There are touristy attractions everywhere, and while they may be cool, there are so many more hidden gems that are just as - if not more - awesome. North Dakota is one of the least visited states, but travelers just don't know what they are missing. Here are 9 incredible attractions in the Peace Garden State that not enough people visit, but should:
1. Fort Abraham Lincoln Trolley Ride
There is only one working, real trolley ride in North Dakota. It is located in the Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park near Mandan and takes a scenic route through the natural areas of the park as well as the historical sites. There's no better way to experience it all! Located at 2000 3rd St SE, Mandan, ND 58554.
2. Rainbow Garden
This stunning public garden is both an impressive floral feat as well as a great outdoor art gallery. The garden is split up into sections with regional and national artists' sculptures placed throughout. It is free to visit and welcoming to all. Located at 367 3rd St SW, Mayville, ND 58257.
3. Crow Flies High Butte
This jaw dropping view can be found at Crow Flies High Butte looking over Lake Sakakawea. Interestingly enough, this area used to be North Dakota's second national park. Today, it only has one, but if this lake didn't exist, it may still have two. Crow Flies High Butte is what is left of it and it is beautiful. Located just outside of New Town, ND.
4. Ronald Reagan Minuteman Missile Site
This unusual yet totally awesome attraction will take you a step back in time and deep underground. Within this heavily fortified underground bunker is the launch controls for missiles that might have saved us from nuclear threats during the Cold War. It has long since been put out of commission, but you can tour it yourself and see everything left exactly as it was then. Located at 555 113 1/2 Ave NE, Cooperstown, ND 58425.
5. Chateau Des Mores
This majestic mansion on a hill is the Chateau Des Mores, once the residence of the Marquis des Mores himself - the man who founded Medora, ND. It has been beautifully kept over all this time and has simply stunning views, and you can take a tour of it! It is like a time capsule. Located at 3448 Chateau Rd, Medora, ND 58645.
6. Dinosaurs on the Prairie
This unusual yet fascinating spot just outside of Napoleon is a testament to the history of the state. These "dinosaurs" are old threshing machines that used to be on nearly every farm in North Dakota. This collection of them goes up a ridgeline with a great final view and is well worth checking out for yourself. Located off of Highway 34 near Napoleon, ND.
7. Fort Mandan
This historic site is open to the public to explore and is unlike any other fort in North Dakota. It feels like you're walking into a time machine back to the earliest days of settlers in this state. Fur traders, pioneers, and more passed through here. Located at 838 28th Ave SW, Washburn, ND 58577.
8. Fargo Air Museum
This is one of the coolest air museums ever. Whether you are an aviation enthusiast, history buff, or just a casual visitor, you can find enjoyment in checking this place out. They have planes from all eras of all sizes, many of which are still flyable - and they do fly them - today. Located at 1609 19th Ave N, Fargo, ND 58102.
9. Mystical Horizons
Did you know North Dakota has its own modern take on the world-famous attraction Stonehenge? Not only is this an interesting set of sculptures, but it also works as a functional calendar using the position of the sun and the shadows it creates. How cool is that? And yet barely anyone knows about it! Check it out for yourself. Located near Carbury, ND.
Any other attractions in North Dakota you think we should put on this list? You can find more interesting and sometimes bizarre roadside attractions in this state by clicking here.
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