was a place of peaceful social and economic exchange, and over $100,000 worth of goods were traded each year.

Near the entrance to the parking lot of Fort Union, you’ll notice a unique attraction: a sign marking the border of North Dakota and Montana! There aren’t too many opportunities where you can physically straddle both states. I recommend taking a photo to commemorate this moment on your North Dakota road trip. It will definitely serve as a funny memory from sightseeing in North Dakota.

Where to Eat: Williston Brewing Company

The Williston Brewing Company is a great place to gather your pals and go for a meal. There are always great local beers on tap. I even tried one with blueberries brewed right into the beer (the Grain Belt Bru by August Schell Brewing Company). As for vegan meal options, I ordered a veggie pizza with my favorite toppings, minus the cheese.

Best Coffee in Williston: Fresh Palate

Searching for the best coffee in Williston? While I didn’t get to sample the coffee at Books on Broadway (though I’m sure it’s delicious), be sure to stop into the little cafe at the back of natural food store, Fresh Palate . They’ve got all kinds of interesting coffee creations, like a vegan butterbeer latte (of Harry Potter fame). They also serve a few flavors of air popped popcorn at the cafe (all vegan, including a cheesy nutritional yeast one!). There’s also tons of natural food products, including many unique vegan items.

Where to Stay in Williston: Landmark Suites

My top choice for where to stay in Williston is the Landmark Suites Williston . It looks like a pretty standard hotel from the exterior, but I was wowed by my spacious suite when I arrived. The hotel room is massive with a living room, sleeping area with a flatscreen TV, a huge bathroom, and a whole kitchen. It’s like having your own little apartment in Williston. The kitchen has a fridge and freezer, a stove top, a microwave, a sink, plates, glasses, cutlery…you name it! I’d consider staying at the Landmark Suites if you need a long term accommodation. It’s like having the best of both worlds: the comforts of home with a modern hotel room. Be sure to book your stay at the Landmark Suites and check out more reviews from fellow travelers.

Watford City, North Dakota

If you’re searching for outdoor adventures and natural places to see in North Dakota, you’ve come to the right place. Watford City’s population is soaring due to the rise in oil and gas industry jobs. Over the last three years, the population has increased by over 46% . This means that there’s a flourishing downtown core, investment in schools and community centers (there’s even one with a massive water slide and lazy river!), and a growth in hip little spots around town. I loved Watford City most for its easy access to the great outdoors, not too far from the city itself. It’s the perfect stop on a North Dakota road trip.

Boat Ride on Lake Sakakawea

On your North Dakota road trip, it’s worth venturing outside of Watford City to visit Tobacco Gardens Resort & Marina on scenic Lake Sakakawea. Tobacco Gardens describes themselves as “a little bit of heaven in the middle of nowhere”. It’s possible to go camping there, park your RV, or stay at one of their cozy cabins overlooking the lake.

I recommend you get out on the water whether you’re visiting by boat or taking part in water sports like kayaking, canoeing, sailing, wind surfing, stand up paddle boarding, or jet skiing. The scenery of Lake Sakakawea will blow your mind. This is not how I pictured North Dakota at all. There are rolling green hills, red rocky cliffs and layered rock formations. What a surprise! If you’re deciding on what to see in North Dakota, make a visit to Lake Sakakawea a priority.

Theodore Roosevelt National Park: North Unit

Theodore Roosevelt National Park is divided into two sections, the North Unit and the South Unit. The land of the North Unit is within a short driving distance from Watford City, and it’s a must visit place on your North Dakota road trip. Theodore Roosevelt is known as the “ conservation president ” and many of his own concerns led to important preservation changes for the environment. This national park was named to honor Roosevelt and his conservation legacy.

At the park’s North Unit, there’s a 14 mile scenic drive (28 miles when you drive the whole thing and back). You’ll be able to admire the scenery of the badlands for the first half of the drive. Eventually, you’ll reach the most iconic view of the North Unit, the River Bend Outlook. There are also some nature trails for hiking enthusiasts. A trip to Theodore Roosevelt National Park tops any list of things to do in North Dakota, and you shouldn’t miss the less visited North Unit.

As for wildlife, the best wildlife viewing opportunities are right from your car. You’ll be able to spot bison (over 200 buffalo live here), mule deer, and maybe even a bighorn sheep on the side of the cliffs if you’re lucky. Unfortunately, it was raining quite hard when we visited. We spotted a few bison and drove as far as the River Bend Outlook for a peek at the scenery. There was a pretty big downpour, but the view was still very pretty. If you did keep driving the length of the entire North Unit, you’d eventually come across the Oxbow Overlook at the end of the journey.

Explore the Maah Daah Hey Trail

The Maah Daah Hey Trail is “North Dakota’s best kept secret”, and it’s really something that I’m dying to experience on a return trip. It’s a 144-mile trail that winds through both the North Unit and South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, as well as the Little Missouri National Grasslands. The name of the trail means, “land that will be around for a long time”, and the name originated with the Mandan Tribes. The Maah Daah Hey Trail is a great spot to stop and stretch your legs during a North Dakota road trip.

You’ll find a variety of terrain on the trail: rolling prairie, grassy flats, river bottoms, and steep clay badland buttes. It’s maintained entirely by the tireless efforts of volunteers. The Maah Daah Hey Trail is used mostly by cyclists, although it’s great for hikers, too. If you’re looking for what to do in North Dakota, you can certainly go on many hiking and biking adventures. I’d love to hike portions of this trail, or maybe even the entire thing someday!

Go Hiking at the Little Missouri National Grasslands

There are many scenic trails at the Little Missouri National Grasslands in McKenzie County. It’s the largest grassland in the country, stretching from the shores of Lake Sakakawea and beyond. There are opportunities to view wildlife like bighorn sheep, elk, antelope, deer, eagles, falcons, and prairie dogs. I don’t think that sightseeing in North Dakota would be complete without spotting at least a couple of their native animals. There are six non-motorized designated trails are perfect for hikers and bikers. We enjoyed a quick hike at dusk on the Birnt Hills Trail.

Where to Eat in Watford City: Stonehome Brewing Company

The best restaurant in Watford City has got to be the Stonehome Brewing Company . They’ve got refreshing brews and an extensive menu with something for every taste. I decided to sample a few of their beers in a flight. For food, I ordered a veggie pizza with my own favorite toppings. Then, I found out that they actually have vegan cheese for pizza at Stonehome Brewing Company, even though it’s not labeled on their menu. I was thrilled to discover this! If you follow a plant-based diet, head directly to Stonehome Brewing for some of the best pizza in town.

