Remote and sparsely populated, much of North Dakota is considered a “flyover” by many — but those folks are actually mistaken. There’s a rich network of cultural, historical, and natural North Dakota landmarks. From Theodore Roosevelt National Park to the Fargo Air Museum, these places offer experiences you just can’t have anywhere else on the face of the planet.
Not sure which spots you need to see? Here are the top 10 North Dakota landmarks.
Top Landmarks in North Dakota
North Dakota Landmarks
Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site
Fort Union was the most important fur trading site in the region from 1829 to 1867.
Today, visitors to Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site can experience a partial reconstruction of the place. The site is today an interpretation of what plains travelers might have come across here in 1851. Along with preserving this part of European settler history, the park is also home to a stunning collection of Native American art and offers Junior Ranger activities for young visitors.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Located just this side of the Montana border, this landmark is in a remote but beautiful location. It sits a short distance from other road-trip-worthy sites, such as Fort Buford State Historic Site and Lewis and Clark State Park.
Camping can be found at the aforementioned state park or at Buffalo Trails Campground in nearby Williston.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park
If you truly want to find a home where the buffalo roam and the deer and the antelope play, you need visit Theodore Roosevelt National Park. It may not be one of the best-known NPS properties, but it’s certainly one of the most beautiful: bison, elk and prairie dogs meander through the park’s three distinct sections, which are interconnected by the Little Missouri River.
In fact, the landscape is so inspiring, it caused Teddy Roosevelt himself, who showed up in 1883 to hunt bison, to pour his heart and eventual presidential policy into conservation efforts. Long story short, you’ve got to see it for yourself.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
The town closest to the national park is Medora. Here, you’ll find the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame and the Chateau de Mores State Historic Site.
Camping opportunities are available inside the national park and there are many free boondocking spots nearby as well.
Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site
Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974, the Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site covers just under 1,800 acres of land. This land was once home to bands of bands of Hidatsa Northern Plains Indians, who flourished here until a series of smallpox outbreaks decimated the population in 1837.
This landmark and national historic site is an important one to add to your list to gain a better understanding of the whole of our nation’s history.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Just north of the small town of Stanton and only about an hour northwest of Bismarck, this destination is near several attractions. These include North Dakota Heritage Center, Fahlgren Park State Recreation Area, Cross Ranch State Park, and Fort Stevenson State Park.
One of the best places to camp in the area is the Sakakawea City Park, which offers some hookups at a low rate.
North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum
Once you arrive in Bismarck, a bevy of urban adventures awaits you — not the least of which is the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum.
The largest museum in the entire state of North Dakota, this institution is actually made up of four museum galleries that preserve and interpret the state’s history. The exhibits start with the state’s geological formation more than 600 million years ago and follow its cultural and historical journey since then.
The museum boasts both permanent collections and rotating exhibits, all of which paint a comprehensive picture of North Dakota. These give visitors the opportunity to get better acquainted with the state whether they’re lifetime residents or mere weekend visitors.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
This museum is located just steps away from the capitol building in the heart of Bismarck. You could also pair this stop with a visit to nearby Lions Park or the Hillside Aquatic Complex if you’re visiting in summer.
Wondering about RV camping in the area? We recommend Bismarck KOA Journey.
Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park
Established back in 1907, Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park enjoys the distinction of being the oldest state park in all of North Dakota. On top of that, its location immediately south of Bismarck makes it convenient for many travelers.
While the park offers a wide range of outdoor recreational opportunities and adventure opportunities, the star of the show is its namesake fort, a reconstruction of a military post headed by General Custer himself. Because this outpost was set on the grounds that had once been inhabited by Native Americans, the park also offers plenty of insight into the lives of the Indians who called this place home first.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Within a 20-minute drive of Bismarck, Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park is near several things to do including Dakota Zoo.
This park easy to reach for those staying in town. It also offers RV campsites for those who want to escape the urban hustle-bustle.
Huff Archeological Site
Close to the bank of the Missouri River in the south-central part of North Dakota, the Huff Archeological Site is one of the best-preserved prehistoric Mandan villages in the world. The village was occupied starting around 1450 AD until approximately 200 years before Europeans came to these lands.
A rectangular village, this settlement included hundreds of lodges and was surrounded by a ditch, indicating those who lived here faced conflict. There is also evidence of defensive bastions and fortifications.
