Home to over 50,000 people, it’s one of the largest cities in North Dakota. Grand Forks brings together that Great Plains charm with the unique experiences of the northern states. In fact, there’s a surprising diversity of things to do in Grand Forks that might surprise you.

If you’re passing through Grand Forks or something brings you there for a longer stay, don’t worry: you’ll find plenty of things to do during your visit. From the arts, culture, and history to outdoor activities and hockey – of course! – here are the best things to do in Grand Forks.

In this post, I promote travel to a destination that is the traditional lands of the Michif Piyii (Métis), Anishinabewaki ᐊᓂᔑᓈᐯᐗᑭ, Sisseton, Očhéthi Šakówiŋ peoples. With respect, I make a formal land acknowledgment, extending my appreciation and respect to the past and present people of these lands. To learn more about the peoples who call these lands home, I invite you to explore Native Land.

This post was originally published in March 2021, and was updated most recently in April 2023.

1. Empire Arts Center

Contemporary plays and musicals are alive and well in the state of North Dakota, particularly at The Empire Arts Center. This charming performing arts theatre is unique to the state of North Dakota. ETC is the only professional theatre company in the state that produces a full season of productions.

Since 2012, ETC has produced eight seasons of plays that thrill and excite thousands of North Dakotans. It continues to be one of the top things to do in Grand Forks if a show is playing while you’re there!

In 2023, the program includes visiting performances from companies like the North Dakota Ballet Company as well as film series (like one dedicated to Stanley Kubrick) and open mic/jam session nights for live music.

2. Flood Memorial Monument

The Flood Memorial Monument is located in the Greater Grand Forks Greenway. It is home to 2,200 acres of trails, benches, bike paths, and beautiful scenery. Sitting on a small plot of land next to the Sorlie Bridge, this monument pays tribute to the many lives displaced and catastrophic floods of the Red River (one as recent as 1997).

Visitors will find this monument a place of reflection and space to pay tribute; the perfect thing to do in Grand Forks.

3. Hockey at Ralph Engelstad Arena

Take some time to enjoy one of North Dakota’s favorite ice sports, hockey! Playing in one of the finest hockey facilities in the world, Ralph Englestad Arena aka “The Ralph,” the “Fighting Hawks” has a “perfect record” for fun times, and remains one of the top things to do in Grand Forks.

4. Japanese Gardens

Located in Sertoma Park is one of the most beautiful places Grand Forks’ has to offer, the Japanese Garden. Gifted from the people of Awano, Japan, this garden has created a special place to enjoy nature. Here you’ll find Ali’s Playground and the three lanterns made of natural granite rocks (each with its own name and significant meaning behind it), as well as plenty of space to relax and unwind.

This park is a must-see for locals and tourists alike when visiting Grand Forks. 

5. North Dakota Museum of Art

They say that through the arts we will find the soul of education. The North Dakota Museum of Art is a special place for just that. Here, you will find yourself immersed in contemporary art created by Native American and international artists. Common mediums you’ll see come in the form of textiles, ceramics, and paintings.

Additionally, this museum also has a gorgeous outdoor peony and sculpture garden. This is year-round fun and one of the great things to do in Grand Forks.

6. River Cities Speedway

You don’t have to be a racing fanatic to visit the River Cities Speedway. Here on the track, everyone is welcome to enjoy one of the premier things to do in Grand Forks: watching a race on the motor speedway seasonally at the River Cities Speedway.

In 2023, the season kicks off on May 5th and runs through September 15th; it’s high adrenaline, high-speed entertainment!

7. Seasonal Outdoor Activities

North Dakota is home to some of the most spectacular seasons in the country providing ample snowfall and well-deserved summers. Depending on your preferences, each of these seasons provides spectacular views and fun activities. Weather permitting, Grand Forks hosts ice skating, view-filled walks, or college football at the University of North Dakota. 

8. Splasher’s of the South Seas Water Park

When the weather turns cold – as it does in North Dakota – an indoor water park is one of those perfect things to do in Grand Forks. With over 40,000 square feet of water-based fun including slides, a lazy pool, and a kids-only dedicated area, Splashers of the South Seas Water Park has everything your family needs to enjoy some fun indoors whether it’s due to cold weather or just a change of scenely.

Where to Stay in Grand Forks

If you need a place to stay in Grand Forks, here are a few suggestions. These are great options in the downtown area that will give you easy access to these things to do in Grand Forks.

• C’mon Inn Hotel & Suites – from $71/night (book on Booking.com or Hotels.com)
• Knights Inn Grand Forks – from $42/night (book on Booking.com or Hotels.com)
• AmericInn by Wyndham, Grand Forks – from $62/night (book on Booking.com or Hotels.com)

There are plenty of vacation rentals in Grand Forks, too, if that’s how you prefer to stay.

Do you have other questions about visiting Grand Forks, North Dakota? Let me know in the comments!

There are five national parks in the Great Plains states; each offers a unique and awe-inspiring experience of the beauty in this part of the country. You might be surprised to note that Mount Rushmore is not on this list, but the five natural locations that are here have definitely earned their spots.

Whether you call the Great Plains home or are passing through and want to marvel at these places, here’s a quick guide to each of the national parks in the Great Plains. Over the next few months, we’ll also add links to more in-depth guides to visit each one.

Note: This post lists the national parks in the Great Plains from north to south!

In this post, I promote travel to destinations that are the traditional lands of the Hunkpapa, Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara, Michif Piyii (Métis), Cheyenne, Očhéthi Šakówiŋ, Mnicoujou, Ndé Kónitsąąíí Gokíyaa (Lipan Apache), and Mescalero Apache peoples. With respect, I make a formal land acknowledgment, extending my appreciation and respect to the past and present people of these lands. To learn more about the peoples who call these lands home, I invite you to explore Native Land.

This post was originally published in March 2021, and was updated in April 2023.

1. Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota

North Dakota‘s only national park, Theodore Roosevelt National Park is named after the president who visited this part of the Dakota Territory in 1883. His experiences here, living on the frontier, helped inspire his personal passion for environmental preservation and the eventual National Park Service created by his successor, President Woodrow Wilson.

Theodore Roosevelt National Park is home to rugged scenery – rolling grasslands, hills, and rock formations, cut through by the Little Missouri River.

One of the most popular things to do is drive one of the two scenic park roads (there’s one in each part of the park, north and south), but you can certainly strike out one of the park’s 19 designated trails. Don’t forget to keep an eye out for wildlife, especially the bison that drew young Teddy to this region almost 150 years ago.

Details of Theodore Roosevelt National Park:

• Theodore Roosevelt National Park is open year-round.
• Admission is $30 per vehicle and is good for 7 days. (You can also use an America the Beautiful Pass instead.)
• There are two campgrounds inside the park: Cottonwood Campground & Juniper Campground. Half the sites in the southern unit campground (Cottonwood) are available for reservation; the rest are first-come, first-serve.
• For hotels, there is an AmericInn in the town of Medora, ND, as well as the locally-owned Rough Riders Hotel and Badlands Motel, and a few others in town.

Read about the other national park units in North Dakota, too.

2. Badlands National Park, South Dakota

Badlands National Park is the most-visited national park in the Great Plains states. This is partly because of its proximity to Mount Rushmore, which receives 3 million visitors annually!

Badlands National Park, unlike Mount Rushmore, protects unaltered natural stone formations in South Dakota as well as surrounding grasslands and the wildlife that live in this area.

The rock formations in Badlands National Park – called buttes and spires – were formed by deposition and erosion. Rocks in Badlands National Park were deposited in the area as much as 75 million years ago. Through wind and water erosion, they began to wear away just 500,00 years ago. It only took half a million years to create the rocky spires and shapes we see today!

Obviously seeing these fantastic formations is the main attraction for visiting Badlands National Park. You can follow Badlands Loop Road (South Dakota Highway 240) to see fossil beds, try to spot wildlife, and admire the scenery. Be sure to stop at Big Badlands Overlook, the Ben Reifel Visitor Center, and the Fossil Exhibit Trailhead. If you decide to stay overnight inside the park, stargazing is another popular activity.

Details of Badlands National Park:

• Badlands National Park is open year-round.
• Admission is $30 per vehicle and is good for 7 days. (You can also use an America the Beautiful Pass instead.)
• There are two official campgrounds in Badlands, called Cedar Pass and Sage Creek campgrounds. You can also go backcountry camping.
• Within the park, there is one hotel: the Cedar Pass Lodge. Just outside the park near Interior, South Dakota, you can also stay at the Badlands Inn or Badlands Motel.

3. Wind Cave National Park, South Dakota

South Dakota is the only state in the Great Plains with two national parks: Badlands and Wind Cave National Park.

Located in the southwest corner of the state, Wind Cave National Park is one of the oldest national parks in the country. It was originally established in 1903 – before the National Park Service! Above ground, Wind Cave National Park protects rolling grasslands and forested hills, but as the name suggests, it’s what’s underground that draws most visitors.

Wind Cave is home to one of the longest and most complex caves in the world; more interestingly, it has “barometric winds” at the cave entrance, caused by temperature differences between the air above ground and under it. Wind Cave is also home to a special type of crystal formation called boxwork. Wind Cave is a unique, fascinating cave to visit (as caves go!).

The best thing to do at Wind Cave National Park is to take a cave tour. These are guided by park rangers and teach you how to responsibly visit and appreciate the wonders of the cave.