Best Coffee in Watford City: Door 204

I’m always looking for the best coffee in town, and you’ll find a delicious dose of caffeine at Door 204 in downtown Watford City. It’s a really interesting space: part post office, part Fed-Ex shipping center, and part coffee shop. Rows of post office boxes line the walls, and other spaces are occupied by bright and beautiful artwork. There are a large assortment of espresso beverages and more. The Americano that I ordered was exactly what I needed first thing in the morning.

Where to Stay in Watford City: Roosevelt Inn and Suites

Now, here’s an iconic hotel stay for you. What other hotel has a giant bust of Teddy Roosevelt outside of it? The Roosevelt Inn and Suites was a delightful place to stay when I traveled to Watford City, North Dakota. I feel like there’s a roadside attraction right outside the hotel. How fitting, for a North Dakota road trip!

The large rooms have a flatscreen TV, a microwave, a fridge, and free Wi-Fi. There’s also complimentary parking, a 24 hour fitness center, a swimming pool, and a hot tub. The hotel is positioned in a great location, near all attractions in Watford City. Be sure to book your stay at the Roosevelt Inn and Suites and check out more reviews from fellow travelers who have stayed there.

Medora, North Dakota

Have you heard of Medora, North Dakota? It’s the most popular summer vacation spot in the state and North Dakota’s top tourist attraction. Perhaps the idea of visiting historic Medora will lure you into taking a North Dakota road trip. It’s a great idea to incorporate a trip to Medora for a day or two, fully exploring this old western town. With the Badlands looming over the town, quick access to Theodore Roosevelt National Park’s South Unit, and unique cultural attractions, a trip to Medora will leave lasting memories of an awesome vacation.

Explore the Old West in Medora

Although the town of Medora only spans a few blocks, take the time to wander around and explore this historic western town. There are many shops and restaurants to discover with the majestic badlands looming in the distance.

Visit the Painted Canyon (Theodore Roosevelt National Park)

Just 7 miles from Medora, the Painted Canyon Visitor Center is part of the Theodore Roosevelt National Park’s South Unit. It’s a stop off the highway where you can soak up a sweeping view of the badlands. The visitor center has lots of information and souvenirs. Many people only make a quick pit stop to the Painted Canyon on their North Dakota road trip. While the Painted Canyon is stunning, there’s so much more to the park than this scenery. Make sure you add the South Unit and the North Unit to your North Dakota road trip travel itinerary.

Aside from the incredible view, there are also hiking trails and a picnic area. As bison do frequent this area of the park, make sure to keep your distance from them. Please note that the Painted Canyon does not have an entrance to the South Unit, although it’s a great place to stop before or after your visit to the park.

Theodore Roosevelt National Park: South Unit

Out of every stop on this 5 day North Dakota road trip, the South Unit of the Theodore Roosevelt National Park was my favorite of all. It’s the best combination of observing spectacular scenic vistas, going for short hikes, and admiring an array of wildlife.

First, at the South Unit Visitor Center, you can browse a small museum and visit Theodore Roosevelt’s Maltese Cross Cabin . It was his small lodge and temporary home while he stayed in North Dakota. The cabin traveled around during his presidency: to the World’s Fair in St. Louis, to the Lewis and Clark Centennial Exposition in Portland, to Fargo, Bismarck, and finally to the national park.

Next, begin your drive through 36 miles of roads within the national park. There are numerous scenic outlooks and trail heads along the way. Not only are the surrounding views amazing, but there are so many opportunities to see wildlife of the park. There were huge bison road blocks on our way where dozens upon dozens of bison walked onto the street. A line of cars slowly crept behind them.

It was so incredible to view these beautiful creatures up close from the comfort of our vehicles. Please do not get out of your car near the bison. Keep your distance, and take photographs from a distance. It’s not safe to approach the bison, and it’s best to let them be. We also managed to see wild horses, prairie dogs, turkeys, and deer on our trip through the South Unit.

While there are several hiking trails, I can recommend two short paths for you. The Wind Canyon Trail offers breathtaking panoramic views as you gradually walk this loop path (0.4 miles in total).

There’s also the very short Buck Hill trail (0.1 miles in total). Walk up to the top of the hill and you’ll be rewarded with fabulous views of the badlands.

Chateau de Mores State Historic Site

I had no idea who the Marquis de Mores was before I visited Medora, but he’s very intertwined with the history of the town. For instance, the town of Medora is named for his wife . He came to Little Missouri County in 1883, around the same time that Theodore Roosevelt arrived. The Chateau de Mores State Historic Site has an interpretive center to learn more about the Marquis and the history of the area. You can take tours of the actual Chateau de Mores, the lavish 26-room summer residence of the Marquis’ family.

The Medora Musical

The Medora Musical is an outdoor live performance, and one of the longest running North Dakota attractions and traditions. The show is an ode to President Roosevelt’s time in the Badlands, and it’s a celebration of the spirit of the old west. There’s lots of singing, dancing, live music, and more! If you’re seeking iconic things to do in North Dakota, you’ll have to check out the Medora Musical. Sadly, when we visited, the performance was rained out. It is performed on an outdoor stage, so weather can be an issue from time to time. I’ll have to check out the musical on my next North Dakota road trip as it looks like a lot of fun.

Where to Eat in Medora: Cowboy Cafe

The Cowboy Cafe is a restaurant in Medora where we stopped for lunch. The walls are decorated with framed photographs of cowboys from the area. There’s a veggie bean burger on the menu that is vegan, so I highly recommend ordering that with a side of fries.

Best Coffee in Medora: Hidden Springs Java

I had not one, but two delicious coffees from Hidden Springs Java during my time in Medora. The coffee shop is inside a wooden building marked “Mercantile”. There’s a cafe in the front, and a small gift shop in a room behind it. You’ll find all kinds of yummy desserts and treats here, too. I found quite a few vegan treats here, including some packaged cookies and snacks. It ranks up there with my overall favorite coffee shops in North Dakota. Grab a coffee on your way out of town as you continue your North Dakota road trip.

Where to Stay in Medora: Badlands Motel

The Badlands Motel is a cute little spot that’s within walking distance of everything in Medora. The rooms are newly renovated and refurbished, and you’re sure to enjoy a comfortable night’s stay here. Each room has a flatscreen TV, complimentary Wi-Fi, an expansive desk, and a spacious bathroom. There’s free parking and an outdoor swimming pool. Right next door, there’s a little mini golf course (at an additional cost). It’s the perfect place to stay for the whole family.

