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Step 1
Plan what time of year you would like to go. Destinations in North Dakota are extremely dependent on the time of year you travel. The weather is the predominant factor in determining the appropriate time of year to go. Here are few suggestions to match activities to the time of year you are planning to travel.Summer/Spring: Fishing, North Dakota State Fair, a trip to the Badlands, water recreation, village festivals, camping and hiking.Fall: Hunting and sporting activities.Winter: Ice fishing and UND Hockey.
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Step 2
Pick a Destination. Destinations generally are located a fair distance from each other. Accordingly, picking a destination and sticking in that area is generally a good idea unless driving a fair amount is not a concern. For instance, a trip to the Badlands and Medora is must for any vacation to North Dakota. But plan to either stay in Medora or camp there for a few days; or you may feel that your trip is consumed by travel. Destinations such as Medora (Badlands) generally offer a wide breadth of activity, so staying in a general location is well worth it. One option for those not set on being in one destination, is to follow the Lewis and Clark Trail. The famous duo traveled through North Dakota on the Missouri River (now partially Lake Sakajawea) when they were exploring the Louisiana Purchase. There are numerous historical landmarks, places to stay, opportunities to explore outdoors, and people to meet along the great pathway.
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Step 3
Get Outside. North Dakota is an unspoiled natural gem, get out and see it. The Badlands offer rustic views and walk back into the turn of the century wild west. Hiking, sightseeing, and adventure don’t get much better. Lake Sakajawea, the nation's largest man-made lake, offers excellent fishing, hunting, water sports, ample free camping, and panoramic and uncrowded views. Hunting, hiking, and bike riding are easy to find at almost any turn in the state. Even in the winter there is great deal to do outside, with excellent ice fishing (Lake Sakajawea, Devils Lake, and Lake Audubon), places for skiing, hunting, and winter recreation. The state also is home to two golf courses that are consistently ranked amongst the nations top 50 public courses (Red Mike in Ray, Hawktree in Bismarck, and Bully Pulpit in Medora/Badlands).
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Step 4
Explore. While traveling the state make sure to take a few unplanned adventures off the freeway. North Dakota's charm lies in its people and quaint places. Along both I-94 and Highway 2, both of which run the length of the state, there is a small town nearly every 7 miles (they sprung up as the first transcontinental railroads crossed the state). Stop in and have a beer or lunch at the town's bar (every town in North Dakota has at least one, no matter how small the town). Have a talk with the locals and you'll hear stories about the town and its history, and (especially if you buy them a beer) you'll make plenty of new friends. Spread throughout the state are numerous historical landmarks and museums, many of which you won't find on the web. The best way to find these is simply getting off of the interstate and heading to a small town's tourism center.
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Step 5
Try your luck. The state offers several gaming options. The state currently has four Casinos located on Indian Reservations. Planning part of your trip to one of these locations will give you the opportunity to both experience excellent gaming facilities and entertainment venues, as well as put you in a prime location to tour historical Indian villages, be near excellent hunting and fishing locales, and get to know some of the local people. The state also allows charitable gaming in its bars. Stop in and play low-stakes blackjack or roulette at almost any bar in the state. And the best part is, even if you lose the money goes to charity.
