While a lot of people are making their summer travel plans to places outside of North Dakota, there are an immense amount of spots right here in our state that are an explorer's dream. There is so much to find within the natural beauty, history, and artifacts of these 8 places, that you could spend and an entire day and more at each. You should definitely consider these part of the ultimate North Dakota must-do's!

1. Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park

By far one of the best state parks in North Dakota is the Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park in Mandan, North Dakota. This place has it all. Awe-inspiring views over the hills and the river, fascinating historical sites like the fort itself, Custer's House, and a village, plus campsites, trails, and more. It doesn't get much better than that! There is also a trolley car that will take you through all of this for the ultimate experience.

2. Custer's Ridge

This unusual yet fascinating attraction near Linton, North Dakota draws many people in. It is known as "Dinosaur's on the Prairie" and is like a outdoor museum to our farming history. It reminds one of ancient ruins from a time since past, only this time was just a handful of decades ago. These massive machines were once threshers that have now all been put to rest along the ridge line. This is a free outdoor activity that is fun to explore for all ages.

3. Chateau de Mores

Just outside of Medora, North Dakota is the mansion of a hunting lodge once owned the man who founded the town. This place is surrounded by the magnificent views of the badlands this area is so famous for. The house itself is well preserved with everything inside it kept intact from the late 1800s.

4. McDowell Dam Nature Park

This nature area near Bismarck, North Dakota is the best place to visit on a hot summer day. Enjoy the water through swimming or boating, or take a stroll on some of the hiking trails. It's both scenic and fun!

5. Knife River Indian Villages

Spend the afternoon visiting this beautiful and educational historical site near Stanton, North Dakota. Beyond the awesome earthen lodge pictured here that you can go inside, there are also wonderful views outside of where the people of this land used to live.

6. Sullys Hill National Game Preserve

Go on an adventure through one of North Dakota's most well known game preserves overlooking Devils Lake near Saint Michael, North Dakota. This place is loaded with things to see. The dense trees surrounding the water are full of animals - everything from elk and bison to prairie dogs and more birds species than you could count - and breathtaking views.

7. Little Missouri National Grassland

This vast and stunning national grassland encompasses many of North Dakota's most famous landscapes. The rolling hills of the native prairies, the jagged and colorful terrain of the badlands, and the river valley around the Little Missouri River itself all make up one gorgeous place. Both the north and south units of the Theodore Roosevelt National Park are in here, but there is so much more to see beyond that. This is definitely an explorer's paradise.

8. Fort Ransom State Park

The flowing waters of the Sheyenne River course through this beautiful state park near Valley City, North Dakota. There are tons of trails meandering through the forests, down into the valleys, and up onto ridge lines. Plus, it has a historic farmstead to explore. With campgrounds available, too, you could easily make a full weekend trip out of a visit here.

Any other great places in North Dakota for explorers that we missed?

Be sure to check out the trolley ride mentioned in Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park. It seriously is awesome!