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If you would like to hear more- click the links to see posts about the individual stops
If you would like to hear more about a destination- click the link to see the corresponding post about the individual stops
Falls Park was an awesome stop with nice paths and beautiful views. It also had a little gift shop and was a great stop to stretch the legs and run after spending so much time in the car.
Badlands National Park- a must see if you go the Black Hills Region!! Check out the post about Day 2 of the trip to find out which hikes you absolutely have to do if you are in the area.
Crazy Horse Memorial was one of my favorite stops on the trip. Depending on when you go, you can learn and watch tribal dance demonstrations and even be taken up to the hand of Crazy Horse. Don’t forget to eat at the restaurant!
Prairie Edge Trading Company is not only a store filled with many items like herbs and Native American pieces in addition to more touristy things like shirts and keychains, it also contains an art gallery for your enjoyment.
Wall Drug is one of the best known roadside attractions. It is filled with stores and restaurants and photo opportunities. Everyone should go at least once!
Minuteman Missile National Historic Site is made of three separate areas. The visitor center where you can watch a video, learn through the exhibit area, and speak to volunteers (many of which had worked the sites when they were active). There is also the Delta-9 missile silo and the Delta-1 Launch Control Facility. If you want a tour of Delta-1 make sure to book it months in advance as it fills quickly.
Theodore Roosevelt Show- this was another favorite of mine. This man did an amazing job bringing Teddy Roosevelt to Life and everybody should see him perform!
Fort Union Trading Post was the most important fur trade post in the area in the mid 1800’s. They have reenactors in different parts of the site to educate you how trades would happen back then along with life in general at that time. They also have a nice little shop area filled with cool souvenirs to buy.
Knife Indian River Village has several trails you can walk where you can see imprints and other signs left from different Indian villages. The museum has several exhibits where you can learn more about the history of the Native Americans in the area. There is also a reconstructed Earth Lodge that you can explore.
22.Wally the Walleye“World’s Largest Walleye” in Garrison, North Dakota
“Wally” is a nice stop to stretch the legs while on a road trip.
23. Salem Sue“ World’s Largest Holstein Cow” in New Salem, North Dakota
“Sue” is at the top of a decent hill so you can get a nice little cardio session to break up the road trip.
Tiffany M. Smith is a retired zookeeper, passionate pet owner, and obsessive traveler who loves to show pet owners how to have happy, healthy pets and amazing adventures!
The Beyond the Battle Museum helps visitors understand the role of the town throughout history, with a focus on the Civil War. Don’t miss their top 4-D exhibit!
Booking a Bar Harbor Nature Cruise? Learn more about the Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co. before you buy tickets. Use our tips to make sure you have the best experience!
For the perfect summer trip with friends, book your adventure group vacation in Lansing, West Virginia for an amazing time white water rafting and more!
Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park is a great stop for everyone with trails, a lookout tower, confederate cemetery, Civil War Museum, and even some ghosts!
If you like cryptozoology, then you should visit the Mothman Museum. Learn about the Mothman and the tragic Silver Bridge collapse. (And it’s dog-friendly!)
19 Comments
Amazing places to visit a spend time seeing some beautiful landscapes and great people too! I love traveling through both in the summer!
We visited a few of these when we were there in October. We are planning to go back in July. You’ve given me great ideas of things to do while we are there.
Wow that’s a long list! I lived in Cheyenne Wyoming for 4 years and went to a couple of these places but good to know for the future all there is to do in this area!!
When I was looking at colleges I was convinced I wanted to go to school in Fargo. I quickly realized that as a Floridian I would probably freeze to death. Unfortunately, after that realization I haven’t made it up to ND and SD, yet. I’m itching to visit, though!
Amazing places to visit a spend time seeing some beautiful landscapes and great people too! I love traveling through both in the summer!
We visited a few of these when we were there in October. We are planning to go back in July. You’ve given me great ideas of things to do while we are there.
Wow that’s a long list! I lived in Cheyenne Wyoming for 4 years and went to a couple of these places but good to know for the future all there is to do in this area!!
What a great list. I of course want to visit Mount Rushmore, but also Theodore Roosevelt Park and the giant buffalo too.
I would love to go back and go through the Buffalo museum next time I am driving through that area!
I have been to a few of these place but I need to go to the buffalo!!! That is awesome!
Wow so many cool looking places!
So many fun places it’s hard to choose! But I like Storybook Island and Petrified Gardens!
I would LOVE to go to the Dakotas! So much awesome nature 😍
I’m saving all your info, in case I ever get to the Dakotas – thanks! Very inspiring!
Custard state park is one I whish we would if made time for when we were there. We did the reptile yand it was so much fun!
I should have scheduled more time for Custer but there was so much to do and so little time!
The western US is so interesting and different from the east coast.
Such great tips! I plan on visiting there with my teens after school lets out next summer!
So many great places to visit! We have yet to visit the Dakotas, so will be pinning this for future! Thank you!
So many great places to plan an adventure and explore!
This is an area I always wanted to visit. I’ll skip the reptile gardens though.
When I was looking at colleges I was convinced I wanted to go to school in Fargo. I quickly realized that as a Floridian I would probably freeze to death. Unfortunately, after that realization I haven’t made it up to ND and SD, yet. I’m itching to visit, though!
They are definitely worth a trip! 🙂