Unfortunately, cave tours were suspended at Wind Cave in 2019, and haven’t re-opened due to the ongoing pandemic. Check back for updates once they’re offered again.

Details of Wind Cave National Park:

• Wind Cave National Park is open year-round.
• It’s free to explore the park above ground; when cave tours are running, they cost $10-$30 for adults and $5-$6 for children, depending on the tour.
• There is one main campground at Wind Cave, called Elk Mountain Campground. The 62-site campground is first-come, first-served.
• The two nearest towns are Hot Springs, SD (15 minutes south) and Custer, SD (25 minutes north), where you can find more amenities if you need a hotel or meal.

4. Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico

Located on the far western edge of the Great Plains, Carlsbad Caverns National Park neighbors Guadeloupe Mountains National Park – the two straddle the New Mexico-Texas state line. Until late 2019, Carlsbad Caverns was the only national park in New Mexico. (This changed when White Sands was elevated from national monument to national park status.)

Like Wind Cave, Carlsbad Caverns is a national park that’s focused more on the natural wonders underground instead of those on top of it. The national park includes a system of 119 caves and caverns; the best thing to do in Carlsbad Caverns National Park is obviously to explore the caverns!

You can do a self-guided exploration of two main parts of the caverns (the Big Room and the Green Lake Room), with different formations and difficulty levels. Or, if you want to explore even more, ranger-led programs take you into other parts of the cave system. Ranger-led tours have restarted post-pandemic, which are fantastic and well worth the work to plan ahead and get a reservation.

Carlsbad Caverns also has great programs at sunset and sunrise – focused on the local bat populations – and for stargazing once the sun is gone each day.

Details of Carlsbad Caverns National Park:

• The caverns are open from 8am to 5pm daily all year, with the exception of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s days.
• Admission to Carlsbad Caverns is $15 for adults (free for kids under 15), and the pass is good for three days. (You can also use an America the Beautiful Pass instead.)
• There are no formal campgrounds at Carlsbad Cavern National Park, but you can go backcountry camping with a free permit you can get at the visitor center.
• The nearest hotel is White’s City Cavern Inn in White’s City, NM, seven miles from the caverns. There are numerous options in Carlsbad, NM which is 20 miles from the caverns.

5. Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas

The final national park in the Great Plains is Guadalupe Mountains National Park, located at the southern end of the same Guadalupe Mountains that contain Carlsbad Caverns. Similarly, this national park is on the edge of the Great Plains; the landscape is somewhat different than you’ll find further north in the Great Plains region.

Guadalupe Mountains National Park offers a lot of diversity to explore: a Permian fossil reef that dates back over 250 million years, four of Texas’ tallest mountain peaks, and a combination of deserts, dunes, and canyons.

Hiking is the most popular activity in Guadalupe Mountains; be sure to keep your eyes peeled for wildlife (javelinas! tons of birds!). The park also draws lots of visitors each fall for the fantastic leaf colors you can see in the park. There are also a number of historic ranches in the park for those more interested in “modern” history (compared with fossils!).

Details of Guadalupe Mountains National Park:

• Guadalupe Mountains National Park is open year-round.
• The admission fee is $10 per person to enter the national park. (You can also use an America the Beautiful Pass instead.)
• There are two campgrounds in Guadalupe Mountains National Park: Pine Springs and Dog Canyon campgrounds. Both are first-come, first-served sites.
• Accommodation is limited near the park; the nearest hotel is White’s City Cavern Inn in White’s City, NM. (This makes it logical to combine a trip to Carlsbad Caverns and the Guadalupe Mountains and stay the whole time there!)

Which of these national parks do you want to visit – or are all five on your Great Plains bucket list? Let us know any questions in the comments!

While most people do a “fly over” of the Great Plains states, there’s so much to explore on the ground. Read to learn about some of the best roadside attractions in the Great Plains states, from New Mexico to Nebraska and all the other states too.

In this post, I promote travel to destinations that are the traditional lands of the Ndé Kónitsąąíí Gokíyaa (Lipan Apache), Jicarilla Apache, Nʉmʉnʉʉ(Comanche), Mescalero Apache, Kiikaapoi (Kickapoo), 𐓏𐒰𐓓𐒰𐓓𐒷 𐒼𐓂𐓊𐒻 𐓆𐒻𐒿𐒷 𐓀𐒰^𐓓𐒰^(Osage), Caddo, Cherokee (Oklahoma), O-ga-xpa Ma-zhoⁿ (O-ga-xpa), Očhéthi Šakówiŋ, Apsaalooké (Crow), Cheyenne, Yankton, Washtáge Moⁿzháⁿ (Kaw / Kansa), [Gáuigú (Kiowa), Wichita, Pâri (Pawnee), Arapah, Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara, Michif Piyii (Métis), Muscogee (Oklahoma), Núu-agha-tʉvʉ-pʉ̱ (Ute), Jumanos, Sumas, Mnicoujou, Yanktonai, Arapaho peoples. With respect, I make a formal land acknowledgment, extending my appreciation and respect to the past and present people of these lands. To learn more about the peoples who call these lands home, I invite you to explore Native Land.

This post was originally published in March 2021, and was updated most recently in April 2023.

1. Billy the Kid Gravesite, New Mexico

The controversial burial spot of the notorious William H. Bonney aka Billy the Kid is located in Fort Sumner, New Mexico. This historical monument is one of the most visited Wild West burial plots.

The headstone was stolen twice in the past. So when visiting, you’ll find Billy the Kid’s headstone caged and secured. History lovers should also peruse the letters, newspapers, and other noteworthy items in the museum.

2. Blue Whale on Route 66, Oklahoma

The happy Blue Whale on Route 66 has got to be one of the best roadside attractions in Oklahoma. Built in the 1970s, the smiling blue whale was originally a swimming hole.

Now, the bright, blue roadside attraction is a cool spot where road travelers can stop, stretch their legs, and take a couple of cool pictures.

3. Cadillac Ranch, Texas

Another one of the best roadside attractions in the Great Plains is Cadillac Ranch. Located on Route 66 in Amarillo, Texas, it is a unique attraction that consists of ten Cadillac cars buried nose-down into the ground on a single, straight file.

Stanley Marsh created this public roadside attraction in 1974 as a monument to the Golden Age of the American automobile. The cars are all covered with multicolored graffiti and a popular photo spot. 

4. Carhenge, Nebraska

Known as one of America’s top three quirkiest landmarks, Carhenge is a unique replica of Stonehenge in England. Created with 38 vintage American automobiles covered in gray paint, this wacky roadside attraction is in Nebraska.

Jim Reinders built it in 1982 as a memorial to his father. It has now become a wildly popular Car Art Reserve and a great resting spot for travelers and tourists.

5. Center of the Nation Monument, South Dakota

You don’t want to miss a visit to the center of the nation, right? Located in Belle Fourche in South Dakota, this is one of the most popular roadside attractions in the Great Plains. It consists of a 21-foot diameter monument along with a Center of the Nation Visitor Centre and the Tri-State Museum.

Although the actual center of the nation is about 20 miles north of Belle Fourche this monument ensures easier access for guests and tourists.

6. Corn Palace, South Dakota

This unique 2-story arena is one of the best roadside attractions in South Dakota. Known as the World’s Only Corn Palace, it is the home of corny puns. It’s always beautifully decorated with corn, grain, and grass.

This historic palace was built in 1892 to celebrate hardworking farmers and pay homage to agriculture. This is a great stopover spot for tourists and travelers.

7. Cosmosphere, Kansas

The Cosmosphere International SciEd Center and Space Museum is a STEM education center and space museum. It’s located in Hutchison, Kansas, and is home to the second-largest collection of U.S. space memorabilia.

This awe-inspiring space museum boasts a digital dome theater, planetarium, and Spaceflight Gallery. For a full, immersive experience, plan to spend up to four hours at this location.

8. Crazy Horse Mountain Memorial, South Dakota

The Crazy Horse Mountain Memorial is in the heart of the beautiful Black Hills in South Dakota. At 6,532 feet above sea level, it is the tallest roadside attraction in South Dakota (even taller than Mount Rushmore!).

Carving began in 1948 by talented sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski and has become a popular tourist attraction. It’s still a work in progress – and will eventually be the largest sculpture in the world. It takes about three to four hours to tour the entire mountain memorial.

9. Devil’s Tower National Monument, Wyoming

If you’re driving through Wyoming, don’t miss stopping over at Devil’s Tower National Monument. The first-ever national monument in the U.S., it stands over 1200 feet tall.

This vertical monolith is sacred to many American Indians and is sure to take your breath away. If you love climbing, this is the perfect spot for you. There are several hiking trails available too and you are sure to spot some wildlife as well.

10. Dorothy’s House and Land of Oz, Kansas

Make a quick stopover and experience the thrills of Oz at Dorothy’s house in the heart of Liberal, Kansas. One of the major roadside attractions in the Great Plains, this old farmhouse is modeled after Dorothy’s house in the popular movie.

Complete with a yellow brick pathway, tour guides dressed as Dorothy, and life-sized versions of Tin Man and Scarecrow, this roadside attraction will be a thrill for kids and adults alike.