Beach, North Dakota

Alright, let’s clear something up right away: there isn’t a sandy beach in the town of Beach, North Dakota. Beach is named after Captain Warren C. Beach of the US Army. It’s a tiny town on the western edge of the state, right on the border of North Dakota and Montana. There’s a small main street and it’s worth a quick stop before continuing on your way.

Prairie Fire Pottery

Prairie Fire Pottery is the perfect North Dakota road trip pit stop as it’s fairly close to the interstate highway. Professional potter, Tama Smith, creates visually stunning works of handmade pottery. Her pottery evokes imagery of the badlands, the prairie skies, and the vibrant sunsets of the west. You can go on a tour of the Prairie Fire Pottery studio and go shopping at the showroom. For lovers of pottery and art, you must include a stop at Prairie Fire Pottery as part of your North Dakota travel plans.

Best Coffee in Beach, ND: Park Cafe

Need a caffeine boost before you head out on the rest of your North Dakota road trip? Park Cafe has lots of delicious espresso beverages and coffee to savor. They also serve a soup of the day, and a selection of fresh bread.

Want to see more photos of North Dakota?

Check out all of our pictures in one place at our travel photography album. Click the “buy” button by any picture for purchasing options!

North Dakota Road Trip Map

Here’s a map with all the North Dakota attractions that I’ve mentioned. There are so many things to do in North Dakota that it helps to see everything visualized on a map. Feel free to use this map to plot out what to do in North Dakota.

My suggestions for a 5 day itinerary for North Dakota: spend a day in each place with some extra time in Medora for the Theodore Roosevelt National Park. You’ll only need an hour or so in Beach, ND. After my North Dakota road trip, I continued on my way to Billings, Montana for a travel conference. You’ll find many more opportunities for outdoor adventures in Montana, South Dakota, Wyoming, or wherever your travels take you.

A special thank you to North Dakota Tourism for sponsoring my trip (and to our tour guide, Mike, for being super knowledgeable and fun!).

Lauren is the full-time travel blogger and content creator behind Justin Plus Lauren. She started Justin Plus Lauren in 2013 and has travelled to 50+ countries around the world. Lauren is an expert on vegan travel as one of the very first vegan travel bloggers. She also focuses on outdoor adventure travel, eco and sustainable travel, and creating amazing travel itineraries for cities and small towns.

Wednesday 25th of October 2023

Nice, but how can you skip the enchanted highway??

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So you're coming to North Dakota and you're looking for what to do and see while you're here? We've mapped out the perfect road trip itinerary to see all of the best spots to stop along the way.

A little bit North Dakota (Fargo), a little bit Minnesota (Moorhead), and a whole lot of good times! With  60+ hotels ,  450+ restaurants , and   endless things to do ,  a night in Fargo is a must in this itinerary (although, we may be biased).

Start your visit in Fargo at the  Visitors Center  where you can get information on all of the fun things to do as well as take a photo with the  infamous Woodchipper  prop from the movie  Fargo . Then head to the  Downtown Fargo  area where  great restaurants ,  public art , and local shops line Broadway. This is also where the  nightlife  comes alive.

Some can’t-miss attractions include  Bonanzaville , the  Hjemkomst Center , the  Fargo Air Museum , the  Red River Zoo , The Plains Art Museum, and the  Historic Fargo Theatre .

The next must-see stop along I-94 is Jamestown, this is a fun, quick stop for a photo with the  World’s Largest Buffalo  and a tour through the  National Buffalo Museum .

For more information on what to do in Jamestown, check out  Discover Jamestown’s website .

North Dakota’s capital city has no shortage of history. Start your visit here with a trip to the  North Dakota Heritage Center   (a free museum!) and wander through the galleries to get a better understanding of the history of North Dakota.

Right next door, the  capitol building  stands as the tallest building in North Dakota, they offer tours Monday-Friday on the hours between 9-11 a.m. & 1-3 p.m.

Bismarck has much more to offer, check out on their  website .

Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center

Take a quick (but very historical) trip north on Highway 83 for about 45 minutes to the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center . Here, you can step back in time to learn about Lewis and Clark's stop in North Dakota. These explorers spent the first winter of their expedition in Fort Mandan, here, you can see a full-scale replica of this fort where they met and befriended Sacagewea and continued on their way through America.

Next, after traveling through the remainder of North Dakota on I-94 with stops at  Salem Sue  (the world’s largest Holstein Cow) and maybe a trip down the  Enchanted Highway , you’ve made it to Medora, ND!

Medora is one of North Dakota’s biggest tourist attractions with the beautiful  Theodore Roosevelt National Park  within North Dakota’s Badlands (ND’s only National Park), the  Medora Musical , and  Bully Pulpit golf course . Medora is a great place to stay with a few options for campgrounds as well as hotels.

Check out  Medora.com  for some more options for things to do in this country-western town.

Watford City & Williston

To see the remainder of Theodore Roosevelt National Park's North Unit and the Little Missouri National Grasslands , travel north on Highway 85. These views of the bluffs cannot be beat and you're sure to see some wildlife along the way.

Once you've made it to Watford City, a stop at the Long X Visitor Center should be on your docket! This museum/visitor center not only has information about the area attractions but also has North Dakota's largest fossil.

Next, we recommend a stop at the Missouri-Yellowstone Confluence Interpretive Center . Located in Williston where the Missouri and Yellowstone rivers meet, this center tells the story of the confluence of these mighty rivers as well as provides stunning views.

Finally, stop by the Fort Union Trading Post , the most important stop for fur traders on the Upper Missouri River during much of the 1800s. Close by, you'll also find Fort Buford which is where Sitting Bull surrendered in the 1880s.

Check out Watford City & Williston's websites for more information on things to do in this area.

Known as the "Magic City," Minot is home to the North Dakota State Fair and the Norst Hostfest (cancelled in 2021) as well as the Minot Air Force Base .

While you're in Minot, don't miss the opportunity to stop by the Scandinavian Heritage Center where they celebrate the Scandinavian culture that runs deep in North Dakota. The full-scale replica of the Gol Stave Church is open for visitors to tour as well as the Scandinavian Heritage Center and Visitors Center.

For more things to do while you're in Minot , check out their website.

Cruising along Highway 2, you'll head to Rugby, ND. Check out t he Geographical Center of North America ! That's right, you can stop and take your picture in the center of the North American Continent.

