BISMARCK, N.D., Aug. 15,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Whether it's exploring local
markets and the night sky, or hiking and getting out on the water,
now is the time to take advantage of the spectacular weather in
North Dakota. Visitors can explore
a plethora of hikes, lakes, events, and parks waiting to be
seen.
Events and Attractions
The following is a glimpse of
events to look forward to in North
Dakota yet this summer and into early fall:
Mandan Market Nights, Mandan
Through
October 22, spend your Tuesday nights
at the Mandan Market in Dykshoorn Park for vibrant celebrations of
community and local craftsmanship; fresh, locally grown produce;
unique handmade crafts; live music on the Dykshoorn Park Bandshell;
and family friendly activities.
Annual Dakota Nights Astronomy Festival, Medora
Every year, astronomers and stargazing enthusiasts visit
Theodore Roosevelt National Park
for three days of education, storytelling, and viewing the night
sky. From August 30 to September 1,
visitors learn about NASA missions; stories of the stars from
cultures past and present; and information about the park's
nighttime critters.
Potato Bowl, Grand Forks
For football fans and potato lovers alike, this is your time to
shine! From September 10 to 14,
Grand Forks hosts the 58th annual
Potato Bowl, where one of the region's most popular crops, the
potato, is the star. The festivities culminate on Saturday with a
parade, tailgate party, and culminate with the University of North Dakota versus Idaho State University football game. Activities
throughout the week include a Potato Chip Giveaway, Golf
Tournament, Baked Potato Bar, and the World's Largest French Fry
feed.
Drekkerfest 10, Fargo
Known for their parties, Drekker Brewing Company will host their
annual Drekkerfest 10 on September 13
and 14. With a chance to win free beer for a year, and other
amazing prizes, this festival consists of good vibes, good beer,
and unique vendors that offer a one-a-kind experience you don't
want to miss.
International Peace Garden, Dunseith
A serene sanctuary nestled in
the Turtle Mountains, the International Peace Garden (IPG) has
captivated visitors since 1932. This 2,300-acre oasis boasts
pristine lakes, scenic trails, abundant wildlife, and breathtaking
floral displays. August and September are particularly enchanting
as IPG bursts into full bloom. While you're there, don't miss the
grand opening of the newly renovated Cacti & Succulents
Collection. The IPG Conservatory houses the world-renowned Vitko
Collection, featuring over 5,000 rare and unique species.
Outdoor Adventures
As summer starts to wind down and fall begins, now is the perfect
time to experience North Dakota's
hiking and biking trails and water recreational activities to see
the flourishing summer foliage drift into the beauty of fall. The
following locations are some of the best spots to savor that warm
summer sun:
Pipestem Creek Trail, Jamestown
Jamestown offers over 35 miles of scenic
trails for outdoor enthusiasts with Pipestem Creek Trail boasting
eight miles of breathtaking beauty. Explore diverse landscapes,
from the shores of Jamestown Reservoir and Pipestem Lake to
sprawling prairies, on trails ranging from easy strolls to
challenging adventures.
Turtle Mountain State Forest, Bottineau
Hike the winding, heavily
wooded trails of the Turtle Mountains. Both day-long riding
facilities and primitive camping are available at Strawberry Lake.
Rest your legs and take a leisurely drive along the Turtle Mountain
Scenic Byway.
North Country National Scenic Trail (NCNST),
Valley City traveling northwest to
Pick City
This trail is a
premier footpath that links communities, forests and prairies
across eight northern states from Vermont to its western endpoint at Lake
Sakakawea State Park. Much of the NCNST in North Dakota is located on open, rolling
prairie, perfect for scenic strolls and photo ops.
Lake Sakakawea, Pick
City
With more shoreline than the state of
California, this 180-mile-long
lake is a great place for boating or sailing off into the sunset -
and back. Year-round fishing is popular on the lake, which features
some of the state's most popular recreation areas for boating,
swimming, camping and more.
Pembina Gorge, Walhalla
The Pembina Gorge located in
the Rendezvous Region is a hiker's and paddler's paradise, boasting
the largest uninterrupted woodland in North Dakota and a stunning river valley
carved by the Pembina River. The Pembina Gorge Mountain Biking
Terrain Course located at Frostfire Park offers some unique and
challenging mountain bike adventures. Make time to explore this
rugged landscape through hiking, biking, kayaking, canoeing or on
an OHV.
Missouri River, Flows south from Western North Dakota through Bismarck and Fort
Yates
Long before there were scenic byways, there was
the Missouri River. Lewis and Clark took it to the Rocky Mountains
and back home. Today, you can travel along the water route and see
an array of attractions along the way, including the Garrison Dam.
Boating, canoeing, kayaking and fishing are popular activities and
state parks, historic sites and some of the state's larger cities
and towns dot its shoreline.
Red River, Wahpeton flowing north to the Canadian border
through Fargo and Grand Forks
A natural border between
North Dakota and Minnesota, the winding Red River provides
recreational opportunities for much of the state's population as it
slowly flows north into Canada.
Fishing, canoeing and kayaking are popular on the Red River as is
The Greenway in Grand Forks which
provides 2,200 acres of riverside land for recreational use
including campgrounds, multi-purpose trails, golf courses and much
more.
For more on planning a legendary trip to North Dakota, visit NDtourism.com.
Follow North Dakota Tourism on Facebook
at facebook.com/TravelND, on Instagram
at instagram.com/northdakotalegendary/ or on X at
x.com/NorthDakota and get tips on what to see and do
all year long.
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SOURCE North Dakota Tourism Division