11. Fort Cody Trading Post, Nebraska

Stop over for a quick visit to Nebraska’s largest souvenir and gift store. Located in North Platte, it has been in existence since 1963. An adventure wonderland waiting to be explored, this trading post boasts of 20,000 hand-carved figures in Buffalo Bill’s Wild West and other authentic cowboy gear. If you are traveling with kids, this roadside attraction is the perfect spot to get out and burn off some energy. 

12. Geographical Center of North America, North Dakota

Don’t confuse this one with the Center of the Nation Monument (#5) or the Geographic Center of the U.S. (#13). This one marks the center of the continent rather than the Lower 48 or the entire U.S.

When driving through Rugby, look out for a unique monument marking the geographical center of North America. A 15-foot rock obelisk mounted between the US and Canadian flags marks this roadside attraction.

You can easily miss this one, as it’s located in the parking lot of a gift shop. If you need a place to stop, stretch your feet and walk about for a bit, this is it.

13. Geographic Center of the U.S., Kansas

Located in Lebanon, Kansas, the geographic center of the US is a unique monument. This roadside attraction might not be glamorous but it is worth stopping over for a short visit. You can look forward to reading notes and letters from previous visitors and taking a couple of pictures beside the monument. 

14. Golden Driller, Oklahoma

The Golden Driller statue is a very famous roadside attraction in Oklahoma. Built in 1953 by an oilfield supply company this ancient statue is 73 feet tall and still remains the tallest free-standing statue in the US.

It was built as a memorial to the men of the petroleum industry. Now, it’s a popular tourist attraction on the Great Plains.

15. Herkimer the World’s Largest Beetle, Colorado

Located in Colorado, this giant roadside eye-grabber is a monstrous West Indian Hercules Beetle named Herkimer. It was built in the mid-1950s and over the year it has suffered vandalism and wear and tear. It is a unique roadside attraction and is perfect for taking pictures and stretching your legs.

16. The Prada Marfa, Texas

Fancy finding a Prada store in the middle of a lonely West Texas highway? Michael Elmgreen and Ingar Dragset built this Prada Marfa as a replica of a luxury Prada boutique.

This non-functioning store has now become a buzzing hub for tourists and social media influencers. The unique roadside attraction has stood the test of time and it is definitely worth a visit.

17. Truckhenge, Kansas

Eclectically similar to Carhenge in Nebraska, Truckhenge is a unique combination of recycled art and nature. It is located in Topeka, Kansas, and consists of six antique trucks half-buried in the ground.

Truckhenge is reminiscent of England’s Stonehenge, like Carhenge. But it is also surrounded by unique recycled object art and special species of native plants. This roadside attraction is fascinating and not to be missed.

18. Wall Drug, South Dakota

Located in Wall, South Dakota, this is one of the oldest roadside attractions on the Great Plains. The tourist stop offers gifts, souvenirs, and dining options to tourists and road-worn travelers.

Wall Drug currently attracts about two million visitors each year. It is the perfect place for a stopover and you are sure to enjoy a delicious, quick, home-style meal. Also, once you’ve visited, you’ll spot Wall Drug bumper stickers all across the country – showing how popular this quirky roadside attraction is.

19. World’s Largest Ball of Twine, Kansas

Stop and add some more twine to the World’s Largest Ball of Twine. Frank Stoeber started this unique roadside attraction in 1953. It has since become an identity for Cawker City in Kansas.

Every August, the town holds a twine-a-thon where residents and visitors come together to add more twine to the ball. Tourists can also call ahead to make arrangements to add more twine to the ball.

20. World’s Largest Buffalo Monument, North Dakota

Jamestown, North Dakota boasts of having the world’s largest Buffalo Monument. This 26-foot concrete monument of an American Bison has become one of the most popular roadside attractions in North Dakota.

Built in 1959, the giant buffalo received the name “Dakota Thunder” in 2010. The monument grounds also host the National Buffalo Museum and the Frontier Village. This location is rich in culture and history and is definitely worth visiting.

21. World’s Largest Easel, Kansas

This giant easel in Kansas is another awesome proof that the Great Plains are not actually plain. Located in Goodland, this 80-foot tall easel features a giant 32 by 24-foot reproduction of Van Gogh’s sunflower paintings.

The giant easel is surrounded by a quaint little park where tourists can walk around and travelers can rest while appreciating Kansas’ mighty work of art.

22. World’s Largest Pop Bottle and Store, Oklahoma

Built by Aubrey K. McClendon in 2007, this 66-foot-tall soda bottle has become one of the best roadside attractions in Oklahoma. It’s called “Bubbles,” and there’s a soda-themed roadhouse named Pops nearby.

This giant minimalist soda bottle is made of stacked hoops. At night, the huge soda bottle glows with the aid of thousands of colorful LEDs.

23. World’s Largest Time Capsule, Nebraska

Located in Seward, Nebraska, the world’s largest time capsule is a huge concrete vault filled with over 5,000 relics. Weighing up to 45 tons, Harold Davisson built this monument. It was dedicated on July 4, 1975. The plan is to open it in 2025.

Which of these best roadside attractions in the Great Plains will you add to your next road trip? Let me know in the comments – and if you have any questions, ask those too!

This route is long – one of the longest I’ve shared a guide for – but is also one of the best for truly seeing and exploring the Great Plains. Unlike many other routes between major cities around the Plains, making the drive between Fargo and Denver (in either direction) requires getting off the interstates and taking a few smaller roads to pass through small towns and see attractions you won’t find on other routes.

Whether you’re planning to make the long drive between Denver and Fargo for business or pleasure, below you’ll find all the info you need to safely make the journey as a road trip across the beautiful Great Plains.

In this post, I promote travel along a route that crosses the traditional lands of the Tséstho’e (Cheyenne), Bdewakantuwan (Mdewakanton), Mnicoujou, Ndé Kónitsąąíí Gokíyaa (Lipan Apache), Očhéthi Šakówiŋ, Pâri (Pawnee), Páⁿka tóⁿde ukʰéthiⁿ (Ponca), Núu-agha-tʉvʉ-pʉ̱ (Ute), Yankton, and Yanktonai peoples. With respect, I make a formal land acknowledgment, extending my appreciation and respect to the past and present people of these lands. To learn more about the peoples who call these lands home, I invite you to explore Native Land.

Fargo to Denver Distance 

As the crow flies, the distance between Denver and Fargo is approximately 640 miles. Unlike birds (and planes), cars don’t usually follow a straight route to get to a destination, which increases the distance considerably.

The drive between Fargo and Denver is about 850-900 miles via I-29, I-90, I-80, I-76, and several state highways in between (depending on your route!). As I always say, the drive distance will vary depending on where your trip begins in Fargo, North Dakota, and ends in Denver, Colorado. 

Also, the distance is subject to the detours you make to access and see interesting points along the journey.

Fargo to Denver Drive Time 

At about 900 miles, the drive between Denver and Fargo is a long one; the drive from Fargo to Denver takes 13-14 hours. If you have multiple drivers, you might be able to do this drive in a single day – but I don’t recommend it even in that case, as it will be exhausting and you’ll miss a lot of cool sights and attractions along the way.

Considering this is such a long drive, I’m pretty sure you’ll consider breaking up the drive every 3 hours, which can extend it to 17 hours; in that case, you should absolutely split the drive between Fargo and Denver into two days. 

Stops to Make on Your Drive from Between Fargo and Denver

Below you’ll find a list of cool places you can check out when the urge to shake those miles off your body comes in. 

Mellette House

Visiting the Mellette House is a great way to experience South Dakota history. Located at 421 Fifth Avenue in Watertown, this historic home is the former residence of the first governor of South Dakota, Arthur C. Mellette, who built it in 1885 and lived there until 1895. 

The interior is filled with antique furniture, family portraits, and heirlooms. The most imposing feature of the house is a massive circular staircase that ascends from the ground floor through the second story and into a small tower room located on the third floor.  

It will take you about an hour to go through the house with a guided tour, so it’s a perfect alternative if you want a short stop along the drive between Denver and Fargo. 

USS South Dakota Battleship Memorial

The USS South Dakota Battleship Memorial honors the most decorated battleship of World War II. It’s nothing short of impressive. The memorial is built to the true scale size of the ship and houses wonderful displays and artifacts from the ship. The displays are highly evocative,  giving you the opportunity to experience what it must have been like for those who served and fought on her in WWII. Outside there are some of the guns and the anchor strategically placed to create the illusion of the ship being in the ground.

Porter Sculpture Park

A well-established “roadside oddity”, Porter Sculpture Park is a must-stop along the Denver to Fargo drive. 

This quiet park houses an eclectic collection of unique sculptures made by artist Wayne Porter. Most road trippers can’t resist the urge to visit as soon they spot the giant longhorn cow protruding out of the ground while driving along I-90. The park has a trail that takes you through the different sculptures. While walking through the field, be sure to stop and read the poetry. Some of it explains a piece, some are just a peek into the artist’s creative mind.

Admission is $10 and there are golf carts available if you struggle with mobility or walking on uneven surfaces.

Mitchell Corn Palace

Mitchell Corn Palace is both a perfect place to stretch your legs and grab a snack on the Fargo to Denver drive – a real lifesaver when you’re tired from driving all day. 

As the name suggests, it is the largest Corn Palace in the world and dates back to the 19 century, when towns on the Great Plains constructed “crop palaces” to promote their soil and encourage settlement in the area. 