For more things to do in Rugby, ND, click here !

Devils Lake

Known for the largest natural lake in North Dakota, Devils Lake, this small town welcomes thousands of visitors each and every year for outdoor adventures like fishing and hunting.

Must-see spots in Devils Lake include Fort Totten , which outlines the history of the Lake Region pioneers settling in the area in the late 1800s and the White Horse Hill National Game Preserve which has beautiful overlooks of Devils Lake, as well as hiking and nature walks with interpretive stops.

If you're in the mood for some fishing, Devils Lake is one of the best spots in North Dakota to catch walleye, perch, pike, or bass. Learn more about fishing in Devils Lake and other things to do there on their website.

Grand Forks

Grand Forks is known for its nationally competitive University of North Dakota men's hockey team as well as being "simply grand." Visit the stunning Ralph Engelstad Arena for a tour, or better yet attend a hockey game if you're here during the season.

For an outdoor adventure, The Greenway has over 2,000 acres lining the Red River just asking to be discovered. Play some disc golf, let your pup run loose in the dog park, or even hop on a kayak on the river in this park. Downtown Grand Forks is also a great area for some local shopping, restaurants, and of course, nightlife.

Lastly, a trip to Grand Forks wouldn't be complete without a stop at the Red Pepper . This (usually late-night) favorite has the best grinder sandwiches topped with their secret creamy white sauce.

Head South for about an hour and you're back in Fargo! This trip should take you about 15 hours drive time, but we recommend taking your time and enjoying all that North Dakota has to offer.

Here's the Google Map overview of the route we have laid out, use it to help you come up with the route that works for you.

The driving time from Dallas, Texas to Fargo, North Dakota is:

15 hours, 33 minutes.

Average driving speed: 69.2 mph Kilometers per hour: 111.4 km/h This is based on typical traffic conditions for this route.

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Driving time from Dallas, TX to Fargo, ND

How long is the drive from Dallas, TX to Fargo, ND? The total driving time is 15 hours, 33 minutes .

Your trip begins in Dallas, Texas. It ends in Fargo, North Dakota.

If you're planning a road trip, you might be interested in seeing the total driving distance from Dallas, TX to Fargo, ND .

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Since this is a long drive, you might want to stop halfway and stay overnight in a hotel. You can find the city that is halfway between Dallas, TX and Fargo, ND .

Planning to fly a plane instead? You might be more interested in calculating the flight time from Dallas, TX to Fargo, ND.

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4 Day Road Trip Itinerary for Northwest North Dakota

Did you know North Dakota is considered the least visited state in the United States? This comes at quite a shock to us as we just spent 4 days exploring Northwest North Dakota and discovered it’s many treasures and highlights.

Coming into North Dakota we didn’t have many or any expectations. That’s probably because you don’t hear alot about it when thinking or picking a travel destination or getaway on it’s own. However, going into North Dakota and not knowing much was actually one of the best ways to come into a destination.

During our 4 days exploring Northwest North Dakota, we were introduced to one surprise after another from gorgeous vistas in Theodore Roosevelt National Park, a colorful and historic downtown in Minot, enchanting lake towns, and more incredible prairie views.

This guide is to showcase not only amazing things to do in North Dakota along a North Dakota road trip but to help you plan an unforgettable trip visiting one of the most underrated and under-visited places in the United States.

Check out our guide and North Dakota itinerary to help you plan your next US road trip with some of the best things to do in North Dakota.

Table of Contents

North dakota travel tips, day 1 north dakota itinerary, day 2 north dakota itinerary, day 3 north dakota itinerary, day 4 north dakota itinerary.

Our North Dakota road trip itinerary focuses on the Northwest region of the state and starts and ends in Minot. The best way to get to Minot is by the Minot International Airport (MOT). We recommend if you’re coming in by air to rent a car, we personally like to rent cars with Expedia.

We highly encourage getting an SUV or larger vehicle with AWD or 4WD . While the North Dakota attractions mentioned in our guide don’t require this vehicle we found that some of the roads are traveled more comfortably by having a bigger vehicle. Some of the roads are dirt and if you’re visiting in any season besides summer there’s a chance of snow in which you’ll want to have more control and a better vehicle for driving in these conditions.

Last, the best time to visit Northwest North Dakota for comfortable weather is in the summer months. Even in the fall, the weather can get very cold and the middle of winter temperatures get very cold, while there are still winter activities to enjoy like ice fishing you’ll want to come prepared for seriously cold weather if you plan to visit during any time other than the summer months.

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Drive from Minot to Watford City (123 miles 2 hour 15-minute drive)

Your North Dakota road trip has come to a start after arriving in Minot. However, we are recommending to do more Minot exploring after heading west where we will start our North Dakota itinerary in Watford City. This scenic drive takes you through flat terrain through North Dakota’s oil industry spotting oil rigs and workers along the way.

Grab a pick me up at Door 204 

After traveling and driving to your first stop on your North Dakota itinerary we recommend stopping for a quick pick me up coffee drink at Door 204 in Watford City. This adorable cafe is also a full-on working mail center for the town’s citizens.

You can see in the decor of the cafe that there is a fully functioning antique mailbox center in use along the walls of the cafe. Take advantage of all the different unique flavors and combinations of drinks this place offers, our favorite was the Gingerbread Dirty Chai. 

The owners also feature local artists work hanging up around the cafe that are for sale. 

This is one of those unique small-town things to do in North Dakota you should add to your itinerary. If you’re still feeling like exploring a bit more of Watford City before moving on check out some of the local stores before heading on to our next thing to do in North Dakota on your North Dakota road trip itinerary.

Theodore Roosevelt National Park North Unit

Named to honor President Theodore Roosevelt who’s visit to the badlands inspired a policy that shaped conservation and National Parks as we know it in the United States today.

The entire park is actually made of 3 units, the North, South, and Elkhorn Ranch Units. Since you’re exploring the area of Watford City we are focusing solely on the North Unit. However, if you’d like to explore more of this park we recommend scheduling in an additional day on your North Dakota itinerary.

The national park’s rugged landscape protects herds of bison, wild horses, and bighorn sheep to name a few. 

If you plan on doing just the drive and overlook stops then plan for at least 1.5-2 hours in the park. There are also hiking trails to enjoy and if you plan on doing them be sure to add time to your North Dakota itinerary to give yourself sufficient time.

We witnessed both wild horses off in the distance from the River Bend Overlook and large groups of bison during our drive. It’s important not to get out of the car or try to get close to the bison. These are wild animals and when provoked they have attacked and killed visitors.

