rolling dreamsEXPLORE NORTH AMERICAON OUR ROUTE
Places, parks and practical ideas for this part of the journey.
Hikes & walks in this region ↓North Dakota is one of the most unknown states in the United States – and that's what makes it special. While millions of travelers visit Yellowstone, Grand Canyon or Rocky Mountains every year, comparatively few experience the vast prairies, bizarre badlands and historic locations of this northern state.
Explore →This proposal combines comfortable supply nights with simple campgrounds and free overnight stays. After two to three self-sufficient nights at the latest, a place with fresh water and disposal is deliberately followed again. Where Boondocking with a large Fifth Wheel does not make sense, the plan remains with an official campground.
Explore →The Theodore Roosevelt National Park is the heart of North Dakota and one of the most underestimated national parks in the United States. While Yellowstone or Grand Canyon attract millions of visitors every year, it remains astonishingly quiet even during high season.
Explore →Medora is the tourist centre of Theodore Roosevelt National Park and one of the most charming small towns in the American West. With less than 200 inhabitants, it looks like an open-air museum that has preserved the spirit of the Wild West to this day.
Explore →While the South Unit at Medora attracts most visitors, for many connoisseurs the North Unit is considered to be the most scenic part of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. The landscape looks wilder, more remote and more original. Deep gorges, colorful Badlands, Little Missouri River and vast prairies create an impressive backdrop that often seems almost deserted.
Explore →One of the most unusual street attractions in North Dakota is located in the seemingly endless prairie of North America. The Enchanted Highway connects Interstate 94 at Gladstone with the small town of Regent and is lined with huge metal sculptures on about 50 kilometres.
Explore →At the confluence of Missouri and Yellowstone River is one of the most important historical trading stations in the American West. The Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site was the main fur trading center on the upper Missouri between 1828 and 1867 and played a crucial role in exchange between European traders and indigenous peoples of the northern Great Plains.
Explore →Fargo is the largest city in North Dakotas and surprises many travellers. Instead of a typical prairie town, a lively university town with a charming downtown, an excellent gastronomy scene, exciting museums and a relaxed atmosphere awaits you.
Explore →With a length of more than 280 kilometres, Lake Sakakawea is one of the largest artificial lakes in North America. The Missouri River, which has been stowed up by Garrison Dam, is today a true paradise for water sports enthusiasts, anglers and nature lovers. Despite its size, the lake seems surprisingly untouched in many places – with secluded bays, gentle hills and miles of shoreland.
Explore →Right on the border between the United States and Canada is one of North America's most extraordinary parks. The International Peace Garden was opened in 1932 as a symbol of peaceful friendship between both countries, covering around 950 hectares – half each on American and Canadian territory.
Explore →On the banks of the Knife River, one of North America's most important archaeological sites is located. The Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site preserves the remains of the villages of Hidatsa and Mandan that lived here for centuries and formed an important trading center along the Missouri River.
Explore →Bismarck, the capital of North Dakotas, is picturesquely situated on the Missouri River and blends history, culture and nature in a pleasant way. Although it remains manageable with around 754 000 inhabitants, it offers numerous sights and excellent infrastructure for travellers.
Explore →Just a few kilometers southwest of Bismarck is one of the most historic state parks in North Dakotas. Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park combines military history, Mandan culture and beautiful scenery along the Missouri River.
Explore →Minot is the fourth largest city in North Dakotas and is often referred to as "Magic City". Its nickname owes it to its rapid growth during railway construction at the end of the 19th century. Today, Minot combines Scandinavian heritage, vibrant culture and a relaxed atmosphere with excellent infrastructure for travellers.
Explore →Devils Lake is the largest natural lake in North Dakotas and a true paradise for nature lovers, anglers and bird watchers. Despite its name, the lake has nothing uncanny about it – on the contrary: the vast water landscape with its islands, bays and wetlands is one of the most beautiful recreation areas in the state.