The exterior is by far the most fasting feature. It is covered in murals made out of different types of corn, which also every year according to the theme chosen. For 2022, the theme was based around the circus. Inside the building, there’s a cool gift shop selling quirky souvenirs.

Fort Niobrara & Valentine National Wildlife Refuges

If you love the Great Outdoors and want to experience some of the best of it in the Great Plains, northern Nebraska is the place to do it. Two lovely places to get out and stretch your legs are Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge and Valentine National Wildlife Refuge, which are relatively close to one another; you probably only want to stop at one or the other if you do make a stop here.

Fort Niobrara NWR is home to an incredible blending of different ecosystems on the plains and is great for both botanists and birders. Valentine NWR, on the other hand, preserves the Sandhills which are popular for waterfowl and other birds too.

The Ogallala Mansion on the Hill

Aside from being located in a town with a great name – just try saying it out loud: Ogallala! – the Mansion on the Hill is a good spot for those who love learning local history as part of their road trips. (It’s also conveniently located in a town with plenty of amenities and thus a good spot to stop anyway for gas and food.)

This particular home was built in 1887 when Ogallala was a much rougher town; it is now on the National Register of Historic Places and houses a small museum with a docent that will teach you about the mansion’s history and the pioneer history of Ogallala.

Sterling Overland Trail Museum

While this route you’re driving between Fargo and Denver doesn’t offer many opportunities to learn or engage with points of historic transport across the continent, the Sterling Overland Trail Museum is one of the few places where you can cross part of the Oregon Trail and learn more about that journey.

The Overland Trail followed the south bank of the South Platte River through northeastern Colorado. It is said that the Overland Trail was the heaviest traveled road in America – maybe even in the world – between 1862 to 1868. The museum itself was opened in 1936 which makes it historic in itself, never mind all the history you’ll learn within its walls.

Colorado State Capitol

The Colorado State Capitol is worth stopping by along the drive from Denver to Fargo. This capitol building is famous for its exquisite gold leaf dome, which pays tribute to the Colorado Gold Rush. You can choose to visit the grounds or book a guided tour to explore the interior and learn about its history. With the guided tours you can climb up to the balcony of the dome and witness beautiful views of the city and mountains.

Other Tips for Your Drive Between Denver and Fargo

Now that you know the basics of the drive and are inspired to make a few stops, here are some final tips to help you finish planning your road trip:

• The route between Fargo and Denver crosses in four states: North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, and Colorado.
• There is one larger city along the route, which is Sioux Falls in South Dakota.
• If you want to make an overnight stop along the way – which I strongly recommend – the best place would be in the small but charming town of Valentine, Nebraska. I’ve been there for the Nebraska Star Party and it has enough amenities for a nice overnight stop.

Finally, while on the major interstates of the route (I-29 to I-90 and I-80 to I-76), there are plenty of rest stops and gas stations; once you leave the main interstates (cutting down from I-90 to I-80 along various state highways), the options are more limited. Be sure to fill up before then to ensure you have enough gas, or stop and support a local gas station in one of the small towns along the way.

Should You Fly Between Fargo and Denver Instead? 

It’s hard to say whether you should fly or drive between Denver and Fargo. Both means of transport offer advantages and disadvantages. However, there are two variables that will help you choose the best alternative for you: time and cost. 

Time-wise, a nonstop drive between Fargo and Denver is 850-900 miles long depending on your route, and takes about 13-14 hours. As we saw before, it’s very unlikely to cover that distance in a single day. Consequently, it would be more of a two-day road trip. When flying, the distance between Denver and Fargo is about 640 miles. It would take five hours to fly between these cities if we take into account the time you need to get to the airport, do the check-in, and then drive to your destination in Denver. 

Cost-wise, you can spend $300-$350 on a round-trip drive between Denver and Fargo, whereas flight tickets start at $70 for a round trip. 

All in all, flying seems more convenient from a cost and time perspective. However, a road trip will give you the opportunity to explore unknown places and have more flexibility in your itinerary. In the end, it’s all up to you and what is inspiring your trip between Denver and Fargo!

Have any questions about making the drive between Fargo and Denver in either direction? Let me know in the comments!

If you’re planning to make this journey, you might wonder if there are any roadside attractions along I-94 that are worth stopping for. After all, the 600-plus-mile distance of this interstate across the Great Plains means you will need to stop a few times for gas – and might as well make a few other stops to experience the unique culture in this part of the country.

Here are the best roadside attractions along I-94 to help you plan your trip, from a giant tee-pee to a Titanic house. Let’s roll!

In this post, I promote travel along a route that crosses the traditional lands of the Apsáalooke (Crow), Bdewakantuwan (Mdewakanton), Niitsítpiis-stahkoii ᖹᐟᒧᐧᐨᑯᐧ ᓴᐦᖾᐟ (Blackfoot / Niitsítapi ᖹᐟᒧᐧᒣᑯ), Hunkpapa, Itazipco, Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara, Očhéthi Šakówiŋ, Salish, Tséstho’e (Cheyenne), and Yanktonai peoples. With respect, I make a formal land acknowledgment, extending my appreciation and respect to the past and present people of these lands. To learn more about the peoples who call these lands home, I invite you to explore Native Land.

Bonanzaville, USA 

Located in West Fargo, Bonanzaville is a pioneer village and history museum. The property has 40 buildings historic; many are original from the region and have been relocated here. It is a fun way to get to know the past of the Red River Valley, especially if you’re traveling with kids. There are actors dressed in period clothes who bring history alive. They also have a fantastic antique car collection.

Barnes County Historical Society

Barnes County Historical Society is one of the must-see roadside attractions along I-94. History buffs will love it, but the truth is that this free museum has collections to entertain everyone. 

Their collections are curated to reflect the history of Barnes County and surrounding communities. Spanning three floors, the collections feature everything, from fossils to historic cars. You’ll get to see “Gundy the Triceratops”,  dated 65 million years old, and the shoes of Christian Paetow known as the Largest Man in the Dakota Territory.

World’s Largest Buffalo Monument

Located in Jamestown, the World’s Largest Buffalo Monument has grown to become one of the most popular tourist attractions along I-94. The sculpture is huge. It is 26 feet tall and 46 feet long and weighs 60 short tons. 

You can easily see the Buffalo from I-94. However, you need to make a little detour off the interstate to access the statue, which is located inside Frontier Village. There’s plenty of space to park your car and even more to walk around and stretch your legs. 

Frontier Village

Photo credits: Haydn Blackey via Flickr (all)

If you stopped to see the Buffalo statue, there’s no reason not to stay a little longer and visit Frontier Village. There are a few small stores, but you probably won’t need to spend more than half an hour in this place. This museum recreates a North Dakota town. There are many original buildings from the frontier villages of North Dakota and the staff has filled them with artifacts and antiques to tell the story of what was prairie life-like. 

Don’t forget to stop by the gift shop and get a souvenir. It sells lovely handmade goods from local artisans.

Buckstop Junction

Buckstop Junction is another good way to explore North Dakota’s history. This small, historical town features buildings dating from 1875 to 1935. It is a short distance out of the city of Bismarck, but it only helps to maintain its atmosphere. 

You can take a tour and meander through the buildings while hearing about their stories and the functions they fulfilled back in the day. The property also hosts Applefest, a  celebration of the autumn harvest and fundraiser for the Bismarck Cancer Center Foundation. (In 2022, they’ll be hosting it on September 24 and 25.)

Former Governor’s Mansion

Bismarck is also home to the former Governor’s Mansion. As the name suggests, this Victorian house served as the official residence of 20 chief executives and their families from 1893 to 1960. 

The property also features a carriage house. Admission is free, and visitors are welcome to stroll through the mansion and the carriage house at their own pace. There’s an exhibition displaying the restoration process, architectural style changes, and furniture used by several governors. If you have one hour to spare, this mansion is one of the top roadside attractions along I-94 worth visiting. 

North Dakota State Railroad

The ND Railroad Museum should be on everyone’s must-do list while in North Dakota. Railroad fans will love it. Those who aren’t railroad nuts would still find it an interesting place to spend an hour or two. 

The museum has a former depot and a fair amount of rolling stock: flat cars, box cars, tankers, cabooses, and a couple of yard engines. It also houses smaller artifacts from days gone by associated with ND’s railway systems, like hand tools, uniforms, maps, signs, and hand telegraph kits. Admission is free, but donations are encouraged. 

Salem Sue

Salem Sue is another of the quirky roadside stops along I-94. Designed by Dave Oswald, this giant cow made of fiberglass was built in 1974 to honor the dairymen that live here. It sits on top of a hill, so you can get a good view of the surrounding area, and if you have kids, they can have fun playing around. There are also two great gas stations right before the sculpture in case you need gas. 

North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame

As you may have noticed, there are tons of roadside attractions along I-94 devoted to the history of the region. But if you only get to pick one place, let it be the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame.

The ND Cowboy Hall of Fame is a jewel of Western culture and times. Upon entering it seems like a place out of time. The exhibits show the history of the original men and women who, against all odds made North Dakota world famous for rodeo, agriculture, and ranching. Moreover, displays are constantly being updated, so if you’ve been here in the past, there will be new things to appreciate.

Powder River Bridge

The Powder River Bridge is a great place to get out and stretch your legs whether you’re traveling locally or passing through.

