Alice North DakotaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Alice, North Dakota.
1. Theodore Roosevelt National Park
HISTORIC BADLANDS WILDERNESS
Theodore Roosevelt National Park is one of the top outdoor destinations in North Dakota, featuring rolling hills and badlands where visitors can spot free-roaming bison. The Little Missouri River winds through the park's diverse landscape, offering scenic drives and hiking trails for exploration. Visitors can also explore historical sites like the Maltese Cross Cabin, once the temporary home of President Theodore Roosevelt.
2. Painted Canyon Overlook
BREATHTAKING SCENIC VISTA
Painted Canyon Overlook provides one of the best viewpoints in Theodore Roosevelt National Park with stunning panoramas of the badlands. Visitors can enjoy the informative visitor center while taking in the spectacular natural scenery. The overlook serves as an excellent introduction to the park's distinctive landscape and wildlife.
3. International Peace Garden
TRANQUIL BORDER GARDENS
The International Peace Garden straddles the border between North Dakota and Manitoba, Canada, featuring tranquil gardens and historic sites that symbolize friendship between the two nations. Visitors can explore the carillon bell tower, floral clock, and various memorials throughout the peaceful grounds. The garden also offers hiking trails and scenic picnic spots for a reflective outdoor experience.
4. Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park
HISTORIC MILITARY OUTPOST
Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park features a replica Mandan On-A-Slant Indian Village and reconstructed military buildings including the Custer House. During summer months, visitors can enjoy guided tours with staff in period costumes and explore the interior of historic dwellings. The park offers a fascinating glimpse into both military history and indigenous culture along the Missouri River.
5. National Buffalo Museum
AMERICAN BISON HERITAGE
The National Buffalo Museum in Jamestown celebrates the cultural and historical significance of the American bison. Visitors can view a live buffalo herd that includes rare white buffalo, considered sacred by many Native American tribes. The museum houses exhibits on the near extinction and conservation of the American bison along with Native American artifacts.
6. Knife River Indian Villages
NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE
Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site preserves the remains of earth-lodge dwellings once inhabited by Northern Plains Indians. Visitors can explore reconstructed earth lodges and learn about the daily life and traditions of the Hidatsa people who lived along the Missouri River. The site includes a modern visitor center with exhibits, artifacts, and educational programs about Native American culture and history.
7. Enchanted Highway
WHIMSICAL METAL SCULPTURES
The Enchanted Highway features a series of large, whimsical metal sculptures dotting a 32-mile route through rural North Dakota. Created by artist Gary Greff, these massive installations include "Geese in Flight," recognized as the world's largest scrap metal sculpture. The journey ends in the charming town of Regent, where visitors can find photo opportunities, a gift shop, and ice cream.
8. Dakota Zoo
FAMILY-FRIENDLY WILDLIFE EXPERIENCE
The Dakota Zoo was founded in 1961 by Marc and Betty Christianson and has grown from its original 15 acres to become one of North Dakota's premier wildlife attractions. Visitors can observe over 600 animals representing more than 125 species in naturalistic habitats. The zoo offers educational programs, special events, and interactive experiences that appeal to animal lovers of all ages.
9. North Dakota Heritage Center
STATE HISTORY MUSEUM
The North Dakota Heritage Center serves as the state's premier history museum with exhibits spanning from prehistoric times to the present day. Visitors can explore galleries featuring dinosaur fossils, Native American artifacts, pioneer life, and modern North Dakota innovations. The museum campus includes the Northern Lights Atrium, outdoor plazas, and the State Archives for researchers.
10. Plains Art Museum
CONTEMPORARY ART COLLECTION
The Plains Art Museum, housed in a renovated International Harvester warehouse, showcases contemporary and traditional fine arts with an emphasis on regional artists. Visitors can explore diverse exhibitions featuring Native American art, photography, sculptures, and paintings from both established and emerging artists. The museum offers educational programs, workshops, and a café where visitors can relax after viewing the collections.
11. Fargo-Moorhead Visitors Center
MOVIE MEMORABILIA COLLECTION
The Fargo-Moorhead Visitors Center features unique movie memorabilia including the famous woodchipper from the Coen Brothers' film "Fargo." Visitors can take memorable photos with the woodchipper prop and browse through an extensive collection of film-related items. The center also houses a gift shop and provides information on local attractions and membership in a club for travel enthusiasts.
12. Medora Musical
OUTDOOR WESTERN SHOW
The Medora Musical is a professional outdoor musical production performed in the Burning Hills Amphitheatre against the backdrop of the North Dakota Badlands. Each summer night, performers celebrate the American West and Theodore Roosevelt's legacy through music, dance, and storytelling. The show combines patriotic themes, country music, and spectacular special effects with comfortable seating and stunning sunset views.
13. Lake Sakakawea
PREMIER RECREATIONAL RESERVOIR
Lake Sakakawea, one of North America's largest man-made reservoirs, offers 178 miles of water recreation opportunities along the Missouri River. Visitors can enjoy excellent fishing for walleye, northern pike, and salmon, along with boating, swimming, and water sports at numerous access points. The lake features multiple state parks, campgrounds, marinas, and scenic overlooks along its 1,500 miles of shoreline.
14. Red River Market
LOCAL FOODS & CRAFTS
The Red River Market is Fargo's largest farmers market, featuring a diverse range of fresh produce, prepared foods, crafts, and art from local vendors. Visitors can enjoy live music and cooking demonstrations while browsing through stalls filled with seasonal offerings and artisanal products. The market celebrates community spirit and provides a vibrant gathering place for both locals and tourists to experience North Dakota's agricultural bounty.
15. White Butte
HIGHEST POINT HIKE
White Butte stands as North Dakota's highest natural point at 3,506 feet above sea level, offering hikers a unique geographical achievement. The moderate 1.5-mile trail to the summit crosses private property (requiring a small fee) and rewards visitors with panoramic views of the surrounding prairie landscape. The chalky butte formation creates a stark contrast against the sky and provides excellent photography opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts.