Kramer North DakotaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Kramer, North Dakota.
1. Tommy Turtle Statue
ICONIC ROADSIDE ATTRACTION
Tommy Turtle Statue is a beloved roadside attraction in Bottineau, not far from Kramer. Standing as one of the world's largest turtle sculptures, this whimsical landmark celebrates the area's connection to the nearby Turtle Mountains. Visitors can take photos with this charming statue and enjoy the surrounding park area.
2. Mystical Horizons
MODERN STONE CALENDAR
Mystical Horizons is often called the 'Stonehenge of North Dakota' located near Bottineau in the Turtle Mountains. This modern astronomical calendar consists of concrete structures that align with solstices and equinoxes, offering stunning views of the prairie landscape. Visitors can experience both scientific wonder and natural beauty at this unique attraction.
3. Lake Metigoshe State Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION PARADISE
Lake Metigoshe State Park offers year-round recreation opportunities in the scenic Turtle Mountains near Bottineau. The park features swimming, boating, fishing, and hiking in summer, while winter brings excellent cross-country skiing and snowmobiling trails. Visitors can also enjoy camping facilities, rental cabins, and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities.
4. Lake Metigoshe
PRISTINE BORDER LAKE
Lake Metigoshe is a beautiful natural lake straddling the US-Canadian border in the Turtle Mountains region. The lake offers excellent fishing for walleye, northern pike, and perch throughout the year, including popular ice fishing in winter. Visitors can enjoy water recreation, lakeside cabins, and stunning natural scenery.
5. W'eel Turtle
CREATIVE METAL SCULPTURE
W'eel Turtle is an impressive folk art sculpture created entirely from wheel rims and scrap metal. Located near the International Peace Garden entrance, this massive turtle sculpture stands as a testament to creative recycling and artistic vision. Visitors often stop to take photos with this unique roadside attraction.
6. Mouse River Outfitters
HUNTING AND FISHING GUIDES
Mouse River Outfitters provides guided hunting and fishing experiences in the Kramer area. Their expert guides offer access to prime hunting grounds for waterfowl, upland game, and deer seasons throughout the year. Visitors can enjoy fully customized outdoor adventures with all necessary equipment and local expertise provided.
7. SnoTrails
WINTER RECREATION ROUTES
SnoTrails offers extensive snowmobile trail networks throughout the Kramer area during winter months. These well-maintained trails connect to the larger North Dakota snowmobile trail system, providing hundreds of miles of winter recreation opportunities. Visitors can experience the beauty of North Dakota's winter landscape while enjoying the thrill of snowmobiling.
8. International Peace Garden
SYMBOL OF FRIENDSHIP
The International Peace Garden straddles the border between North Dakota and Manitoba, Canada, celebrating the peaceful relationship between the two nations. This 2,300-acre botanical garden features thousands of flowers, a peace chapel, hiking trails, and a 120-foot peace tower. Visitors can literally walk between the United States and Canada within the garden grounds.
9. Bottineau Winter Park
SEASONAL SKIING DESTINATION
Bottineau Winter Park offers downhill skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing in the scenic Turtle Mountains. The park features multiple ski runs for various skill levels, equipment rentals, and a cozy lodge with food service. Summer visitors can enjoy the alpine slide, mountain biking, hiking trails, and special events.
10. Pride Dairy
HISTORIC ICE CREAM SHOP
Pride Dairy is North Dakota's oldest creamery, famous for its handcrafted ice cream and butter made from local cream. This nostalgic ice cream parlor features original furnishings and offers over 20 flavors of premium ice cream, including unique seasonal options. Visitors can also purchase cheese, butter, and other dairy products made on-site.
11. Enchanted Highway
GIANT METAL SCULPTURES
The Enchanted Highway features a collection of enormous scrap metal sculptures along a 32-mile stretch of rural highway. These massive art installations include themes like 'Geese in Flight,' 'Pheasants on the Prairie,' and 'Tin Family,' created by artist Gary Greff. Visitors can drive the entire route, stopping at each sculpture where small parking lots and picnic areas are available.
12. Bottineau County Historical Museum
LOCAL HERITAGE COLLECTION
The Bottineau County Historical Museum preserves and displays the rich history of this rural North Dakota region. The museum features historical buildings, agricultural implements, household items, and photographs documenting pioneer life. Visitors can explore multiple buildings filled with artifacts that tell the story of settlement and development in North Dakota.
13. Painted Canyon Overlook
STUNNING BADLANDS VISTA
The Painted Canyon Overlook offers a breathtaking introduction to the North Dakota Badlands within Theodore Roosevelt National Park. This popular roadside stop provides panoramic views of the colorful, striated rock formations that characterize the unique landscape. Visitors can access interpretive displays, picnic areas, and hiking trails from this scenic viewpoint.
14. South Unit
THEODORE ROOSEVELT PARK
The South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park showcases the dramatic landscape that inspired President Roosevelt's conservation ethic. Visitors can drive a 36-mile scenic loop through badlands terrain, spotting bison, wild horses, prairie dogs, and other wildlife along the way. The area offers numerous hiking trails, ranger programs, and historical sites connected to Roosevelt's ranching days in Dakota Territory.
15. Badlands Overlook
SCENIC NATURAL WONDER
Badlands Overlook provides spectacular views of the rugged North Dakota landscape in the northern section of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. This vantage point offers visitors the chance to see the Little Missouri River winding through colorful sedimentary rock formations carved by millennia of erosion. Photographers particularly appreciate this spot for sunset and sunrise opportunities when the badlands glow with warm light.