Central ND News

Travelers interested in exploring North Dakota can find a range of experiences that highlight both the state’s creative urban centers and its natural landscapes. Several cities, including Fargo, Bismarck, Minot, Grand Forks, and Medora, offer curated itineraries for visitors seeking local culture, food, and outdoor activities.

In Fargo, downtown features murals, boutiques, and cafes with a local touch. The Jasper Hotel serves as a base for exploring Main and Broadway. Visitors can enjoy coffee at Young Blood Coffee Roasters before browsing galleries and shops. Lunch at Prairie Kitchen offers dishes inspired by Scandinavian, German, and Native American flavors. Attractions such as Forest River Park and the Plains Art Museum are available for afternoon visits. Evening options include dining at Mezzaluna or visiting Drekker Brewing Company.

Bismarck combines history with local flavor. Guests often stay at the Hampton Inn & Suites Bismarck for convenient access to sites like North Dakota’s Gateway to Science. Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park offers reconstructed Mandan earthlodges and views along the Missouri River. Dining options include Fireflour Pizza and Gideon’s Brewing Company downtown. Other attractions are the Dakota Zoo and Missouri Riverwalk. Evenings feature live music at Laughing Sun Brewing Co., while mornings can start with breakfast at Copper Dog Cafe followed by a visit to the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum.

Minot emphasizes its Scandinavian heritage through places like Kroll’s Diner and the Scandinavian Heritage Park, which has replicas representing Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden. Lunch is available at The Starving Rooster before heading north to Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge for hiking or birdwatching. Craft beer fans can visit Atypical Brewery & Barrelworks before staying overnight at SPARK hotel. The Magic City Discovery Center offers STEAM-focused exhibits for families; Ironhorse Kitchen & Bar provides dinner in a downtown setting featuring comfort food and cocktails. The city is also home to Union Silos mural by Guidon Van Helten.

Grand Forks offers art and riverfront activities from a base at Olive Ann Hotel near Greenway trail. Urban Stampede Coffeehouse is recommended for morning coffee before walking along the Red River among parks and public art installations. Lunch options include Rhombus Guys pizza with rooftop views; cultural stops feature Empire Arts Center or Half Brothers Brewing Co., while Widman’s Candy Shop provides sweets like chocolate “Chippers.” Visitors during game weekends may attend UND hockey games at Ralph Engelstad Arena.

Medora serves as an entry point to Theodore Roosevelt National Park via South Unit Scenic Loop Drive or trails such as Coal Vein or Petrified Forest Trails for views of badlands terrain. Accommodations include Rough Riders Hotel; meals are available at Theodore’s Dining Room or Cowboy Cafe. Activities range from indoor/outdoor fun in Point-to-Point Park to matinees of “Cash vs. The King” until November 2, 2025; evening tours include Lantern Tour at Château de Mores followed by wine tasting at Medora Uncorked.

The state tourism office encourages visitors to explore more trip planning resources on their website: NDtourism.com.

"Every North Dakota community tells its story through flavor, adventure, and the people who make visitors feel like neighbors," according to the press release.