Plan An Affordable North Dakota Vacation

By Anita Ortega


Although the words 'North Dakota' probably don't spring instantly to mind when you think 'vacation destination', maybe they should. This large state has so many attractions that you and your family could spend years exploring it in two-week spurts. In addition, the cost of spending time in ND is surprisingly affordable, so maybe it's time to plan a North Dakota vacation.

Most of us probably know a little about this northwestern state, like it has the Badlands and a lot of natural gas. However, there's much, much more to know. Like: more wildlife refuges than any other state (63); great fishing in the Red River, Lake Sakakawea, and Devil's Lake; great ski areas and golf courses; and historic sites like the Knife River Indian Villages and dozens of ghost towns.

ND cities have all the shopping, dining, urban downtown tourist areas, and nightlife that you could want. The Dakota Zoo in the capital city of Bismark is always a treat. Many shops feature authentic North American handicrafts; some great gift shops are connected with the casinos. Whether you are traveling for pleasure or with a business group, you should make an effort to see the urban sights.

If you want scenery, it's hard to imagine anything more breathtaking than the scenic overlooks on the Theodore Roosevelt National Park North Unit, a fourteen-mile drive through the Badlands. This barren area of dry washes and deep gullies carved out of the mountains is incredible; you may never have seen anything like it. There are over 60 ghost towns inside the Badlands, as well as hiking trails and the Pioneer Trails Regional Museum. The Frontier Museum at Williston is just outside the boundaries of what many different people groups called the 'bad lands to cross'.

Photography is a thrill for visitors to ND. There's another reason besides the scenery. ND is right in the middle of the Central Flyway used by millions of migratory birds. June in ND is considered a must for serious birders. There are specially-marked drives and trails that give great opportunities to see many species that stop off in the wetlands of central ND. Some refuges have blinds so photographers can get close to feeding and mating birds.

Many tourists rent a cabin for their stay. You can also stay at a resort lodge, where the emphasis is on comfortable rusticity, or you can find a more conventional motel. There are camping sites in the national and state parks, if you really want to rough it. Hiking, cycling, hunting, fishing year round, canoeing, kayaking, and fossil hunts are popular daytime activities.

There are attractively-priced vacation packages, especially good if you haven't visited this area before. They include accommodations and some meals, as well as access to major attractions and activities. Even golf is affordable in this state.

Although you may be used to beaches, Disneyland, or cruise ships when it comes to vacations, you really should check out ND for a change of pace. There are many large and regional airports near major attractions. If you like the great outdoors, wildlife, and history, you'll love the 39th (or was it the 40th?) state. If you prefer Vegas-style casinos, shopping, museums, or driving in your climate-controlled car through majestic landscapes, ND is a great place for those activities, too.




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