Explore →In the northeast of North Dakota, close to the Canadian border, there is a landscape that hardly connects anyone with the Great Plains. The Pembina Gorge State Recreation Area is the largest contiguous forest and gorge area in the state and offers dense mixed forests, gentle hills, rivers and surprisingly varied nature.
Explore →In the extreme northeast of North Dakota, just a few kilometers from the Canadian border, lies one of the most beautiful and yet unknown state parks in the state. Icelandic State Park owes its name to the Icelandic immigrants who settled in this region at the end of the 19th century and have shaped their culture to this day.
Explore →Valley City is known as the City of Bridges and is one of the most charming small towns in the east of North Dakota. The city is picturesquely located in the valley of the Sheyenne River and is surrounded by rolling hills, historic railway bridges and green parks.
Explore →Jamestown is located halfway between Fargo and Bismarck, a popular stopover on Interstate 94. The city combines history, nature and a pinch of American curiosity. It is known worldwide for the World-Largest Buffalo, a huge buffalo statue that welcomes visitors from far away.
Explore →The Maah Daah Hey Trail is considered one of the most beautiful long-distance hiking and mountain bike trails in the USA. It connects the North Unit and the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park at about 230 kilometres and leads through some of North Dakota's most spectacular landscapes.
Explore →The North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum in Bismarck is one of the best museums in the Great Plains and should not be missed on a round trip through North Dakota. Modernly designed, free of charge accessible and exceptionally varied, it takes visitors on a journey through more than 600 million years of earth history – from dinosaurs to the Ice Age to the settlement of the American West.
Explore →Little Missouri State Park is one of North Dakotas' most hidden natural pearls. Unlike the famous Theodore Roosevelt National Park, this state park attracts few visitors and conveys a sense of real wilderness. Wide prairie, deep-cut valleys, gentle hills and spectacular badlands characterize the landscape.
Explore →North Dakota surprises with an impressive blend of unspoilt nature, historic places and vast prairies. Next to Theodore Roosevelt National Park there are many other attractions that are often overlooked. Historical forts, idyllic lakes, unique museums and varied panoramic streets make the state a worthwhile destination for those who want to experience the original Midwest.
Explore →North Dakota is one of the least visited states in the United States – and that's what makes it special. Away from the famous sights, petrified forests, lonely prairies, historic ghost cities and impressive natural areas where you often encounter hardly any other people for hours. Those seeking peace, space and authentic landscapes will be rewarded with special experiences here.
Explore →North Dakota is one of those states that at first underestimate many travelers – and it's exactly what makes them special. Wide prairies, colourful badlands, quiet lake landscapes and historic sites tell the story of the American West in an authentic way. Unlike many well-known national parks, you will find plenty of peace here, few crowds and a nature that has preserved its original character.
Explore →No detailed trail matches these preferences. Try Any duration or Any route type. Explore the guide ideas below or search the trail sources.
From our travel guide
Distance: about 1 km Duration: 30 minutes
Distance: about 1 km Duration: 30–45 minutes
Check trail length, difficulty and the return route with the park before choosing a walk.
From our travel guide
Several short paths lead along the river and offer beautiful views of the surrounding Badlands. Ideal for sunset.
Check trail length, difficulty and the return route with the park before choosing a walk.
From our travel guide
Distance: about 6 km Duration: 2–3 hours
Distance: approx. 2,5 km Duration: 1 hour
Check trail length, difficulty and the return route with the park before choosing a walk.
From our travel guide
Several short paths lead through the prairie to the river bank. With some luck, whitehead eagles or mule deer can be observed.
Check trail length, difficulty and the return route with the park before choosing a walk.
From our travel guide
Several short hiking trails lead to viewpoints and secluded bays. Ideal for a relaxing afternoon.
Check trail length, difficulty and the return route with the park before choosing a walk.
From our travel guide
Several kilometers of well-kept paths lead through: Rose gardens
Check trail length, difficulty and the return route with the park before choosing a walk.
Search current recommendations for North Dakota. These links open an external search using your preferences.
Trail details checked against park sources in September 2026. Check current closures, weather, permits and any return transport before setting out.