Central ND News

Travelers are being encouraged to explore North Dakota through a variety of curated itineraries that highlight the state’s mix of creative cities and scenic landscapes. The suggestions, promoted by North Dakota tourism officials, offer three-day trips in several cities, each with its own cultural and outdoor experiences.

In Fargo, visitors can find local art in downtown areas filled with murals, boutiques, and cafés. Accommodations such as the Jasper Hotel serve as a base for exploring Main and Broadway. Travelers are directed to enjoy coffee at Young Blood Coffee Roasters, meals inspired by local heritage at Prairie Kitchen at 701 Eateries, and contemporary art at the Plains Art Museum. Evening options include dining at Mezzaluna and visiting Drekker Brewing Company.

Bismarck presents a blend of history and modern attractions. Guests might stay at the Hampton Inn & Suites Bismarck for easy access to sites like Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park, where they can view reconstructed Mandan earthlodges and historical homes along the Missouri River. Local pizza from Fireflour Pizza is recommended for lunch, followed by visits to the Dakota Zoo or walks along the Missouri Riverwalk. In the evening, Laughing Sun Brewing Co. offers live music.

For breakfast in Bismarck on another day, Copper Dog Cafe is suggested before heading to the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum for exhibits on fossils and state history. Later activities could include visiting Thomas & Moriarty’s cocktail bar.

Minot is highlighted as “the Magic City,” emphasizing its Scandinavian heritage with destinations like Kroll’s Diner for traditional fare and the Scandinavian Heritage Park featuring Nordic replicas. The Starving Rooster serves wood-fired flatbreads for lunch before outdoor exploration at Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge or sampling beers at Atypical Brewery & Barrelworks.

The following day in Minot begins with Prairie Sky Breads bakery before families head to the Magic City Discovery Center—offering more than 150 hands-on STEAM exhibits—and then dinner at Ironhorse Kitchen & Bar. Visitors are also encouraged to see Union Silos, a 135-foot mural completed earlier this month by artist Guidon Van Helten.

Grand Forks offers riverfront views with accommodations such as Olive Ann Hotel near parks and public art installations along the Greenway trail. Urban Stampede Coffeehouse provides morning refreshments before stops at Rhombus Guys pizza or Empire Arts Center later in the day. Half Brothers Brewing Co., Widman’s Candy Shop, and events like UND hockey games round out city highlights.

Medora caters to those seeking Badlands scenery and western culture with stays at Rough Riders Hotel followed by drives through Theodore Roosevelt National Park or hikes on local trails such as Coal Vein or Petrified Forest Trails. Dining options include Cowboy Cafe and Badlands Pizza while evening entertainment features shows like “Cash vs. The King” until early November 2025 or lantern tours of Château de Mores.

According to organizers: "Every North Dakota community tells its story through flavor, adventure, and the people who make visitors feel like neighbors." They add: "Whether you’re sipping craft beer in a historic district, tracing trails through the badlands, or watching the sunset glow over the Missouri River, you’ll leave with a deeper connection to this legendary land and a feeling that North Dakota already feels like home."

Further information about planning travel within North Dakota is available on NDtourism.com.