Westhope North DakotaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Westhope, North Dakota.
1. Mystical Horizons
CELESTIAL STONEHENGE OF PLAINS
Mystical Horizons is a unique astronomical site often referred to as the 'Stonehenge of the Plains' located near Westhope. The site features several stone structures designed to track solstices and equinoxes with precision. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding prairie landscape while learning about celestial alignments.
2. Lake Metigoshe
SERENE WATER RECREATION
Lake Metigoshe is a picturesque body of water near Westhope offering year-round recreational activities. In summer, visitors enjoy swimming, fishing, and boating, while winter brings opportunities for ice fishing and snowmobiling. The lake is surrounded by beautiful natural scenery that changes dramatically with the seasons.
3. Tommy Turtle Statue
ICONIC ROADSIDE ATTRACTION
Tommy Turtle Statue stands as an iconic roadside attraction near Westhope, delighting visitors of all ages. The large turtle sculpture has become a beloved landmark and popular photo opportunity for travelers. Children particularly enjoy climbing and playing around this whimsical playground feature.
4. Westhope Golf Course
RELAXING RURAL LINKS
Westhope Golf Course offers golfers a relaxing experience in a serene rural setting. The course features well-maintained greens and fairways that showcase the natural beauty of North Dakota's landscape. Golfers of all skill levels appreciate the friendly atmosphere and reasonable rates.
5. Westhope Campground
PEACEFUL OUTDOOR RETREAT
Westhope Campground provides a peaceful retreat for outdoor enthusiasts looking to experience North Dakota's natural beauty. The campground offers basic amenities in a quiet setting perfect for reconnecting with nature. Visitors appreciate the convenient location along Highway 83 and the affordable rates.
6. International Peace Garden
SYMBOL OF INTERNATIONAL FRIENDSHIP
The International Peace Garden straddles the border between North Dakota and Manitoba, Canada, symbolizing the friendship between the two nations. Spanning 2,339 acres, the garden features stunning floral displays, a peace chapel, and a 120-foot peace tower. Visitors can experience the unique sensation of walking between two countries while enjoying the meticulously maintained gardens and monuments.
7. Lake Metigoshe State Park
YEAR-ROUND OUTDOOR ADVENTURE
Lake Metigoshe State Park offers year-round recreational opportunities in the scenic Turtle Mountains near Westhope. During summer, visitors enjoy camping, hiking, fishing, and water activities, while winter brings exceptional cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. The park's diverse ecosystem features oak forests, wetlands, and rolling hills that support abundant wildlife viewing opportunities.
8. Bottineau Winter Park
PREMIER WINTER RECREATION DESTINATION
Bottineau Winter Park is the premier winter sports destination in the region, offering downhill skiing, snowboarding, and tubing. The park features a variety of runs suitable for beginners and experienced skiers alike, along with modern facilities and equipment rentals. During the off-season, visitors can enjoy hiking and mountain biking on the scenic trails.
9. Painted Canyon Overlook
BREATHTAKING BADLANDS VIEWS
Painted Canyon Overlook offers visitors a spectacular introduction to the North Dakota Badlands with panoramic views that stretch for miles. The site includes interpretive displays explaining the unique geology and wildlife of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Visitors frequently spot bison, wild horses, and prairie dogs while taking in the stunning multicolored landscape.
10. Enchanted Highway
WHIMSICAL METAL SCULPTURE TRAIL
The Enchanted Highway features a collection of enormous scrap metal sculptures along a 32-mile stretch of rural highway in western North Dakota. Each sculpture has its own unique theme, from giant grasshoppers to a massive tin family, created by local artist Gary Greff to attract visitors to the region. The route culminates in Regent, where travelers can find souvenirs, accommodations, and dining in distinctive castle-shaped facilities.
11. Bonanzaville
LIVING PIONEER VILLAGE MUSEUM
Bonanzaville is a pioneer village museum complex featuring over 40 historic buildings that preserve the heritage of the Red River Valley. Visitors can explore authentic structures including a schoolhouse, church, farmstead, and business establishments that have been relocated to the site. The museum houses an impressive collection of artifacts that tell the story of early settlement and development in North Dakota.
12. Frontier Village
HISTORIC WESTERN TOWN RECREATION
Frontier Village recreates an authentic western town with historic buildings gathered from throughout the region. The village features a trading post, jail, schoolhouse, church, and other structures filled with period artifacts and exhibits. Visitors particularly enjoy seeing the World's Largest Buffalo Monument located adjacent to the village.
13. Theodore Roosevelt National Park
PRESIDENTIAL BADLANDS WILDERNESS
Theodore Roosevelt National Park preserves the dramatic landscape of the North Dakota Badlands where the 26th president ranched and hunted in the 1880s. The park is divided into three units featuring colorful painted canyons, rolling grasslands, and abundant wildlife including bison, elk, and prairie dogs. Visitors can explore the park via scenic drives, hiking trails, and ranger-led programs that highlight Roosevelt's conservation legacy.
14. White Horse Hill National Game Preserve
WILDLIFE AND CULTURAL HERITAGE
White Horse Hill National Game Preserve (formerly Sullys Hill) combines wildlife conservation with the cultural heritage of the region's Native American tribes. The preserve offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities with bison, elk, and prairie dogs living in a protected natural setting. Visitors can explore scenic hiking trails, a visitor center with educational exhibits, and fishing spots along Devils Lake.
15. Historic 1883 Stutsman County Courthouse
DAKOTA TERRITORY'S OLDEST COURTHOUSE
The Historic 1883 Stutsman County Courthouse stands as the oldest courthouse in North Dakota, dating back to Dakota Territory days. The beautifully restored building features original woodwork, period furnishings, and exhibits detailing the region's legal and governmental history. Visitors can take guided tours to learn about early justice in the frontier days and see the courtroom where important territorial decisions were made.