Dinner at Stonehome Brewery

Overnight in Watford City

The rooms are classic and comfortable. There’s also an indoor pool and spa on site.

Book Now on Expedia.com | Compare Prices for later on Hotels.com

Drive from Watford City to Tobacco Gardens to Minot (total 148 miles 2 hour 47-minute drive)

On your day 2 of your North Dakota road trip itinerary, we have you moving on to Tobacco Gardens Resort and Marina for some outdoor leisure activities before moving back to Minot for the afternoon of activities in the city to enjoy where you’ll spend the night.

Breakfast at Wild Cow Coffee & Cream

Before taking off for a fun morning at Tobacco Gardens we recommend stopping for a quick and light breakfast at Wild Cow Coffee & Cream in Watford City next to Stonehome Brewing where we recommended to go for dinner.

You can get all your morning coffee needs here and enjoy a light breakfast. Their menu is limited and mostly consists of a few bagel sandwiches and pastries to choose from, the perfect grab and go breakfast to head on to your next location.

Tobacco Gardens Resort & Marina

Tobacco Gardens Resort & Marina is a great starting point for exploring the activities in this area. This fully functioning campground is a great stop for anyone on a North Dakota road trip or campers. You can adjust your North Dakota road trip itinerary to spend the night here – be sure to book in advance if you want to camp instead of stay at a hotel.

Located along the Little Missouri National Grasslands this is the perfect place to enjoy kayaking along the bay and river or go for a leisurely hike on the Birnt Hills trail just 3 miles from Tobacco Gardens Resort & Marina.

701-842-4199  

Be aware that this western part of North Dakota does have rattlesnakes. Use precaution on the trail in the unlikely event that you encounter a rattlesnake. 

Explore Minot

If you arrive back in the mid-afternoon we recommend checking out the Scandinavian Heritage Park. During the last half of the 19th century and first half of the 20th century, North Dakota received a huge influx of immigrants from Scandinavian countries like Norway, Iceland, and Sweden when land was taken away from Native Americans and up for grabs for white settlers.

We were told the huge amount of Norwegians specifically flocked to this area because only the eldest men could be landowners in Norway, having land ‘up for grabs’ in the US was attractive to many Norwegians who might not be able to own land themselves in their home country.

The Scandinavian Heritage Park celebrates the Scandinavian culture and influences in the area. Two of the main highlights here are the Norweigan Gol Stave Church replica and the giant Swedish Dala Horse among other important statues and figures in Scandinavia’s history like Leif Erikson. 

Be aware that the museum itself and access to the interior of the buildings close at 4 pm . However, you can still walk through the grounds and admire the Scandinavian architecture and property on the exterior after hours.

Be sure to check it out even if you only get to visit after hours, the unique stave church alone is worth seeing as there are less than 30 left in Norway from the middle ages when there used to be over 1000. 

Dinner at 10 North Main 

Another North Dakota attraction is that Minot is proudly the hometown of actor Josh Duhamel, actor and ex-husband of Fergie. This city is particularly proud of this feat and you may even notice on billboards and online advertising that Mr. Duhamel is the spokesperson for all things travel related to North Dakota.

Locals are proud that he is so connected to his home state and his family members still live here to this day. In fact, his mother and sister run the finest dining establishment in Minot. 10 North Main is steakhouse and seafood eatery located in downtown Minot.

We recommend having a nice dinner here, their food was incredible. 

*You can interchange some of the activities in Minot with our day 4 North Dakota itinerary if your schedule doesn’t align since we have you coming back on the final day. 

Overnight in Minot

Overnight at the Grand Hotel

The Grand Hotel has a convenient location right across the Minot International Airport and is a classic hotel and great for a one night stay. The hotel definitely has vibes of nostalgia as it still has an older style vibe. While there are no frills this hotel has anything you need to spend a night while on your North Dakota road trip.

Book Now on Booking.com | Compare Prices for later on Expedia.com | See Prices on Hotels.com

Drive from Minot to International Peace Garden to Bottineau (total 140 miles 2 hour 26-minute drive)

On the 3rd day of our North Dakota itinerary, we cover some great North Dakota attractions right by the border of Canada’s Manitoba province in the Turtle Mountains. While you don’t need a passport to do these options we recommend bringing one just in case.

You will have to go through the border security after coming back from the International Peace Garden so to make things easier you can just have your passport while you don’t absolutely need it.

We end this day by staying the night in the town of Bottineau.

Quick Breakfast at Classic Rock Cafe

Before leaving Minot you will want to make sure you stop for breakfast. We recommend a quick stop at Classic Rock Cafe where you can have a great cup of joe paired with one of the breakfast items. The entire cafe is Rock and Roll themed.

International Peace Garden

The garden was erected in 1932 and even gave inspiration to the slogan that’s featured on the North Dakota license plates “Peace Garden State” and the state’s nickname.

Ther are over 150,000 flowers planted here each year and some of the most notable features are the fountains and gardens, the peace chapel where famous quotes about peace in history are inscribed, building remains from the World Trade Center from 9/11 are here, and the incredible succulent and cactus garden are all worth visiting.

There’s a cafe here as well so you can enjoy a leisurely lunch before heading to Bottineau.

Leaving the International Peace Garden you will be forced to go through border patrol back in the US. The garden entrance is located directly between the Canadian border patrol and the US border patrol. There is a chance they could inspect you and your vehicle, make sure you have proper identification on you as they will request to see at minimum a driver’s license or valid identification for everyone in the car.

Afternoon Ice Cream treat at Pride Dairy

Next up on our North Dakota road trip itinerary is in the town of Bottineau. Check out Pride Dairy for North Dakota’s best ice cream. This creamery dates back to the 1930s where farmers would bring their excess cream and they’d ship it out regionally as butter. Eventually, they started carrying ice cream and its become famous in the state as being the best and even sold at regional grocery stores.

You can feel the antiquity of the building as it’s connected to an old feed grainery you feel like you’re in the center of America’s heartland. 

Don’t miss out on some of their signature flavors including the local specialty, chokecherry. 

Do be sure to check their hours, we noticed they don’t have typical ice cream parlor hours of operation and close at 5 pm and are surprisingly closed on Saturdays and Sundays. If you’re visiting over a weekend be sure to grab a local pint of ice cream from Pride Dairy at a grocery store or look for the Lulabelle’s Ice Cream truck at Lake Metigoshe.