This bridge spans the Powder River just above its confluence with the Yellowstone River in Prairie County, Montana. This steel truss-style bridge was built in 1946 and was added to the National Register of Historic Places on January 4, 2010. The structure is in perfect condition and there’s fishing and boat access on both sides of the bridge.

Yucca Theatre

If you appreciate beautiful architecture, the Yucca Theater should be marked on your map. Located in Hysham, Montana, this theater was built and designed in 1931 by David Manning, a prominent Montana legislator, and his brother Jim. 

The theater boasts a pompous Mission style and ornate Art Deco interiors that were typical of the flamboyance of the 1930s – this isn’t accidental as during the 30s began what was later known as the Golden Age of Hollywood. 

But what’s even more interesting is the impact that the construction of the theater had on the locals. The grandiose Mission style captured looks day and night and the building quickly reached landmark status. What’s even more interesting is that the theater lifted the locals’ spirits and made the statement that Hysham would survive the Great Depression. Today, the Yucca Theater is a museum where you can explore Montana’s early developments and learn a bit about David Manning and his political career. 

Have any questions about these roadside attractions along I-94, or know of others I should add to the list? Let me know in the comments below!

Along I-29, there are a number of big cities, including the iconic Fargo, North Dakota, and Kansas City, Kansas, and plenty of others between them. For many people, the chance to traverse along the route of the Missouri River is an interesting road trip experience; others need to drive for work reasons.

Whether you’re planning to make the long drive between Fargo and Kansas City for business or pleasure, below you’ll find all the info you need to safely make the journey as a road trip along the eastern border of the Great Plains.

In this post, I promote travel to destinations that are the traditional lands of the Očhéthi Šakówiŋ, Bdewakantuwan (Mdewakanton), Yanktonai, Umoⁿhoⁿ (Omaha), Washtáge Moⁿzháⁿ (Kaw / Kansa), 𐓏𐒰𐓓𐒰𐓓𐒷 𐒼𐓂𐓊𐒻 𐓆𐒻𐒿𐒷 𐓀𐒰^𐓓𐒰^(Osage), and Kiikaapoi (Kickapoo) peoples. With respect, I make a formal land acknowledgment, extending my appreciation and respect to the past and present people of these lands. To learn more about the peoples who call these lands home, I invite you to explore Native Land.

Fargo to Kansas City Drive Distance

As the crow flies, it’s roughly 550 miles between Fargo to Kansas City. In most cases, the drive distance between two cities is larger as the route doesn’t follow a straight line. 

Luckily, the distance you have to cover when you drive between Fargo and Kansas City isn’t that different.  On average, the distance to drive between Kansas City and Fargo is about 600 miles. Consider this number an estimate. How many miles you end up covering depends on where you start in Fargo and end in Kansas City.

Kansas City to Fargo Drive Time

A nonstop drive from Fargo to Kansas City takes approximately 8 hours and 45 minutes to complete. 

That being said, it’s obviously not feasible to cover that distance without making some stops along the way. Unless you’re traveling with other people and can take driving turns or are time-constrained and need to arrive as soon as possible. 

Your final drive time is also subject to where you start in Fargo and your final destination in Kansas City. You’ll also extend your drive time if you include a couple of detours and stops along your journey.

Stops to Make on Your Drive From Fargo to Kansas City

The almost nine-hour drive between Fargo and Kansas City is full of great places where road-trippers can stop. Whether it’s a park to stretch your legs or a quirky statue to take goofy photos, here are nine places worth visiting on your Fargo to Kansas City drive.

Hjemkomst Center

When driving through Moorhead, make sure you stop by the Hjemkomst Center. This museum complex is home to the replica of a Hopperstad Stave Church (a church built in 1140 in the town of Vik, Norway), and the Hjemkomst Viking ship replica. 

Visitors can buy tickets to tour the Church’s interior as well as learn about the Viking ship and its historic 1982 voyage to Norway. There’s also a museum with interesting exhibits throughout the year worth checking out.

Cowboy Statue

It isn’t a proper road trip unless there’s at least one quirky attraction on it, right? The Kansas City to Fargo drive has the cowboy statue. 

The huge mustached cowboy statue sits in front of a Cowboy Convenience Store in St. Watertown. With its saddle and chaps, the giant cowboy overlooks I-29 and has called the attention of road-trippers. You can park across the street and take a few goofy pictures.

Porter Sculpture Park

Photos courtesy of Porter Sculpture Museum via Facebook

Porter Sculpture Park is the perfect stop when you need to stretch your legs and get some fresh air. This stunning park in South Dakota features an eclectic collection of sculptures created by Wayne Porter. 

There are around 50 sculptures and you can admire each one by following the grass pathway. The artist is occasionally on-site and loves to chat with visitors about his creations and creative process and methods. 

Falls Park

If the art at Porter Sculpture Park isn’t your style, drive another 30 miles and you’ll find Falls Park. 

A gem for nature lovers, Falls Park is a stunning place, covering 128 acres. As the name suggests, the park’s main attraction is the falls which have given the name to the city of Sioux Falls. 

Visitors can explore the numerous walking paths (some are right next to the falls) or enjoy panoramic views from the observation tower. There’s also a cozy café if you’re feeling peckish. 

SculptureWalk Sioux Falls

SculptureWalk is an annual exhibit of outdoor sculptures displayed in downtown Sioux Falls. Stretching from Washington Pavilion to Falls Park, the exhibit features a stunning variety of sculptures loaned by local artists. It’s a great place to go for a nice long walk to stretch your legs after a few, long hours in the car – and plenty more ahead of you.

There’s at least 65 sculptures, as of 2022. Take your time to look around and remember which one you liked the most. The city invites people to vote for its favorite sculpture and the winning piece is purchased at the end of the exhibit year for the city’s permanent collection. For information look for ballot boxes on Phillips Avenue. 

National Music Museum

Photos courtesy of the National Music Museum

The National Music Museum is a must-see on the drive from Kansas City to Fargo. While it will delight music lovers, anyone can have a lovely time here. 

The venue has curated exhibits that tell the history of music and instruments. Its collection is extraordinary. There’s a Stradivarius violin, one of five existing Stradivari guitars, and one of the two existing Stradivari mandolins. There’s also an interesting section dedicated to some famous artists’ instruments and movie props. 

Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center

Families will love the Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center. Located in Sioux City, this well-maintained nature center is the perfect place when your kids need to blow off steam after many hours on the road. 

The center has quality indoor and outdoor activities. Indoors, there are numerous exhibits with mounted animals on display and a working bee hive! Outdoors, there are hiking trails, a waterfall, and play area. 

On top of the fun activities, visiting the nature center is free!

Glore Psychiatric Museum 

The Glore Psychiatric Museum is a unique and interesting place like no other. Spanning four floors, the museum illustrates the history of the adjacent state psychiatric hospital. 

While the collection is filled with antiques and relics from the old asylum, it’s a fantastic window to see how mentally-ill people have been seen and treated in the U.S. and the world throughout history. 

There’s also reproductions of hospital rooms, medical scenes, and historic photos of the different procedures performed on mentally-ill patients. 

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

One of Kansas City’s top places to visit, The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art should be a must-stop on your Kansas City to Fargo drive. 

When it comes to world-class museums, The Nelson-Atkins Museum is second to none. Its encyclopedic collection comprises art pieces from nearly every continent and culture. Moreover, The Nelson is also famous for having one of the most significant and extensive Asian exhibits in the United States. 

Most of the galleries are free to the public, and the exhibits that require a fee are moderately priced.

Other Tips for Your Drive Between Fargo & Kansas City

Now that you know the basics of the drive and are inspired to make a few stops, here are some final tips to help you finish planning your road trip:

• The route between Kansas City and Fargo crosses six states – including two outside the Great Plains: Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota, and North Dakota.
• There are several larger cities along the route, including St. Joseph (MO), Omaha, Council Bluffs (IA), Sioux City (IA), and Sioux Falls.
• If you’re looking for a good halfway point to stop for a few hours or overnight, consider Sioux City, which is about 4 hours, 30 minutes from Fargo, and 4 hours, 20 minutes from Kansas City.
• There are also plenty of rest stops and commercial truck stops to choose from along the way, and plenty of gas stations and truck stops along I-29 if you need fuel, toilets, snacks, or other services.

Should You Fly Between Kansas City and Fargo Instead?

Whenever people have to travel, it’s impossible for them not to wonder whether it’s better to drive or fly between the two cities. 

As I always say, both modes of transportation have their pros and cons.

On the one hand, a flight between Kansas City and Fargo covers 550 miles and takes almost three hours, including the time to do the check-in, get to the airport, and arrive at your destination in Fargo. On the other hand, the drive between Fargo and Kansas City covers 600 miles and takes almost 9 hours (8 hours and 45 minutes) to complete. 

Cost-wise, a flight between these cities is generally about $650 for a round trip – prices drop in January and you can find cheaper deals, but then again, it’s winter in the Great Plains… As for the drive between Kansas City and Fargo, travelers can spend around $220 on gas for a round trip. 

Ultimately, which option you choose will depend on your budget, time necessities, and interests. If you have the time, I suggest you do the drive between Kansas City and Fargo. This will also give you the opportunity to explore new places!

Have any other questions about making the drive between Fargo and Kansas City – or reverse? Let me know in the comments!

Thankfully, there’s a lot more to Fargo than woodchippers and funny accents… though you can certainly find a woodchipper if you know where to look! There are plenty of other great things to do in Fargo, from street art and art museums to craft breweries and cultural sights.

