Gladstone North DakotaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Gladstone, North Dakota.
1. Geese in Flight
WORLD RECORD METAL SCULPTURE
Geese in Flight is the largest scrap metal sculpture in the world according to Guinness World Records, built in 2001 from oil well pipes and oil tanks. The stunning sculpture sits majestically on a hill above Gladstone, creating a graceful and imposing silhouette against the North Dakota sky. Visitors approaching the main sculpture are guided by smaller geese sculptures mounted on posts along the access road, enhancing the artistic experience.
2. Enchanted Highway
ROADSIDE ART ADVENTURE
The Enchanted Highway is a 32-mile stretch of road connecting the towns of Regent and Gladstone, featuring seven massive metal sculptures created from scrap metal. Each sculpture along this unique roadway tells a different story, with themes including "Deer Crossing," "Grasshoppers in the Field," "Fisherman's Dream," "Pheasants on the Prairie," and "Theodore Roosevelt Rides." This outdoor art gallery has become one of North Dakota's most distinctive attractions, drawing road trippers seeking unusual and impressive sights.
3. Prairie Outpost Park
HISTORIC PIONEER EXPERIENCE
Prairie Outpost Park offers visitors a glimpse into North Dakota's pioneer past through preserved and restored historic buildings. The park features authentic structures including a one-room schoolhouse, blacksmith shop, and homesteader cabins that have been carefully maintained to showcase early settlement life. Visitors can walk through history and experience the challenges and triumphs of those who settled the Great Plains.
4. Dakota Dinosaur Museum
PREHISTORIC NATURAL HISTORY
Dakota Dinosaur Museum houses an impressive collection of dinosaur fossils, minerals, and prehistoric exhibits that showcase the region's rich paleontological history. The museum features full-sized dinosaur skeletons, authentic fossils, and interactive displays that bring the Mesozoic era to life for visitors of all ages. Educational programs and guided tours enhance the experience by providing context about the dinosaurs that once roamed North Dakota.
5. Dickinson Museum Center
REGIONAL HERITAGE COLLECTION
The Dickinson Museum Center serves as a cultural hub that preserves and presents the history of southwestern North Dakota through diverse exhibits and artifacts. The center encompasses multiple museum spaces including the Joachim Regional Museum with its focus on local history and the Pioneer Machinery Building showcasing agricultural equipment. Visitors can explore the evolution of the region from prehistoric times through European settlement and into the modern era.
6. Ukrainian Cultural Institute
EASTERN EUROPEAN HERITAGE
The Ukrainian Cultural Institute celebrates and preserves the rich heritage of Ukrainian immigrants who settled in the Northern Plains. The museum features traditional folk art, elaborate pysanky (Ukrainian Easter eggs), embroidery, and exhibits detailing the Ukrainian immigrant experience in North Dakota. Visitors can learn about Ukrainian customs, religious traditions, and the cultural contributions made by this community to the region's development.
7. West River Community Center
RECREATION AND WELLNESS
The West River Community Center offers comprehensive recreational facilities including swimming pools, fitness equipment, basketball courts, and an indoor track. The center provides year-round athletic and wellness opportunities for visitors and residents, particularly valuable during North Dakota's harsh winter months. Special programs, classes, and events make this a hub of community activity and a perfect stop for travelers seeking active entertainment.
8. Heart River Golf Course
SCENIC FAIRWAYS EXPERIENCE
Heart River Golf Course offers golfers a challenging and scenic 18-hole experience set against the beautiful North Dakota landscape. The well-maintained course features undulating fairways, strategic water hazards, and stunning views of the surrounding prairie. Visitors appreciate the professional clubhouse, equipment rentals, and the course's reputation for excellent playing conditions throughout the golfing season.
9. Assumption Abbey
HISTORIC MONASTIC SANCTUARY
Assumption Abbey is a Benedictine monastery established in 1893, known for its impressive Romanesque-style architecture and peaceful grounds. The abbey's church features beautiful stained glass windows, ornate woodwork, and a serene atmosphere that attracts both spiritual seekers and architecture enthusiasts. Visitors can tour the grounds, attend services, and purchase the monastery's famous homemade caramel rolls and other goods made by the monks.
10. Dickinson State University Art Gallery
CONTEMPORARY ART SHOWCASE
The Dickinson State University Art Gallery presents rotating exhibitions of contemporary artwork by regional, national, and student artists. The gallery serves as a cultural center for the community, hosting artist talks, workshops, and educational programs throughout the year. Visitors appreciate the diverse range of artistic styles and media represented in this accessible and thoughtfully curated space.
11. Theodore Roosevelt Center
PRESIDENTIAL HISTORY ARCHIVE
The Theodore Roosevelt Center at Dickinson State University houses a comprehensive digital library of Roosevelt's letters, diaries, photographs, and other materials. The center celebrates Roosevelt's deep connection to North Dakota, where he ranched and developed his conservation ethic in the Badlands. Researchers and history enthusiasts can access thousands of digitized documents and learn about the 26th president's transformative experiences in the region.
12. Pioneer Machinery Building
AGRICULTURAL HERITAGE MUSEUM
The Pioneer Machinery Building showcases an extensive collection of vintage agricultural equipment and tools that tell the story of farming evolution in the Northern Plains. Exhibits include antique tractors, threshing machines, plows, and other implements that demonstrate the technological advancement of agriculture over the decades. Visitors gain insight into the challenging work of early settlers who transformed the prairie into productive farmland through determination and innovation.
13. Medora
HISTORIC WESTERN TOWN
The historic town of Medora offers a complete Western experience with its charming downtown, Theodore Roosevelt National Park access, and famous Medora Musical outdoor show. Visitors can enjoy horseback trail rides, the nationally-rated Bully Pulpit Golf Course, and numerous dining options featuring local specialties. The town's authentic frontier atmosphere and proximity to stunning badlands scenery make it one of North Dakota's premier tourist destinations.
14. Enchanted Castle Hotel
THEMED LODGING EXPERIENCE
The Enchanted Castle Hotel offers unique medieval-themed accommodations at the southern end of the Enchanted Highway in Regent. The hotel features castle-inspired architecture, themed rooms, and a restaurant serving home-style meals to highway travelers and curious tourists. Created by the same artist who designed the Enchanted Highway sculptures, this whimsical lodging option provides both a place to stay and a continuation of the artistic experience.
15. Theodore Roosevelt National Park
BADLANDS WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
Theodore Roosevelt National Park encompasses over 70,000 acres of spectacular badlands terrain where colorful layered rock formations create a dramatic landscape. The park is home to abundant wildlife including bison, wild horses, elk, prairie dogs, and numerous bird species that can be observed from scenic drives and hiking trails. Visitors can explore the area that so inspired President Theodore Roosevelt's conservation ethic and visit his Maltese Cross Cabin preserved within the park.