Visit Tommy the Turtle

This kitschy find brought out a child-like delight in me, I was actually REALLY excited to see Tommy the Turtle and even climb him for a photo, yes that’s encouraged!

Even though Bottineau is a small town with alot to offer, Tommy the Turtle is the only thing that shows up when you do an internet search on the city. He’s the most famous thing to do and see and you definitely don’t want to miss it!

Explore Downtown and Grab an early Dinner

We recommend getting dinner at Marie’s in the heart of downtown Bottineau before catching an incredible sunset at Mystical Horizons.

Sunset at Mystical Horizons

Olson was from Bottineau and had an impressive career with NASA . Some of his work is even still on display to this day at the Smithsonian. Mystical Horizons wasn’t completed in his lifetime, but it was his design that inspired this incredible North Dakota attraction.

Just like the original Stonehenge, if you come on the equinoxes or solstices you will see the perfect alignment with the structure to the movements of the sun.

On a regular day though you can just admire the stunning and captivating view of the prairies below. 

Annie’s House

This next item on our North Dakota itinerary is a bit more difficult to plan a visit to unless you are coming midday but definitely worth mentioning is Annie’s House located on Bottineau Winterpark is an adaptive recreation park for those with intellectual and physical disabilities.

They have special mobility features to help make the trails and slopes accessible to everyone. And while that in itself is notable enough on its own it’s the story behind Annie’s House that left us speechless and is captivating.

Ann Nelson, a local woman from North Dakota who moved to New York City was the only person from North Dakota who died in the fatal and devastating attacks on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. 

Ann was known for being a kind-hearted person who loved helping others who needed it and also kept a list every year from when she was a kid to an adult of things she’d like to accomplish.

After 9/11 her personal computer was found with her last Annie’s List. On this list, she had all the things she wanted to accomplish but never had a chance to including owning a home in North Dakota. 

It was proposed that an adaptive recreation park at the Bottineau Winterpark to be constructed in her honor to help her accomplish some of the things on her list as well as all the volunteers from North Dakota who went and helped after the 9/11 attacks in New York City.

Inside Annie’s House, you can read about Annie’s story from a child until the moment Annie’s House was created. You can also read her list of 36 items that were on her list on the beams of the house with one last beam that has the number 37 with nothing on it, because she never got that far.

This entire visit was moving and honestly, you’ll want to come along with a few tissues. 

In the winter you can enjoy the Bottineau Winterpark or in the snowless months, you can arrange to access the trails, kayak, or even horseback riding. To do so off-season you have to arrange for your visit. You can do so by calling Rachael at 701-263-4556.

Overnight in Bottineau or Lake Metigoshe

Stay at Cobblestone Inn & Suites in Bottineau

We visited during peak season in the summer and stayed in Bottineau at the Cobblestone Inn & Suites right next to my favorite roadside attraction, Tommy the Turtle! This hotel offers classic and comfortable rooms and includes breakfast.

Drive from Bottineau to J Clark National Wildlife Refuge to Minot (total 81 miles 1 hour 32-minute drive)

Your final day on your North Dakota road trip itinerary you will enjoy the morning at Lake Metigoshe looking for wildlife and paddling along the water of the serene lake in the Lake Metigoshe State Park. After lunch, you’ll start making your way back to Minot stopping at the largest wildlife refuges in the state before spending your final night in Minot.

Before you embark on your last day of your North Dakota itinerary and the last of the best things to do in North Dakota you’ll want to grab a nice breakfast.

If you spent the night in Bottineau we recommend going to Family Bakery & Restaurant for one of their mouth-watering donuts. They also have a full breakfast menu if you fancy something other than sweets. Then head to Bottineau Pharmacy for a great cup of coffee at their cafe inside the gift shop. 

Lake Metigoshe State Park

Spend an hour or two kayaking on this quiet body of water and look out for wildlife. There are moose in the area if you’re lucky you might see one although we were told the best chance to see them was early mornings or evenings. Scott and I saw mink along the shores of the lake as well as a beaver swimming while we were kayaking.

Be sure to bring bug spray!

Lunch on Lake Metigoshe

It’s a bit difficult to enjoy all there is to do on Lake Metigoshe without doing a house rental or knowing a local, so you can enjoy the serenity of the lake while enjoying a meal overlooking the lake.

Visit the J Clark Salyer National Wildlife Refuge

Be sure to stop at the visitors center to find out more information on where you can go bird watching, hike, fish, spot wildlife, photograph, and drive.

This is a great stop to see more of the beautiful landscape of the North Dakota northwestern countryside before heading back to Minot.

Evening Activities in Minot

For any beer lovers like us then you have to check out Atypical Brewery & Barrelworks for some delicious craft brews. Located in an adorable English cottage-style building that looks straight out of the Hobbit, you can sample all their different beers in tasting size or commit to a large pour. This was our favorite brewery we visited during our trip to North Dakota.

If you’re into speakeasy-style establishments then check out Saul’s speakeasy . Don’t come expecting cocktails though, this speakeasy is unique in that they only serve wine and will give you the ultimate wine tasting experience through their different wine glasses. Did you know how you taste different types of wines can vary depending on the type of glass you use? At Saul’s you’ll learn all about it.

The only problem is you have to find it! Then once you find it you have to know the password, you can text 701 401-2105 with Hi to get a riddle you have to solve. Once you solve the riddle you get the password to enter!

If you haven’t found another downtown establishment to eat at already then we recommend checking out Badlands Bar & Grill .

*You can interchange some of the activities in Minot with our day 2 North Dakota itinerary if your schedule doesn’t align since we have you coming back on the final day. 

The other Airbnb options are great for anyone who’s looking to spend a fun night out in downtown Minot and be walking distance to most attractions.

Stay at the Grand Hotel

Liked this post on this 4 Day Road Trip Itinerary for Northwest North Dakota and the best North Dakota attractions? Bookmark for later or share the love below on Pinterest.

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Minnesota and North Dakota to finish off 50 states - Road Trips Forum

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Any road trip advice for a week long trip in Minnesota and North Dakota to finish off our life long quest of all 50 states. We can fly in and road trip through the 2 states. We enjoy scenic drives, easy hikes, waterfalls, the best locally owned restaurants and memorable lodging, beautiful architecture and “must-see” spots.

8 replies to this topic

Theodore Roosevelt National Park is worth visiting.

Minneapolis is certainly the airport I’d fly into, since there’s simple transport and it allows you to easily cross into Fargo ND’s visitor center to claim your “Best For Last” reward they offer for people who cross their state off as #50.