If you’re planning a trip to Fargo, or perhaps passing through on I-94 journeying across the Great Plains, spend some time to explore this distinctly North Dakotan city. Below you’ll find some of the best ways to explore all that North Dakota’s most populous city has to offer.

In this post, I promote travel to a destination that is the traditional lands of the Očhéthi Šakówiŋ and Bdewakantuwan (Mdewakanton) peoples. With respect, I make a formal land acknowledgment, extending my appreciation and respect to the past and present people of these lands. To learn more about the peoples who call these lands home, I invite you to explore Native Land.

Special thanks to Visit Fargo-Moorhead for all photos in this post.

1. Wander in the Plains Art Museum

The Plains Art Museum is North Dakota’s largest art museum and is one of the greatest things to do in Fargo. It houses curated local, regional, national, and ‘Midwest Modern’ art pieces, alongside rotating exhibits. Plus, it has free entry! so it’s a budget-friendly plan as well. 

All of the exhibitions are highly diverse, interesting, and engaging. In addition to the artworks on display, the museum offers a variety of interesting arts education classes and resources for artists, including a printmaking studio.

2. Explore the Red River Zoo

If you’re traveling with kids, the Red River Zoo is one of the top Fargo things to do. Opened in 1999, the Red River Zoo is a 33-acre facility featuring some of the world’s rarest cold climate species.

It is a great experience that combines fun and educational activities. You’ll enjoy a view of beautiful animals of all kinds and sorts: birds, fish, cats, camels, sheep, farm animals, wolves, while learning about their species and environment. The zoo opened an interactive Children’ Zoo Farm and Nature’s Legendary Playground in 2016 so make sure to spend some time after you’ve seen the exhibits.  

3. Visit Fargo Air Museum 

Visiting Fargo Air Museum is one of the must things to do in Fargo if you have any interest in aviation. The museum features two hangars filled to the brim with everything aviation. Planes, jets, helicopters, and more. There is lots to see and read about and learn. 

It is also home to the “most accurate recreation of a Wright Brothers’ flier the Smithsonian Institute has ever seen.” (source) One of the museum’s selling points is that it has a flight simulator  and many of the airplanes occasionally take to the sky. 

4. Raise a Pint at Drekker Brewing Company

When in Fargo, don’t miss the chance of enjoying a pint at Drekker Brewing Company. The brewery has slayed the game when it comes to fruited sours and seltzers. Their IPAs are just delicious. 

The brewery’s vibe is incredible, too! Drekker has managed to repurpose an old train building near the tracks. In doing so they have created a very fun atmosphere with both outside and inside areas (weather permitting). There’s also a fire pit and some pinball games. 

If Drekker isn’t your style, there are a number of other craft breweries in Fargo and Narth Dakota craft breweries on tap at local bars.

5. Learn about Baseball at the Roger Maris Museum

Are you a baseball fan and wondering what to do in Fargo? Well, you’re in luck as the town is home to the Roger Maris Museum. As the name suggests, the museum is dedicated to Roger Maris, a legendary baseball player who hit a Major League Baseball record with 61 home runs during the 1961 season for the New York Yankees. 

Fargo has decided to honor the legend with a 72-foot long glassed-in exhibit at the West Acres Shopping Mall. The exhibit explores all aspects of his career, including major awards, uniforms, and some of the home run balls from 1961.

6. Take a Goofy Pic with the Fargo Woodchipper

If you’re cinephile, the town of Fargo definitely rings a bell as the town where the Coen Brothers’ brilliant movie, Fargo, takes place – if you haven’t watched it, this is a sign that you should.  

While not a single scene was shot in Fargo – it was mainly in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area and around Pembina County, North Dakota – the town’s visitor center has the original wood chipper on display. Most visitors love taking goofy pictures recreating the iconic scene. 

7. Discover Fargo’s Street Art

The Fargo-Moorhead area is filled with fabulous street art. Local artists have made the town’s walls their canvas to create beautiful murals and the perfect background for your selfie. 

The murals are ever-changing; however, there are a few iconic pieces you can see anytime you visit. You can see the Bob Dylan mural on the side of the Old Bison Hotel at 420 Broadway, or the Cow Print on the alley between Pounds and Wurst Bier Hall. The Mario Wall on the alley behind The Toasted Frog has become one of the most photogenic spots in the town. 

8. Shop Fresh Produce at Red River Market 

The Red River Market is one of the top attractions in Fargo. Hosted on Saturdays only, spending the day in the market is a favorite local pastime. 

While it is marketed as a farmers’ market, it actually is an assorted potpourri, with stalls selling everything from mugs and homemade soaps to veggies and meats. The market invites local artists to perform and has a sitting area to enjoy lunch and rest while your kids run around. 

9. Stroll Down Lindenwood Park

Now that you’ve stocked up with delicious produce from River River Market, put it in a basket and head to Lindenwood Park for a picnic. 

Lindenwood Park is the largest multi-use park in Fargo. The park welcomes joggers and families who love to bring their kids to play in the playgrounds and enjoy a day out in nature. During spring and summer, the park has the water fountain on and colorful flowers. During winter, it hosts holiday lights. The park features five picnic shelters, six softball diamonds, plus a baseball diamond.

10. Visit Veterans Memorial Bridge 

Connecting Fargo with Moorhead, the Memorial Bridge is a stunning location, with its majestic columns and flags. The bridge spans the Red River and commemorates the men and women who have served in the United States military. It comprises ten columns that have emblems representing the different branches of the military (Army, Navy, Marines, and Air Force) and numerous following veterans organizations. The bridge also features interpretive signs attached to its walls describing different aspects of Fargo’s history.

11. Catch a Movie at the Fargo Theater

Many consider the Fargo Theatre the crown jewel of downtown Fargo. This stunning art deco movie theater was built in 1925. Besides being an incredible slice of local history, it has served as the main venue of the Fargo Film Festival since 2012. 

It was restored to its historic appearance in 1999. The attention to detail on the inside and outside of this building make for a very special experience. Currently, it has an excellent (and affordable) programming, with a wide variety of concerts, performances, and movies throughout the year.

12. Travel Back to the 1800s at Bonanzaville, USA 

Bonanzaville, USA is one of the best things to do in Fargo to get to know the past of the Red River Valley.The Cass County Historical Society put together Bonanzaville, USA, a 12-acre history museum complex, to tell the history of the area from the 1800s and 1900s in a creative way.

Located in West Fargo, Bonanzaville, USA features up to forty buildings, many of which are historic and from the region. Every building has its own story, with several dedicated to specific displays. One building houses law enforcement memorabilia. Another is dedicated to firefighters, their equipment, and lifestyle. The tickets cost $12 for adults and $6 for students and children.

13. See a Norwegian Stave Church

If you’re driving though Fargo, it’s worth taking a detour to look at the Norwegian Stave Church in Moorhead. Located at the Hjemkomst Center, the Norwegian Stave Church is an interesting replica of an old 12th century Norwegian church. 

Visitors can take a tour to visit the interior and admire the quality of construction. The tour ticket also gives you admission to see the Viking ship replica that’s in the center. If you don’t want to get a ticket, you can simply admire the exterior and take a walk around the grounds.

There you have it – some of the best things to do in Fargo (and neighboring Moorhead). Have any questions about how to spend your time in this iconic North Dakota town? Let me know in the comments.

I-29 is over 750 miles long, and passes through major cities including Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and Fargo, North Dakota. (For comparison, the only longer interstate in the Great Plains is I-35, which runs 992 miles from Kansas City to the Texas/Mexico border.)

You might not imagine that following the Missouri River – as I-29 does – would be a particularly stimulating road trip. In fact, there are a number of places worth stopping and roadside attractions along I-29. In this post, I’ll detail some of my favorites to help you plan your road trip stops.

From museums and historic sites to the largest catfish (sculpture) in North America and the continent’s horizontal divide, there’s plenty to explore and experience along Interstate 29. Ready to hit the road and see what this part of the Great Plains has to offer? Read on!

In this post, I promote travel to destinations that are the traditional lands of the Očhéthi Šakówiŋ, Bdewakantuwan (Mdewakanton), Washtáge Moⁿzháⁿ (Kaw / Kansa), Yanktonai, Yankton,𐓏𐒰𐓓𐒰𐓓𐒷 𐒼𐓂𐓊𐒻 𐓆𐒻𐒿𐒷 𐓀𐒰^𐓓𐒰^(Osage), Kiikaapoi (Kickapoo), and Umoⁿhoⁿ (Omaha) peoples. With respect, I make a formal land acknowledgment, extending my appreciation and respect to the past and present people of these lands. To learn more about the peoples who call these lands home, I invite you to explore Native Land.

1. ​​Fargo Air Museum

Fargo Air Museum is the first of many roadside attractions along I 29 you can visit on your trip. Established in 2001, the Fargo Air Museum is full of everything avionics. Planes, jets, helicopters, and more. However, it is truly special that 90% of the historic aircraft they house are in flying condition.

The museum houses the exhibits in two hangars and has many informative boards to provide you with history and information about the planes. All in all, a great stop for anyone to enjoy learning about planes and history!

