Rediscover the West while visiting the Peace Garden State. With diverse topography and cultural history, North Dakota has educational and fun attractions.
3 Sites Dedicated to Presidents and Noblemen
Chateau de Mores State Historic Site
Just southwest of Medora, Chateau de Mores State Historic Site memorializes the life of the Marquis de Mores, who found his fortune in the cattle ranching industry. The site’s interpretive center tells the story of the Marquis’ life and business through educational exhibits. Groups can walk around the 26-room hunting cabin that houses original artifacts and learn about the culture of the frontier.
Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park
Wander around the ruins of On-A-Slant Mandan Indian Village and Fort Abraham Lincoln cavalry posts at Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park in Mandan. Students can go on hikes through prairie terrain and visit reconstructions of the commanding officer’s house, commissary storehouse and the enlisted men’s barracks and granary.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Photo Credit Dan Koeck
Set in the rugged landscape of the Badlands, Theodore Roosevelt National Park in western North Dakota has rich history and a diverse ecology. Ranger-led tours show students Roosevelt’s cabin from when he was a rancher, take them to observe wild prairie dogs and explain active geological processes of the Badlands. The park is also the site of the Maah Daah Hey trail system that groups can hike and see some of the country’s most unique terrain.
3 Locations Important to North Dakota’s History
Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site
A trade center for Native Americans and fur traders, Knife River is now home to Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site in Stanton. Students will explore a full-scale reconstruction of an earth lodge and interactive exhibits.
North Dakota Heritage Center and State Museum
Learn about the history and culture of North Dakota at the North Dakota Heritage Center and State Museum in Bismarck. The museum houses many artifacts and specimens, high-tech displays and interactive exhibits. Students can explore the state’s current energy and petroleum development, experience planting crops from the seat of a modern tractor and visit a 1950’s soda shop.
The Frontier Village
Take a step back in time when entering The Frontier Village in Jamestown, a recreated prairie town. The village features important pieces of history such as the Kirkpatrick Gallery, studio of artist James A. Kirkpatrick, and Louis L’Amour’s writer’s shack. The town offers stagecoach rides, re-enactments of Wild West-style shootouts and the world’s largest buffalo monument.
3 Adventures for Students in North Dakota
Dakota Zoo
The Dakota Zoo in Bismarck is home to more than 600 animals. Student groups can see and touch certain animals and participate in activities designed to teach students about animal behaviors.
Scandinavian Heritage Park
Take a step out of America and into Scandinavia when visiting Scandinavian Heritage Park in Minot. Scandinavian Heritage Park has replica houses and other artifacts from each of the five Scandinavian countries: Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland and Iceland. Student groups can stop at the Gol Stave Church Museum, a replica of the Gol Stave Church in Norway, and the Sigdal House is the oldest house in North Dakota.
Plains Art Museum
Learn about Native American, folk and contemporary art of the region at the Plains Art Museum in Fargo. Student groups can take a guided gallery and studio tour that leads them through interactive exhibitions and a trip to the Center for Creativity to participate in an art project.
By Caroline Rabin