Minnehaha Falls is an easy spot to see in Minneapolis, and on the way to Fargo you can incorporate Itasca State Park to see the headwaters of the Mississippi River. Plenty more to see in Minnesota but to discuss North Dakota - the aforementioned Theodore Roosevelt State Park is the highlight of the state but you’ll need to drive across the state to visit. And you ideally should do this if possible.

some of the other things to do in North Dakota is see Fargo - Bonanzaville, Red River Zoo, check if any festivals, also a viking ship in adjacent city of Morehead, Minnesota.

As you drive across there is the National buffalo museum.

In the capital city of bismarck you can go on a Louis and Clark River Cruise - some nights they have pizza.

then Teddy Roosevelt National Park staying in Medora. If go in the summer there is a play

there is also the Enchanted Highway

https://www.ndtourism.com/regent/attractions-entertainment/family-fun/enchanted-highway

Some options…

You could do thr Lewis and Clark trail along the Missouri River which takes you into North Dakota

You can do voyageurs national park in northern Minnesotan along with Theodore Roosevelt np in ND

Voyageurs is a very hard park to visit unless you're planning to canoe or kayak. You can go to a couple of the visitors centers east of International Falls but the vast majority of the park requires water access. There are canoe and kayak rentals available in International Falls, Kabetogama, and Ely.

Itasca State Park (the headwaters of the Mississippi River) is very easy to visit, though it's closer to Grand Forks than Fargo in North Dakota.

North Dakota has the Peace Garden, which is nice, but way up on the Canadian border, the Scandinavian Heritage Center in Minot, and a lot of Indigenous history, including Fort Mandan near Bismarck and the Knife River Indian Villages near Washburn (where Lewis and Clark met with Sakakawea/Sacajawea).

As for food, in Medora there's the Pitchfork Fondue at the Medora Musical, where they put a steak on a literal pitchfork and dip it into hot oil to cook it, fondue-style, along with a big old pageant. In Grand Forks, Widmer's Candy Shop makes chocolate-dipped potato chips (they're really good). There's an old-fashioned dairy and ice cream shop in Bottineau.

ND definitely Theodore Roosevelt NP.

Minneapolis: a guided tour in the mansion of Prince. And Weisman Art museum designed by Frank Gehry.

Welcome to the forum, Vicki Whitley!

I screwed up, North Dakota will not be my 50th state. Joining the Best for Last Club would be the greatest, although I'd probably embarrass myself and start crying. https://www.fargomoorhead.org/best-for-last-club/

I hope you will come back and report on your trip.

Congrats of this fantastic completion trip!! All 50 woohoo!!

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Dallas Cowboys News

Dallas Cowboys 2024 7-Round NFL Mock Draft: Cowboys Find Next Stud RB

The Dallas Cowboys  enter the 2024 NFL Draft with four defined needs: left tackle, center, running back and linebacker. 

Now, those needs are not in any order of importance. But if the season started today, those would easily be the four weakest spots on the roster. Dallas hopes they can fill at least three of them during the draft, but that will be challenging, considering they only have three picks inside the top 170 selections.

So, what might Round 1 look like for the Cowboys? Here is our seven-round mock draft for the Cowboys with less than a week to go:

Cowboys 7-Round Mock Draft

Round 1, no. 24 overall, jackson powers-johnson, c, oregon .

It wouldn’t be surprising if the Cowboys traded down in Round 1 to acquire more picks. With only three picks inside the top 170, it will be tricky to address all of their needs. But if the Cowboys get “stuck” at No. 24, a center is the most likely selection.

As we stand right now, the Cowboys' No. 1 target is most likely Duke’s Graham Barton. But his stock is hot right now, and there is no guarantee that he will be available at No. 24. That leads us to Jackson Powers-Johnson , who might be the second-best center in the class.

Powers-Johnson is inexperienced (only 13 starts), but he is big and powerful and was dominant during the 2023 season. Dallas loves having big centers to keep the middle of the pocket clean for Dak Prescott. 

Dallas also loves investing in its offensive line, and "JPJ" is one of this class's top interior offensive linemen. If Dallas is comfortable with his medical history, Powers-Johnson could be their top selection.

Round 2, No. 56 Overall

Payton wilson, lb, north carolina state.

In an ideal world, the Cowboys would LOVE to select Texas RB Jonathon Brooks at No. 56. He is everything they want in a feature running back, and his style of play fits perfectly with the rest of the offense. 

However, it's unrealistic to think the first running back will come off the board this late in the second round. In fact, it would be the latest the first running back has been selected in draft history, surpassing the 2014 draft when Bishop Sankey went 54th.

In this mock draft, we will assume Brooks is off the board when the Cowboys pick. That means Dallas turns its attention to linebackers, another area in need.

Edgerrin Cooper, Trevin Wallace and Junior Colson could be options in Round 2. But the Cowboys swing for the fences with Payton Wilson , an oft-injured linebacker who has superstar upside. 

Wilson is an excellent fit in Mike Zimmer’s defense. He excels in coverage and has the size to be a force in the middle of the field. Wilson’s injury history is concerning, but the Cowboys are historically willing to gamble on injured players in Round 2. 

This fit makes too much sense for both parties.

Round 3, No. 87 Overall

Braelon allen, rb, wisconsin.

After missing out on Brooks at No. 56, the Cowboys have almost no choice but to select a running back in Round 3. At this stage of the draft, we can confidently expect Trey Benson, Blake Corum and Jaylen Wright to be off the board.

That leaves Dallas with the choice of Braelon Allen or Audric Estime, both of whom were 30 visits for the Cowboys. Dallas goes with Allen, betting on his age and athleticism. 

Allen is a tank at 6-foot-1, 235 pounds, but he doesn’t always play to that size. However, he is a high-character player with a ton of college production. 

His vision is good, and he has home-run speed, something Dallas covets at running back. At pick No. 87, he is worth a gamble.

Round 5, No. 174 Overall

Gabe hall, dt, baylor.

After the top three selections, it is anyone’s guess what the Cowboys might do on Day 3. 

But the defensive line needs depth, especially after Neville Gallimore and Johnathan Hankins left in free agency. Gabe Hall could help fill the void left by those players. 

Hall was outstanding at the Senior Bowl, giving all of the interior offensive linemen fits in the 1-on-1 drills. He is long (6-foot-6 with an 83.5-inch wingspan) but needs to put on weight to hold up against the run. 