2. Fort Abercrombie State Historic State

Fort Abercrombie Historic site, established in 1857, was the first permanent military post in North Dakota, which led to its nickname, “The Gateway to the Dakotas.” The fort had a crucial role in guarding the Red River Trails, a popular route for the fur trade, military supply wagon trains, stagecoach routes, and steamboat traffic. 

During the Dakota War of 1862, Sioux Indians besieged Fort Abercrombie and became the only United States military post to be overtaken by Dakota American Indians during the war. The site is one of the most popular tourist attractions along I 29; it is open year-round and welcomes visitors to explore its grounds.

3. World’s Largest Catfish

It wouldn’t be a good list of roadside attractions if there weren’t at least one giant representation of an animal, right? Behold Wahpper, the world’s largest catfish sculpture. 

A dream catch of any enthusiastic fisher, Wahpper is a 40 feet long and 5,000 pounds catfish. It sits along the bank of the Red River, and visitors can easily access it from Exit 23. Besides offering excellent photo opportunities, the surrounding area is a perfect spot to stretch your legs, with picnic tables, restrooms, and a little pier nearby.

4. Historic Bagg Bonanza Farm 

If you are driving on I-29 near Mooreton, it would be a shame if you passed up the opportunity to see the Historic Bagg Bonanza Farm.

During the late nineteenth century, Bonanza farms were enormous wheat farms established in northern Dakota. They ranged from 3,000 acres to over 75,000 acres and generated huge profits. Today, the Historic Bagg Bonanza Farm is one of the last remaining bonanza farms in the U.S. 

A 15-acre farm is home to a fully restored 21-bedroom main house. Virginia, one of the main preservationists, is in charge of tours. She tells you about the history of the buildings, contents, and original owners. Don’t forget to try the homemade pie!

5. Continental Divide

The continental divide is one of the most interesting roadside attractions along I-29. Defining the continental divide is tricky as there’s no consensus regarding what constitutes it. To make it simple, the continental divide is a natural boundary or line that separates a continent’s river systems between the Pacific Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean. 

Most people think that continental divides are on mountains, or at least somewhere with higher elevation. However, the continental divide along I-29, which is in South Dakota, is basically on flatland. It runs from Hudson Bay in Canada to the Gulf of Mexico. You’ll find the continental divide sign near Lake Traverse, along the border between South Dakota and Minnesota.

6. Redlin Art Center

Art lover or no, Redlin Art Center is a stop that never disappoints. This gem of a museum has three levels dedicated to the oil paintings and sculptures of Terry Redlin, an American artist popular for painting outdoor themes and wildlife. 

About 150 paintings and sculptures are on display; each artwork features a short description underneath detailing its inspiration. The museum also has a gift shop where you can purchase Terry Redlin’s works, cards, and prints. 

7. McCrory Gardens 

Arguably one of the most beautiful stops along I–29, McCrory Gardens is a botanical garden and arboretum on South Dakota State University campus. The site is gorgeous. It is home to a whole gamut of trees, bushes, and plants native to South Dakota or that have adapted to the state’s climate. 

The garden also hosts events throughout the year, like the McCrory Gardens Insect Festival. Make sure to check out their website while you’re visiting.

8. Falls Park

Falls Park is the most popular attraction in Sioux Falls and for anyone who travels through the city. The Big Sioux River runs through the city of Sioux Falls, forming small waterfalls that the park surrounds. 

Visitors have numerous ways to enjoy the falls. They can get up close and personal by walking along the rocky shore, getting panoramic views from the Falls Overlook Café located across the river, or climbing the Observation tower. The park also has the remnants of an old mill, Queen Bee Mill, which operated in late 1881.

9. Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve

Enjoyed and loved by locals, the Adams Homestead And Nature Preserve is a 1,500 acres state park in Union County, South Dakota. The homestead property dates to 1872 and used to be the home of the Adams family. In 1984, Mary and Maud Adams, granddaughters of original homesteader Stephen Searls Adams, donated the property so everyone could visit and learn about homesteads and their significance. The site features the Adams family house, a Lutheran church, a country school, and a cabin, plus over 10 miles of well-groomed trails. 

10. Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center

The Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center in Sioux City, South Dakota, is a time capsule that takes you to discover the journey of explorers Lewis and Clark in central North Dakota.

The interpretive center is home to numerous exhibitions that depict each stage of the expedition, from how they got started to their encounter with Indigenous people, like the Mandan and Hidatsa peoples. There are also permanent galleries focusing on life on the Great Plains and the lives of the Indigenous people and traders. The museum has another two galleries featuring rotating art and history exhibits. 

11. Glore Psychiatric Museum

An unusual place, Glore Psychiatric Museum is the creepiest of roadside attractions along I-29. As the name suggests, the Glore is a museum devoted to unfolding and illustrating the history of mental health treatment through the ages.

The museum houses an enormous collection of artifacts. Some are reproductions, and others are originals from the mental hospital located adjacent to it – we’re talking about four floors of relics and stories from the history of psychiatric care! It is an excellent opportunity to see how mentally-ill people were treated previously and the long way the United States has come in treating mental illness.

In this post, you’ll learn all about the route that connects Fargo and Omaha. That includes how long it is, how long it takes to drive, and what you can see along the way, if you want to turn your drive between Omaha and Fargo into a proper road trip. This route will show you the best of the Great Plains: rolling hills, sweeping views, and fascinating roadside attractions.

The only question is: how much full will you have during your drive between Fargo and Omaha?

TL;DR: How long is the drive between Omaha to Fargo? The direct drive between Fargo and Omaha (or vice versa) is 423 miles (681 km) and should have a drive time of 6 hours, 14 minutes in normal traffic.

This post was originally published in April 2021, and was updated in May 2022 for the upcoming road trip season!

In this post, I promote travel to destinations that are the traditional lands of the Očhéthi Šakówiŋ, Bdewakantuwan (Mdewakanton), Yankton, Umoⁿhoⁿ (Omaha), and Báxoje Máyaⁿ (Ioway) peoples. With respect, I make a formal land acknowledgment, extending my appreciation and respect to the past and present people of these lands. To learn more about the peoples who call these lands home, I invite you to explore Native Land.

Fargo to Omaha Distance 

As the crow flies, it’s roughly 390 miles between Omaha and Fargo. Unlike some routes, the drive between Fargo and Omaha is relatively straight, so the driving distance is roughly the same.

On average, the distance to drive from Fargo to Omaha is 420 miles.

Keep in mind that your final distance depends on where you start in Fargo and end in Omaha, too.

Fargo to Omaha Drive Time 

Driving nonstop from Fargo to Omaha typically takes around 6 hours. Your final drive time obviously depends on where you start in Fargo and your final destination in Omaha, and traffic conditions. However, the average speed limit on Interstate 29 is fast – between 65 and 80 miles per hour. This means you can expect to make the journey in around six hours’ time if you go straight through.

As you’ll see below though, there are some stops worth making that can extend your travel time.

Don’t forget: join our Great Plains Travel Tips group for even more travel inspiration!

Stops to Make on Your Drive from Between Fargo and Omaha

At six hours in duration, the drive between Omaha and Fargo is long enough to merit a few pit stops or detours along the way t see a few sights. You don’t need to make this a two-day trip, but that’s no reason to rush a fun day road trip. Below are some of the great places worth visiting along the way between Fargo and Omaha.

1. Fort Abercrombie

Historically known as the “Gateway to the Dakotas,” this historic site is worth visiting. Located 35 miles south of Fargo, it contains various amenities such as the reconstructed bastions and palisades, the original guardhouse, among other permanent exhibits.

2. Circus Lightning Victims Memorial

This is another location that’s easily reachable from downtown Fargo and also a great stopover. Along the windswept Dakota plains lies a memorial for circus workers struck down by lightning in 1897 during one of their performances. You won’t need long to stop and see this site, but it’s definitely a unique one!

3. USS South Dakota Battleship Memorial

The major city along the route between Fargo and Omaha is Sioux Falls, South Dakota. There are several sights here worth stopping for. It’s a great spot to make an overnight stop if you want to visit the city, too.

The historic USS South Dakota battleship memorial is a truly remarkable sight and worth visiting whenever you’re in Sioux Falls. The USS South Dakota battleship memorial contains one of the most decorated warships of World War II, and plenty of educational opportunities for those interested in this chapter of history.

4. Falls Park

As mentioned, your route between Fargo and Omaha (I-29) drives right through Sioux Falls. Located in downtown Sioux Falls, Falls Park is an amazing destination for nature lovers and family at large. The park covers 123 acres and has great falls dropping an average of 7,400 gallons of water drops 100 feet per second. Falls Park has an observation tower and also a visitor information center. It’s a perfect spot to stop for a picnic meal and stretch your legs on the long drive between Fargo and Omaha.

5. Shafer Round Barn

Looking for a quirky roadside attraction? The Shafer Round Barn is a great spot for a detour. This uniquely round burn on the national register of historical places was built in 1920. It’s located not far out of Sioux Falls south of the city.

6. Tri-State Iron Post Historical Marker

Originally set in 1859 between the Minnesota, Iowa, and Dakota territories, this historical monument is the Great Plains/Midwest answer to the Four Corners Monument (that marks the place where Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona’s borders meet). The Tri-State iron post-historical marker is dedicated to the pioneers who settled this region, and its location allows you to stand in all three different states at once.

7. Pepsi Tank

If you’re out of gas (personally or for your car) and need a refill, you can always stopover at the gas station near the amazing giant Pepsi tank. This particular metallic tank painted in a Pepsi logo is located near Worthing east of I-29.