Visitors today can still see much of the layout of the settlement, and interpretive signage makes self-guided walking tours possible.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Another North Dakota historic landmark just a few miles outside of Bismarck, this one’s worth adding to your itinerary if you’re anywhere near town. You can also visit the many Bismarck attractions mentioned above.
Want more options for places to stay? Hillcrest Acres Campground is yet another great choice in the area.
Fargo Air Museum
Journey further east along the plains, and you’ll find yourself at a museum of, well… planes — the kind that soar through the air!
The two landmark hangars at the Fargo Air Museum contain a rotating selection of aircraft to get up, close, and personal with. From the Wright Brothers’ flyer to much more recent contributions to aviation history, there is something for everyone.
The site also hosts educational speakers, day-camps, seminars, and tours, as well as boasting one of the largest aviation libraries in all of the midwest. The majority of the planes exhibited here still do fly, and group tours with veteran pilots are available (though you’re also welcome to wander). Either way, you’re bound to learn some exciting new facts about the miracle of human flight.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
As its name suggests, this world-class museum is located within the boundaries of Fargo, North Dakota, a sprawling city with many things to see, do, eat and experience. In particular, we recommend the Red River Zoo and the Plains Art Museum.
Our favorite place to stay in Fargo is Lindenwood Park. This is a lovely city park with water and electricity at each site and relatively low rates.
Plains Art Museum
Another Fargo treasure, the Plains Art Museum was mentioned above for good reason. This amazing place is a repository of art objects from both local and international artists, which also has a special focus on regional Native American works and artifacts.
Both permanent and rotating collections draw thousands of visitors annually. To make a good thing better, the gardens and grounds offer beautiful, well-manicured flora, sculptural installations, and space for the many public events the museum hosts. Youth, adult, and family-oriented classes are also available to help you get hands-on with the creative process.
This museum is truly an important part of Fargo’s community, and a North Dakota landmark you don’t want to miss out on!
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Located in Fargo‘s happening downtown area, the Plains Art Museum is only steps away from the popular walking district on Broadway, which offers plenty of coffee shops, bars, restaurants and shops.
Need to get away from it all? Fort Ransom State Park is just a short drive away but will give you wide-open-spaces, solitude, and a great place to camp.
Red River Zoo
While it’s not the largest zoo in the state — that honor belongs to Bimarck’s Dakota Zoo — the Red River Zoo is a very special place for animal lovers. That’s because it specialized in the care and keeping of some of the rarest cold-climate species on earth, such as the sichuan takin, grey wolf, pallas cat and more.
Visitors get the opportunity to learn more about these unique species while also knowing their admission costs go toward their support and care. On top of that, special animal encounters are available to help you get even more up close and personal with certain critters, including the adorable red panda!
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Immediately adjacent to Fargo‘s Anderson Park, Red River Zoo makes for a great half-day in the city. Thanks to its limited size and scope, it can easily be paired with other must-sees such as the Roger Maris Museum.
Wondering where to stay? Buffalo River State Park isn’t too far away and offers a beautiful escape.
Bagg Bonanza Farm
Today, the extreme southeastern tip of North Dakota may seem desolate and even barren to the untrained eye. That said, in the early 20th century, these lands were cultivated into one of the most productive farms in U.S. history. Owned by Frederick A. and Sophia Bagg and known today as the Bagg Bonanza Farm, this site encompasses about 7,000 acres. Between 1915 and 1935 it operated with factory-like precision and output.
Designated both a national historic landmark and earning a place on the national register of historic places, this farm might be remote, but it’s a one-of-a-kind North Dakota landmark.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Located close to the place where North Dakota meets both Minnesota and South Dakota, Bagg Bonanza Farm is close to both Fort Ransom State Park and the Sheyenne National Grassland, which offer beautiful natural respites from the hectic pace of everyday life.
Kidder Recreation Area is a wonderful place to park your rig while you explore the farm as well as all the other things the area has to offer.
Planning an RV Trip to North Dakota
Planning an RV trip to North Dakota to see all these landmarks and more? Great idea — we’re here to help! We’ve got you covered when it comes to the best campgrounds and state parks ND has to offer. From Bismarck to Fargo and everywhere in between, enjoy your trip!
