Explore > North Dakota > Welcome to North Dakota
welcome header

Welcome to North Dakota

The Peace Garden State invites you to follow in the footsteps of legends. Embark on the same paths Lewis and Clark traversed centuries ago. Discover the rugged Badlands that inspired Teddy Roosevelt to create the National Park Service. As one of North America’s great, undiscovered gems, North Dakota’s uncrowded spaces give you room to roam.

close up of pink flower

State Flower: Wild Prairie Rose. Getty Images

Cultural Communities

Looking for a great introduction to North Dakota? Start at Fargo, which sits on the banks of the Red River, forming the state’s eastern border with Minnesota. Uncover the city’s Scandinavian origins at the Hjemkomst Center, view outstanding Native American works at the Plains Art Museum or take a journey back in time at the Bonanzaville pioneer village. Fans of the movie “Fargo” can even see the famous wood chipper and other film props at the Fargo-Moorhead Visitors Center. If you’re visiting in September, head west along Interstate 94 to Bismarck for the United Tribes Technical College International Powwow, a renowned dance and drum competition showcasing thousands of participants across 70 tribes.

Come in Peace

Straddling the border with Canada is the International Peace Garden. It was created to celebrate the friendship between the two nations and features a tower, flower clock, conservatory and hiking trails. There’s even a wildlife refuge with deer, moose and other wildlife.

Kayaking and Canoeing on the Red River

North Dakota Tourism

Raw Badlands Beauty

Every North Dakota itinerary leads to Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Drive through its 70,000-acre expanse to experience the haunting beauty of the Badlands, winding rivers and jagged canyons. Slow down and you may even see free-roaming bison grazing in the distance. Popular stops within the park include the Painted Canyon and Roosevelt’s re-stored Maltese Cross Cabin.