8. Chief War Eagle Memorial

The Chief War Eagle memorial is an important historic stop on the drive between Omaha and Fargo, as it offers the chance to remember that Indigenous peoples called this land home first. History buffs get to tour this historical monument that honors Waŋbdí Okíčhize, known by non-natives as the Chief War Eagle. He is known to have supported the American government during the 1812 war, which likely contributed to his memorial’s presence.

9. Loess Hill Lavender Farm

This beautiful flower garden located near the I-29 interstate north of Missouri Valley is a tranquil destination and perfect for a surprising Instagram spot. Founded in 2009 with only 1200 plants, Loess Hill Lavender Farm has grown into a spectacular flower bed over the years.

10. DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge

Established in 1958, the DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge is an 8,362-acre nature preservation park. It’s a great final stop if your legs are really sore or you need one last place to breathe the fresh air of the Great Plains before entering bustling Omaha. This park is also renowned for hunting, hiking, fishing, and boating on the large oxbow lake.

Other Tips for Your Drive Between Fargo and Omaha

Here are some final tips to help you plan your drive between Omaha and Fargo:

• The route from Fargo to Omaha takes you through four states: North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, and Nebraska.
• The two biggest cities along the route from Fargo to Omaha are Sioux Falls, SD, and Sioux City, Iowa.
• The halfway point between Fargo and Omaha is between Brookings and Sioux Falls, South Dakota. If you have to make a choice though, I recommend stopping in Sioux Falls which has far more amenities and attractions.
• Sioux Falls is also the best place for an overnight stop if you decide to make the six-hour drive from Fargo to Omaha across two days.
• There are several rest stops on the southbound drive from Fargo to Omaha: New Effington Information Center, Wilmot Information Center, Ward Rest Area, one near Lakeport, Iowa, one near Onawa, Iowa, a parking-only rest area near Mondamin, and the I-29 SB Missouri Valley rest area.
• There are plenty of gas stations and truck stops along I-29 if you need fuel, toilets, snacks, or other services.

Should You Fly Between Fargo and Omaha Instead? 

It’s always tricky having to choose between these two means of transportation; however, it usually boils down to two factors; time and cost. As mentioned above, it takes six hours to make the drive between Fargo and Omaha drive, and covers 420 miles. Flying to the same destination, however, usually takes 1hour 17 minutes and covers a 390-mile distance.

Driving from Fargo to Omaha is relatively cheaper when compared to flying. If you have a time constraint, then flying from Fargo to Omaha is recommendable. It’s really all about the priorities you have for your trip between Fargo and Omaha!

If you’re continuing south on I-29 to Kansas City, be sure to read our road trip guide for the Omaha to Kansas City too!

Have other questions about the drive between Omaha and Fargo? Let us know in the comments!

Don’t forget: join our Great Plains Travel Tips group for even more travel inspiration!

Dickinson is one of those places – most people end up in the area to visit Theodore Roosevelt National Park which is not too far away, and then discover they want to explore the area a bit more. Luckily, there are some cool things to do in Dickinson, making it worthy of an overnight stop at least.

Whatever brings you to the area, you’ll soon discover first-hand that Dickinson is a great spot to spend some time; here are the best things to do in Dickinson, North Dakota.

Featured photo credit: Steve Shook via Flickr

In this post, I promote travel to destinations that are the traditional lands of the Mandan, Hidatsa, Arikara, Tséstho’e (Cheyenne), Očhéthi Šakówiŋ, Michif Piyii (Métis), and Hunkpapa peoples. With respect, I make a formal land acknowledgment, extending my appreciation and respect to the past and present people of these lands. To learn more about the peoples who call these lands home, I invite you to explore Native Land.

1. Take a Self-Guided Dickinson Walking Tour

Dickinson, a city of 25,679 inhabitants, is famous for being one of the gateways to the Theodore Roosevelt National Park. However, it has a unique history and architecture that is worth discovering. The city’s Downtown even has buildings dating back more than a century! 

The best way to explore these locations is with a self-guided Dickinson walking tour. You can find tons of information on Dickinson’s website. Also, The Dickinson Museum Center offers brochures and maps to help people organize an itinerary and visit all the notable sites around downtown Dickinson.

2. Visit the Dickinson Museum Center

Exploring the Dickinson Museum Center is one of the best Dickinson things to do if you want to get a comprehensive view of the area’s history. The center is a 12-acre museum complex dedicated to preserving the historic value, integrity, and knowledge of the historical artifacts and the history of Stark County. 

It consists of four complimentary components: Badlands Dinosaur Museum, Joachim Regional Museum, Prairie Outpost Park, and Pioneer Machinery Hall. Each facility focuses on different areas of knowledge and presents Dickinson’s history from multiple perspectives. 

3. Dig into History at Badlands Dinosaur Museum

Photo credit: North Dakota Tourism

Visiting the Badlands Dinosaur Museum is one of the top things to do in Dickinson, especially if you’re a history buff or are visiting with children. The museum tells the history of the area and southwestern North Dakota through its collection of life-sized dinosaurs and an array of fossils on display.

 The museum even features a working lab with glass windows you can look through and watch the technicians processing the bones and fossils. There are interactive areas for kids, including a sandbox that shows topographical lines.

4. Explore the Pioneer Machinery Hall

The Pioneer Machinery Hall takes you on a wonderful trip to North Dakota’s ranching era. Agriculture and farming culture have been the backbone of Dickinson’s economy. You can learn how cowboys and settlers spent their days branding, herding, shipping, and wintering livestock. 

The building houses the Historical Society’s agricultural implements and equipment collection. The pieces of equipment are on display, along with the stories of their contribution to the area. The Pioneer Machinery Hall sits adjacent to the Dickinson Museum Center. Admission costs $6 for adults, $5 for seniors, and $4 for children.

5. Play in Rocky Butte Park

Located across from Memorial Park and the Bandshell, going to Rocky Butte Park feels like an amazing “getaway” while in the middle of town. The park is absolutely beautiful, with a disc golf course, playground, and walking paths. 

The scenery is gorgeous. There’s a variety of species of conifers and deciduous trees and plenty of squirrels and birds living inside them. If you have kids, make sure you go to the back of the park. There are rocks your children will love to climb. 

6. Appreciate the Ukrainian Cultural Institute

Photo credits: Visit Dickinson, North Dakota Tourism

Stop by the Ukrainian Cultural Institute to learn the historic heritage of the Ukrainians who moved to North Dakota in the late 1890s. Despite being a small local cultural center, the venue houses a stunning collection of Ukrainian art and relics, many of which belonged to Ukrainian families who settled in the area. 

Visiting the Ukrainian Cultural Institute is also one of the top things to do in Dickinson if you appreciate fine craftsmanship. The artwork, embroidering, and quilting exhibits are exquisite. However, the gem of the cultural institution is the Pysanka, Easter eggs artisans beautifully decorated with traditional Ukrainian folk designs using a wax-resist method.

7. Adventure in Patterson Lake Recreation Area

Wondering what to do in Dickinson on a hot summer day? Patterson Lake Recreation Area has the answer. The lovely park is the perfect place to hang out on a sunny day in Dickinson. It has something for everyone. There are campsites, educational playgrounds featuring ants and bees, workout stations, and a covered bbq area with lots of picnic tables and little nooks to hide away and enjoy nature.

The area has 26 miles of shoreline and 819 acres of water, attracting fishing enthusiasts from far and wide during the summer months. There’s a small fee to access the park, and bear in mind it closes at 10:30 pm. 

8. Drive the Custer Trail Auto Tour 

It’s time to hit the road and drive the Custer Trail Auto Tour. This scenic drive takes you deep into the Badlands toward Montana. The path goes through the Little Missouri National Grasslands and has two segments that provide access to portions of Sully’s Battle of the Badlands Trail and Custer Historic Trail. 

You can drive the tour in a single day as it is only 80 miles long, but you’ll need two to three days to enjoy the area properly. 

9. Visit Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Exploring Theodore Roosevelt National Park is one of the most famous things to do in Dickinson, and one of five national parks in the Great Plains. Although Theodore Roosevelt National Park is one of the most underrated National Parks, it is absolutely worth visiting! The park sits in the North Dakota Badlands and is home to stunning scenery and wildlife.  

The northern portion of the park is the best place to appreciate the area’s rugged landscape. You can follow 14 Mile Scenic Drive that takes you from the bottom of the badlands to the canyon. The South Unit is a prime place for wildlife viewing, with diverse animals roaming around freely. Bison, coyotes, pronghorns, and wild horses are just a few animals you may encounter here.

Where to Stay in Dickinson

If you’re sold on spending some time in Dickinson, you probably need a place to rest after each day of adventure. There are about two dozen hotels, motels, and other accommodation options in Dickinson, meaning there’s something for almost everyone… okay, maybe not those of you looking for a five-star hotel – but here are other great options for the rest of us:

• Budget: Badlands Inn & Suites (from $65/night)
• Mid-Range: My Place Hotel (from $93/night)
• Luxe: Hampton Inn & Suites (from $122/night)
• Local Option: Heritage Hotel & Suites (from $79/night)

And there you have it – great things to do in Dickinson, North Dakota that might surprise you! Have any questions about the best things to do in Dickinson? Let me know in the comments!