Visitors will be thrilled by this road trip that showcases prairie scenery, state & national parks, wildlife, and incredible history in what was once called the Dakota Territory!

Visitors will be thrilled by this road trip that showcases prairie scenery, state & national parks, wildlife, and incredible history in what was once called the Dakota Territory!

Day 1 - Minneapolis, MN

The MSP Airport is a great place to fly into if you’re looking for a nice road trip through the Minnesota and North Dakota area. Start in the Twin Cities and hit the big stops like the Como Park, and the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, and then hit the road on your way up to Fargo (with stops along the way of course).

Check out the tourist websites for more information on what to do in Minneapolis or St. Paul.

Day 2 - Sioux Falls, SD

The first stop in the Dakotas is Sioux Falls, SD. The namesake of the city, Falls Park offers natural beauty in an urban setting. Take a walk through the SculptureWalk's 55 unique sculptures in Downtown Sioux Falls while you're in the area.

Day 3 - Mitchell & Chamberlain, SD

A trip to South Dakota wouldn't be complete without a trip to the world's only Corn Palace. Also in Mitchell, the Prehistoric Indian Village, and Archeodome Museum showcases what it was like to live a thousand years ago in a Native American Plains Village.

Day 4 & 5 - Wall & Rapid City, SD

On the way to Rapid City, make sure to visit the Wall Drug Store, a staple souvenir stop for guests traveling through South Dakota since 1931.

Travel an hour south to Badlands Loop Road and take the byway through Badlands National Park. This 244,000 wilderness area offers spires, pinnacles, and wide views. Stop at a few of the scenic overlooks.

Day 6 & 7 - Custer, Keystone, Hill City, & Deadwood SD

From there, you can tour the Custer State Park and watch for bison, pronghorn antelope, deer, elk, and tons of other wildlife within the preserve. Also in Custer, take in the Crazy Horse Memorial and Wind Cave National Park.

Start Day 6 with the Mount Rushmore National Memorial, stop by the visitors center, amphitheater, and presidential walking trails.

Deadwood has historic tours departing from Main Street every hour in the summer months to tell the history and stories of characters such as Wild Bill Hickok, Calamity Jane, and more.

Day 8 & 9 - Medora, ND

Finally, after traveling through the remainder of North Dakota with stops at Salem Sue (the world’s largest Holstein Cow) and maybe a trip down the Enchanted Highway, you’ve made it to Medora, ND!

Medora is one of North Dakota’s biggest tourist attractions with the beautiful Theodore Roosevelt National Park within North Dakota’s Badlands (ND’s only National Park), the Medora Musical, and Bully Pulpit golf course. Medora is a great place to stay with a few options for campgrounds as well as hotels.

Check out Medora.com for some more options for things to do in this country-western town

Day 10 - Washburn, Mandan, & Bismarck, ND

On your way down to Bismarck, stop by the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center & Fort Mandan in Washburn where visitors are immersed in the journey of Lewis & Clark. Fort Mandan is where they spent their first winter on the expedition.

North Dakota’s capital city has no shortage of history. Start your visit here with a trip to the North Dakota Heritage Center (a free museum!) and wander through the galleries to get a better understanding of the history of North Dakota. Right next door, the capitol building stands as the tallest building in North Dakota, they offer tours every hour on the hour Monday-Friday from 9-11 a.m. and 1-3 p.m.

Day 11 & 12 - Fargo, ND

With 60+ hotels, 450+ restaurants, and endless things to do, a night in Fargo is a must in this itinerary (although, we may be biased).

Start your visit in Fargo at the Visitors Center where you can get information on all of the fun things to do as well as take a photo with the infamous Woodchipper prop from the movie Fargo. Then head to the Downtown Fargo area where great restaurants, public art, and local shops line Broadway. This is also where the nightlife comes alive.

Some can’t-miss attractions include Bonanzaville, the Hjemkomst Center, the Fargo Air Museum, the Red River Zoo, and the Historic Fargo Theatre.