He has the upside of being a rotational player immediately at multiple spots in Zimmer's defense.

Round 6, No. 216 Overall

Jalen sundell, ot, north dakota state.

Due to the limited number of selections, the Cowboys couldn’t address their left tackle need earlier in the draft. That means they will likely ask Chuma Edoga to start, replacing Tyron Smith. 

North Dakota State’s Jalen Sundell could be a late-round option at tackle. From 2020 to 2022, Sundell was the Bison’s starting center, but he transitioned to left tackle this year and had a ton of success. 

He was a first-team All-American and significantly improved his draft status. Although his overall traits are only average, he has 40 career starts and appeared in 57 games. At this stage of the draft, he is worth the risk.

Round 7, No. 233 Overall

Bub means, wr, pittsburgh.

This late in the draft, teams usually just gamble on traits or special teams players.  

With the selection of Bub Means in Round 7, the Cowboys are taking a chance on a 6-foot-1, 212-pound wide receiver who ran a 4.43 at the NFL Combine. 

Means doesn't have much college production, but he does have kick-return experience. He could use a year or two on the practice squad before being trusted as a No. 4 wide receiver.

Round 7, 244th Overall 

Demani richardson, s, texas a&m.

Demani Richardson is a local kid playing high school football just south of Dallas. He has 55 career starts as an in-the-box safety. 

The Cowboys are drafting him because of his special teams experience and size. He could be a core special teams player right away and could develop into a sub-package player.

This article first appeared on The 33rd Team and was syndicated with permission.

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The Lyrids begin this week. How to see first major meteor shower of spring when it peaks

While the april 8 eclipse was only viewable in north america, the lyrids should be visible pretty much around the world..

A week after that stunning total solar eclipse , the Lyrid meteor shower is about to give sky-gazers plenty of reasons to once again look toward the cosmos.

One of the oldest-known meteor showers  on record, the Lyrids has peaked like clockwork every late April for thousands of years. And while that peak won't be occurring until Saturday, you still have a chance to see the soaring meteors beginning Monday.

The best part? While the April 8 eclipse was only viewable in North America, the Lyrids should be visible pretty much around the world .

Here's what to know about the Lyrid meteor shower .

Out of this world: From Stanley cups to Samsung phones, this duo's company launches almost anything into space

Where do the Lyrid meteors come from?

Meteor showers occur when Earth passes through debris trails left by comets and other space objects. The debris – space rocks known as meteoroids – collides with Earth's atmosphere at high speed and disintegrates, creating fiery and colorful streaks in the sky, according to NASA .

Those resulting fireballs, better known as "shooting stars," are meteors. Those meteoroids that survive their trip to Earth without burning up in the atmosphere are called meteorites, NASA says .

Named for the nearby constellation Lyra, the Lyrid meteor shower is composed of pieces of debris  from the Comet C/1861 G1 Thatcher . The comet is named for A. E. Thatcher, who discovered it in 1861.

The meteor shower itself, though, has been observed for 2,700 years ever since the first recorded sighting was made in 687 BC by the Chinese, according to NASA .

How can we see the Lyrid meteor shower?

The Lyrids are known as one of  four major meteor showers each year  that have a sharp peak. This year, that peak falls between April 21-22,  according to EarthSky.org .

However, the meteor shower could be visible anytime beginning Monday.

According to NASA, the best view in the Northern Hemisphere of the shower is after moonset and before dawn.

Here are tips from the U.S. space agency:

• Pick an area well away from city lights or street lights.
• Bring a sleeping bag, blanket, or lawn chair.
• Lie flat on your back with your feet facing east and look up.
• Be patient. About 30 minutes in the dark your eyes should adapt and you should begin to see meteors.

How many Lyrids will we see per hour?

The first meteor shower of the spring , the fast and bright meteors of the Lyrids will appear to be flying across the night sky.

While  NASA notes  that the Lyrids can surprise watchers with as many as 100 meteors seen per hour, in general, 10-20 Lyrid meteors can be seen per hour during the peak.

Lyrids don’t tend to leave long, glowing dust trains behind them as they streak through the Earth's atmosphere. However, they can produce the occasional bright flash called a fireball.

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North Dakota to Texas drive

North dakota to texas road trip planner.

Here's a sample itinerary for a drive from North Dakota to Texas. If you're planning a road trip to Texas, you can research locations to stop along the way. Make sure you check road conditions to double check the weather. Traveling with a dog or cat? Find pet-friendly stops . Camping along the way? Search for RV campgrounds . Find the best hotels, restaurants, and attractions based on the most talked about places recommended by Trippy members.

10:00 am  start at North Dakota drive for about 3.5 hours

1:26 pm   Cheyenne River Reservation stay for about 1 hour and leave at 2:26 pm drive for about 4 hours

day 1 driving ≈ 7.5 hours

10:00 am  leave from Thedford drive for about 6.5 hours

day 2 driving ≈ 6.5 hours

10:00 am  leave from Meade drive for about 2.5 hours

12:30 pm   Shamrock stay for about 1 hour and leave at 1:30 pm drive for about 4.5 hours

5:53 pm  arrive at Texas

day 3 driving ≈ 7 hours

Where should I stop along the way?

Cheyenne River Reservation Thedford Meade Shamrock

What are some things to do in Texas?

This section could be endless, so rather than trying to suggest every local activity or attraction, we'll leave it open-ended.

Of course, Trippy is the perfect place to ask questions because there's an entire community of travelers talking to each other and sharing tips and advice. Trippy is where you can get answers personalized for your tastes, budgets, trip dates & more!

For example, here are some questions people have asked about Texas. Click on any question to see answers from the community!

Click the button below to explore more questions and answers related to Texas.

Do I really have to go back home?

Yes, even this step is optional, because if you're on vacation who wants the trip to end? It's okay, you can start planning your next trip!

Want to plan the trip back? Get the reverse directions for a Texas to North Dakota drive , or go to the main page to plan a new road trip .

You can also compare the travel time if you're flying or driving by calculating the distance from North Dakota to Texas . Or get a full North Dakota to Texas flight plan .

Don't forget about exploring your own hometown with a staycation. You can also find some cool day trips or get away for a weekend. Maybe try typing in a faraway location like London, Hong Kong, or Sydney, and get inspired for your dream trip around the world.

And if you know North Dakota well, please help your fellow travelers and answer their questions about North Dakota!

More info on this route:

road conditions from North Dakota to Texas

places to eat

flattest route

alternate routes

Google driving directions