In my quest to visit all 50 states, North Dakota was 49th on my list for one reason: who voluntarily plans a trip there? Most Americans share this sentiment, as the state remains a regular on the lists of Least visited states in the bottom 48.

To put things into perspective, new York sees as many visitors in a month as North Dakota sees all year round. But with only two states remaining, North Dakota stood between me and my 50-state finish line.

With expectations low and hesitations high, I planned four days to explore the Peace Garden State. Could I have spent less time achieving my goal? Absolutely, but I wanted to give the state a fair chance.

I traveled with my husband, who was also traveling through #49. Our itinerary included two nights in Bismarck and two in Fargo. Since only seven cities have direct flights in Bismarck – and ours is not one of them – we took a connecting flight to St. Paul, Minnesota, and began our adventure.

And that’s when North Dakota started to surprise me.

North Dakota: Surprisingly Scenic, Incredibly Underrated

Contrary to what I think, tourism is booming. Despite the state’s well-hidden status, a record 25.6 million people visited it in 2023. Visitor spending brought in more than $3.3 billion — which isn’t too bad for a state most people avoid.

Thanks in part to Lake Sakakawea, the nation’s largest man-made reservoir, North Dakota has more shoreline than the California coast. And although Theodore Roosevelt National Park is North Dakota’s most visited attraction, other areas of the state contribute as well.

A quick look at the North Dakota tourism website shows that North Dakotans enjoy many of the same activities and excursions as the rest of the country.

“One of the best-kept secrets is our unique seasons, which create year-round activities for outdoor enthusiasts,” says Sheri Grossman, CEO of Bismarck-Mandan Convention and Visitors Bureau. “We offer a rare blend of summer water activities, fall hunting options, and winter fun like snowmobiling, ice fishing, cross-country skiing, and tried-and-true alpine sledding!”

While Mother Nature provides outdoor fun, there’s so much more to see. From quirky roadside giants to well-worn historical treasures, North Dakota’s man-made attractions are as eclectic as they are unforgettable.

Touring North Dakota’s Unique Sites and Landmarks

In Jamestown, meet the The biggest buffalo in the world: a concrete giant 26 feet high and 60 tons attracting nearly 200,000 visitors per year. Close Border villagecharming nod to the Wild West, is as entertaining as it is nostalgic. History buffs can explore the 1883 Stutsman County Courthouse, the oldest in the state, offering an interactive glimpse into North Dakota’s frontier past.

Head east to Fargo and experience the Plains Art Museumwhich features 4,000 works ranging from regional and contemporary Native American art to nationally renowned pieces. It is a must-visit for culture lovers.

Bismarck’s Art Alley is an ever-changing expanse of colorful murals that transforms a downtown alley into a bustling outdoor art gallery. The mix of street art and installations gives the city a quirky and creative atmosphere.

Bismarck also offers the Lewis and Clark Riverboat. This one-of-a-kind paddle boat glides along the Missouri River, retracing the tracks of explorers, but with much less effort. Relax and admire the natural beauty of North Dakota. famous explorers once traveled.

Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park’s rugged hiking trails, scenic river views, and rich history satisfy any heritage lover. It’s also home to Custer House, a replica of General Custer’s home, and the fascinating On-A-Slant Village. The reconstructed village of Mandan Earth Lodge gives visitors a glimpse of Native American life on the Northern Plains.

If you visit in winter, Mandan comes alive with the Mandan Christmas Lights at the Main Street Festival. Rather than giving in to the cold and snow, this Christmas event draws on the season, creating a magical, family-friendly winter wonderland worth braving the weather for. Downtown Mandan lights up with festive displays, holiday markets, and horse-drawn carriage rides, creating the perfect small-town vacation atmosphere.

The Enchanted Highway, 87 miles west of Bismarck, offers one of the most original and Instagram-worthy experiences around. The 32-mile stretch is a truly unique roadside attraction with sculptures so large you can’t help but stop. Massive metal sculptures include “Geese in Flight,” which holds the Guinness World Record for largest scrap metal sculpture. Whimsical creations along the route, from giant grasshoppers to a towering tin family, offer travelers a fun glimpse into the artistic side of North Dakota.

Theodore Roosevelt National Park is North Dakota’s premier attraction, drawing visitors to the Badlands and its wildlife. With over 70,000 acres to explore, the park offers hikes, scenic drives, and chances to see bison, wild horses, and prairie dogs in their natural habitat. It is a must-visit for anyone who appreciates car trips with wide open spaces and outdoor adventure.

North Dakota seamlessly combines stunning natural beauty with a storied culture – more than enough to change anyone’s mind about this “Flyover State.”

Even more, some visitors come back to stay.

North Dakota Tops ‘Best Places to Live’ List

North Dakota presents itself as a place for those who value opportunity, freedom and community. With an average monthly salary of $5,014 and a median home price of $257,599, it offers economic stability that other states lack.

Estimates show 30,000 jobs available in North Dakota in skilled and labor sectors, including high-growth sectors like energy, technology, defense, cybersecurity and food sciences. The state, which has the third lowest rate of unemployment rateis also the fourth best state for millennials and t the second best state to raise a family. To determine the ranking, WalletHub researchers looked at 50 indicators across all 50 states, including affordability, unemployment and median family income.

Frank Matus and his family left Syracuse, New York, when his son was 16, after traveling there several times for sporting events. “Every time I came to North Dakota, as soon as we landed, it was like a relief. The pressure of living in New York was gone; people were more positive. It was this attitude that attracted me,” says Matus.

Matus says North Dakota has felt like home since his first visit. He says the state is “completely different than most people think.” It now connects prospective residents with the information they need to get there through the state’s information system. Find the good life relocation program.

Would I come back?

After four days in North Dakota, I admit the visit was worth it. We enjoyed the great beauty of the landscape, learned more about the history of the state, enjoyed good food, and met some genuinely friendly people.

If your goal is to visit all 50 states and North Dakota is all that’s left, be sure to check out Fargo. Knowing that so few people visit, they turned this unfortunate statistic into an exclusive. Best for last “Club with bragging rights. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to take advantage of the free club t-shirt as I had one state left to visit, but if you’re holding out, book your trip and plan to wear your jersey with pride.

This article was produced by Media decision and syndicated by Wealth of Geeks.

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