Your ND Roadtrip
A Legendary guide to North Dakota
by  | May 23, 2024
Roll out for a legendary road trip in North Dakota!
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Roam the natural beauty of the Badlands, uncover the rich history of the Three Affiliated Tribes at MHA Nation, and soak in the small-town charm with big-city amenities in Minot. Round off your journey by soaking in the beauty of the International Peace Garden. So saddle up and get ready for the road trip of a lifetime!
Medora
This place speaks to you, the same way it spoke to a young Theodore Roosevelt. It’s the way the horizon expands. The way an afternoon moves at its own good time. The way the lights of the Medora Musical don’t hold a candle to the shine of the stars on stage. This place may be a tiny dot on the map. But, by the time you leave, it’ll hold a big place in your heart.
7:30 AM | Sunrise in the Saddle
Start your day the cowboy way! Take in the sunrise with a Trail Ride through the Badlands, led by the Medora Riding Stables.
9:30 AM | Brunch and a Show
Meet Teddy Roosevelt himself or get inspired at the Medora Gospel Brunch – two incredible shows served up alongside a buffet of breakfast favorites.
11:30 AM | Into the Badlands
Hit the trail or the tee box. Play a round at Bully Pulpit Golf Course, just voted USA Today’s #1 Public Course, where fairways wind through buttes, bluffs, and breathtaking views. Or take the scenic drive through Theodore Roosevelt National Park, the very land that shaped a president and a nation’s conservation legacy.
3:30 PM | Afternoon in Town
Cool off with a cone from Sheriff Bear’s or the Fudge & Ice Cream Depot. Catch a show at the Old Town Hall Theater or browse local shops for gifts, gear, and keepsakes.
5:15 PM | Pitchfork Steak Fondue
Dinner’s served, cowboy-style at the Pitchfork Steak Fondue. Watch your steak sizzle on a pitchfork and enjoy it with all the fixings, live music, and sweeping Badlands views – all just steps from the Medora Musical.
6:30 PM | Backstage Pass
Get a peek behind the curtain with a Medora Musical Behind the Scenes Tour. Step on stage, learn the history, and see how this one-of-a-kind show comes to life.
7:30 PM | The Medora Musical
The Medora Musical is the main event! High kicks, history, and horses take center stage in this high-energy, family-friendly variety show under the stars. With toe-tapping tunes, variety acts, and a firework finale, it’s a summer tradition you won’t want to miss.
Where to Stay
For western history with a touch of luxury, stay at the Rough Riders Hotel. Or camp in style in a Conestoga Wagon at the Medora Campground – a glamping experience that brings the pioneer spirit to life.
MHA Nation
See what the explorers Lewis and Clark saw, when they stayed with the Mandan/Hidatsa/Arikara Tribes! Immerse yourself in the rich history of these tribes by exploring the Earth Lodge Village and Tipis. Nestled along beautiful Lake Sakakawea, this spot offers hiking, biking, and launches for canoes or kayaks. Tour through the new Interpretive Center and Museum to learn about life today.
Minot
Escape the ordinary and immerse yourself in experiencing Minot, the ultimate destination for adventure-seekers and relaxation enthusiasts alike. Explore our vibrant downtown scene or hike through breathtaking landscapes. Enjoy thrilling attractions, like the new Magic City Discovery Center, beloved Roosevelt Park Zoo, or the cultural experiences found at Norsk Hostfest and Scandinavian Heritage Park.
8:00 AM | Breakfast in Minot
Freshly baked artisan breads and pastries crafted with North Dakota grains pair with coffee creations at the cozy Prairie Sky Breads café. European-style baked goods and savory crepes make Minot’s Daily Bread a warm, welcoming stop. Grab gourmet bagels and on‑site roasted coffee from Broadway Bean & Bagel, with a convenient drive‑thru for a quick stop.
9:00 AM | Heritage & Habitats
See a full-scale stave church, a 27‑foot Dala horse, and more at the free 14‑acre Scandinavian Heritage Park—a favorite for couples and families. Then head to Roosevelt Park Zoo, where giraffe feedings, zookeeper chats, and lions, tigers, red pandas, and more make it a fun stop for all ages.
11:00 AM | Public Art in Downtown Minot
Hang out at Citizens Alley, a public plaza lined with murals that sometimes hosts live music. See the large‑scale mural painted on all four sides of Union Silos, and spot more than 25 other murals—including the Why Not, Minot mural—created by local artists throughout downtown, a lively hub for shopping and dining.
12:30 PM | Break for Lunch
Wood‑fired pizzas, stacked sandwiches, and craft cocktails make The Starving Rooster a favorite. Fresh house‑made salsas and classic dishes await at Mi Mexico, where the 21+ rooftop patio is a great spot to relax. Bones BBQ serves smoked daily meats with signature in‑house sauces in a casual, family‑friendly setting.
2:00 PM | STEAM & Skies
Hands‑on exhibits across three levels—from water play to engineering challenges—fill the Magic City Discovery Center, a children’s museum and hybrid science center for ages one to 100. Airworthy vintage aircraft, memorabilia, and aviation stories from local to national scale await at the Dakota Territory Air Museum.
5:00 PM | Dinner in Minot
Chef‑curated meals and handcrafted cocktails come together at Ironhorse Kitchen + Bar in a modern setting. Steaks, burgers, and hearty comfort food are the focus at Badlands Restaurant & Bar, a convenient family‑friendly option near the mall. Casual pub fare and a lively atmosphere define Ebeneezer’s Eatery & Irish Pub, which offers a kid-friendly dining side.
6:30 PM | Craft & Cork
Creative small‑batch brews and barrel‑aged sours pour in the cozy taproom at Atypical Brewery & Barrelworks. Sample wines to find your perfect glass at Off The Vine, where tapas, desserts, and small plates round out the evening.
8:30 PM | Sunset Hike at the Outdoor Recreation Area
At Minot Outdoor Recreation Area, trails wind through native prairie grasses, with accessible paved loops and dirt paths so travelers of all abilities and energy levels can enjoy the evening.
Where to Stay
Choose from 20+ hotels with amenities like indoor pools, complimentary hot breakfast, and pet‑friendly rooms. Or camp at Roughrider Campground with easy river access, or Mellow Moose Campground, which also has a rentable cabin.
International Peace Garden
Nestled along the Canadian border is a garden. A celebration of peace, a living monument to the ideals of friendship and cooperation among nations. Acres of uninterrupted prairie, forests, and radiant floral gardens are defined by nature, not borders.
LITTLE PICTURES. BIG MOMENTS.