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Looking for Cheap Family Activities to Do in North Dakota? If you are not familiar with the great state of North Dakota, you might be asking yourself, “Is there anything fun to do with my family?” The answer is yes! North Dakota is an underrated destination for families looking to make some memorable experiences.
Whether you are looking to soak up the rich history, hike in one of its many parks, or tour some museums, these are some of the top spots for traveling families seeking affordable fun.
1. Red River Zoo, Fargo
The Red River Zoo is a perfect place for families to spend an afternoon learning about animals from around the world who share a similar habitat to the Red River Valley. The zoo is home to many endangered species and prides itself on breeding and caring for rare cold-climate animals.
A day at the park will bring visitors up close and personal with animals like grey wolves, swift foxes, arctic cats, and mountain goats. In addition to the Arctic animals, the zoo has an interactive red panda exhibit where visitors can see one of the world’s most rare animals.
2. SCHEELS Fargo, Fargo
SCHEELS is not just your everyday sporting goods store. When you visit this adventure store, you can enjoy the adventure while shopping!
This massive department store has over 85 specialty shops. SCHEELS sells equipment for any sport, from baseball to hunting. Families can spend a day riding the 45-foot indoor Ferris wheel, get a sugar rush at the candy factory, or play in the arcade, which includes a mini bowling lane.
3. Fargo Air Museum, Fargo
The Fargo Air Museum is home to some of the most historic aircraft in aviation history. The two-hangar exhibit includes an original Wright Brothers flyer and an unmanaged MQ-1 Predator. With most of their planes still operatable, those lucky to attend at certain times can feel the engines roar and examine how these vintage planes worked.
The museum has an interactive children’s exhibit that lets kids climb into a real-life control cabin and learn what it’s like to man one of these antique planes.
4. Bonanzaville, Fargo
Bonanzaville is a 12-acre lot with historic buildings ranging from a church, schoolhouse, courtroom, and general store. The local historical society has since added an aircraft and automobile museum with machinery specific to the area and time frame.
Visitors can explore the old pioneer town on foot or in a horse-drawn carriage to feel what it was like living in North Dakota 200 years ago.
5. Frontier Village and the World’s Largest Buffalo, Jamestown
This historic town has original buildings from the frontier villages of North Dakota. It is now home to historical artifacts, displays, and the famous Western writer Louis L’Amour’s writer’s shack.
Visitors can step back in time and stroll through the Northern Pacific Railroad Depot, built in 1880, Frontier School, Church, and Bank. At the end of the main road is the state’s largest buffalo. A massive 60-ton concrete buffalo statue rises 26 feet into the sky.
6. North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum, Bismarck
This museum aims to educate its visitors on the state-rich history of the native Plains tribe, military, and agriculture. The facility is home to the Native American Hall of Honor, a Native American storyteller section, a folk art display, and revolving seasonal exhibits. A day trip to the center is a perfect way for kids to absorb some of the reasons North Dakota is such a special place.
7. Lewis and Clark Riverboat, Bismarck
Cruise along the Missouri River on an authentic 100-foot paddle boat. These daily cruises offer sunset and dinner cruises for people of all ages. It is the perfect way to feel the breeze of the water and relax on one of the 70-foot twin decks.
8. Northern Air Family Fun Center, Grand Forks
Are you looking for a place for your kids to burn off some energy? This trampoline park might be the perfect place for that. This massive fun center has over 90 trampolines, including basketball courts where you can experience dunks, a dodgeball arena, and a foam pit.
9. Ralph Engelstad Arena, Grand Forks
Hockey is not just a sport in North Dakota but a way of life. The Ralph Engelstad Arena, known to the locals simply as “The Ralph,” is home to the University of North Dakota’s men’s ice hockey team.
The Fighting Hawks are among the most decorated college hockey teams, with numerous championships. This fast-paced sport will turn you and your family into hockey fans.
10. Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park, Mandan
Tourists looking for a history lesson can take the round-trip Fort Abraham Trolley to this historic park. This 977-acre park is on the Missouri River and was home to the Native Mandan tribe for over 300 years.
Today, it features a replica native american village, reconstructed military buildings, and the Custer House, the former home of the Civil War Army Officer.
11. Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Theodore Roosevelt made massive contributions to land conservation, and this park is a testament to his actions. This park is perfect for wildlife sightings alongside the North Dakota Badlands. Visitors will likely see bison, deer, elk, big horn sheep, wild horses, and prairie dogs on their drive through the park.
Those looking to explore more of the park can hike through the Badlands, kayak the Little Missouri River, or ride horseback through the park’s many trails. Bring your camera; you won’t want to miss the park’s scenic views.
12. North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame, Medora
The people of North Dakota are proud of their rich Western heritage and cowboy lifestyle. This 15,000-foot center is dedicated to all things encompassing the old Western frontier. Check out Chad Berger Bucking Bulls Corner, an exhibit dedicated to the famous 11-time PBR Stock Contractor of the Year.
13. Medora Musical, Medora
Nothing will get you and your family into the Western spirit more than taking in this Broadway-style variety show. The Burning Hills Amphitheater, built in 1958, continues to put on its famous family-friendly showcase.
The Medora Musical combines musical performances, live horses, comedy, historical re-enactments, and a firework finale. It is a fantastic way for the family to immerse themselves in the old traditions of the Wild West.
14. Chahinkapa Zoo, Wahpeton
Another amazing zoo for families to visit in North Dakota is the Chahinkapa Zoo. The facility sits on the banks of the Red River and is the ideal setting for various songbirds and waterfowl.
Inside the zoo, visitors can experience up-close encounters with over 70 species of animals from over six continents. Some of the fan favorites are the rhinos, tigers, bears, zebras, and orangutans.
15. Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site, Stanton
This site was established in 1974 to preserve archaeological remnants of bands of Hidatsa, Northern Plains Indians of the region. Visitors can tour the museum, walk through a replica Hidatsa earth lodge, and hike the various trails surrounding the historic site.
Fun fact: One of the trails passes the former home of Sacagawea. She called the village home before the arrival of explorers Lewis and Clark.
16. Magic City Discovery Center, Minot
With 12 galleries and over 150 interactive exhibits, the Magic City Discovery Center is designed to encourage learning, building, exploring, and critical thinking. Exhibits include climbing walls, crafting studios, sound sensations, water flow, and a pattern place.
The place is a kid’s paradise. When you visit Minot, make sure to include it on your list.
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