Uncovering the American West in North Dakota

The Peace Garden State’s Indigenous American communities played a vital role in shaping the area’s history, culture, language and practices, which are integral to life today. Begin your visit at the North Dakota State Capitol, in Bismarck, and admire the bronze statue depicting Sakakawea, a Lehmi Shoshone girl who guided the legendary Lewis and Clark survey expedition (1804–06) into the West. Nearby, the North Dakota Heritage Center houses eclectic exhibits that include rare examples of Indigenous beadwork, tools used by early hunters and the world’s largest squid fossil.

Afterwards, visit On-A-Slant Indian Village at Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park, which lies on the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail; its five replica earthlodges show how the thousand- strong population would have lived prior to the 1781 smallpox epidemic that decimated the village. And don’t miss New Town, where you can learn about the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara communities at the MHA Interpretive Center and see a reconstruction of an earthlodge village on Lake Sakakawea. The United Tribes International Powwow celebrates expert dancers and drums every September.

What to do in the Old West

With America As You Like It, you can hike or ride on horseback through the North Dakota badlands. Explore the rugged canyons, chalk cliffs and fertile plains that make up Theodore Roosevelt National Park, where abundant native grasses sustain herds of bison and pronghorn (the fastest mammal in the Western Hemisphere). Be sure to lace up your boots to tackle some of the 232km Maah Daah Hey Trail too, which connects different sections of the park.

In lively Medora, immerse yourself in the state’s rodeo heritage at the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame, then stretch your legs on the 2.5km Point-to-Point Trail that scales the bluffs above town. Having worked up a hunger, grab a pitchfork steak fondue before embracing the Medora Musical, an extravaganza featuring horsemanship, music and fireworks.

Further east, drive the Killdeer Mountain Four Bears Scenic Byway for impressive views of the Little Missouri River Valley, and finish by delving deeper into the history of the American West at the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center and Fort Mandan.

While in North Dakota, make sure you check out the city of Fargo too. The city has a vibrant downtown with many curious and colourful murals as well as the Iconic Fargo Theatre. There's also a renowned television and movie scene, since this is where the Fargo movie is set, including the most popular prop from the show – the famous wood chipper that can be seen in the Fargo-Moorehead Visitors Centre. Take time to enjoy Fargo's appetising restaurant scene and also its many fantastic micro-breweries, including Drekker Brewing Company. A trip to the Fargo Air Museum, which showcases historic aircraft, is also a must when spending time in North Dakota.