Visiting North Dakota

Dubbed as the “Peace Garden State,” the North Dakota landscape blooms with Wild Prairie Roses as spring and summer roll through. From Bismarck, and Mandan, to Dickinson and Fargo – there’s an array of sights and attractions for North Dakota explorers. Head into Bismarck, the state capital, and tour the North Dakota State Capitol building for historical perspectives, or take in a live performance of Cinderella, at the Belle Mehus Auditorium, on May 19 or 20. Fargo is home to North Dakota State University, and on May 17-19, be sure to watch or participate in the 8th annual Scheels Fargo Marathon, beginning at the FargoDome.

With attractive, diverse, and fun cities, North Dakota welcomes it’s spring and summer visitors. Be sure to explore Mandan, the home of Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park – a perfect location to plan a hike or a family picnic.

Enjoy a series of free summer concerts in Mandan, during the Mandan Summer Bandshell Concerts held at Dykshoorn Park, June 4 – August 23. You’ll want to visit Mandan’s Main Street on June 9 and 10, for the Buggies-n-Blues, a fun festival. Complete with car shows, the Eggers Audio Stereo Crank Up competition, and performances from the Randy James Band, and the Front Fenders, Buggies-n-Blues is a local event of legendary proportions – don’t miss out.

West of Mandan is Dickinson, the home of Dickinson State University. Sports fans traveling through Dickinson make plans to visit the Southside Ballpark, home of the Dickinson State University Blue Hawks baseball team. Plan for April 19, when the Blue Hawks face in-state rival Minot State University.

Dickinson visitors not looking for sports are sure to visit the Dakota Dinosaur Museum. Take the family and explore this 13,400 sq. ft. museum, complete with 11 full-scale dinosaur skeletons and models. Just as exciting, and slightly less educational is the NIRA DSU Blue Hawk Roughrider Ropaganza, a horseback riding competition, scheduled for May 6 at the DSU Indoor Arena.

Just minutes from Mandan is Bismarck. Many travelers visit the capital of North Dakota for fun along the Mississippi River. Head to Lot D of the Bismarck Civic Center on June 14-16 for the 5th Annual Rip Roarin’ Ribfest – three days of local smoke and grill masters cooking up award winning rib recipes.

Fargo is a popular and eclectic border city in the eastern region of North Dakota. Head to Newman Outdoor Field and watch as the North Dakota State University Bison baseball team play the University of Oakland Golden Grizzlies on May 11, the first of a four-game series.

North Dakota Hotel Map