You don’t have to pay a bunch of money to have fun outdoors in North Dakota. There are plenty of great free activities in the state that are not only worth visiting because they are free, but also because they can be more enjoyable than a paid attraction. Check out these seven free outdoor activities you don’t want to miss this summer that are friendly to your wallet:
- Take a serene walk through the Rainbow Garden.
Sandy B/Tripadvisor The Rainbow Garden and Sculpture Walk in Mayville, North Dakota may be one of the most beautiful and peaceful places you can visit in the Peace Garden State. It is free and open to the public and each year it is full of vibrantly colored flowers, plants, and fascinating sculptures from a variety of artists. There are many sections to the garden and you can bring the whole family to enjoy it.
The Rainbow Garden is located at 367 3rd St. SW, Mayville, ND 58257.
- Explore the vast and beautiful Davis Ranch.
Justin Meissen/Flickr This nature preserve has an absolutely astounding untouched prairie of the prairie pothole region or Missouri Coteau. It’ll almost make you feel like you’ve been transported to another world, but in reality it looks like the native prairies that used to completely cover North Dakota before it became the agricultural center it is today. It is like a glimpse back in time, and a free one at that!
The Davis Ranch is located 5 miles south of Denhoff, North Dakota.
- Go kayaking or canoeing on the Red River of the North.
Fargo-Moorhead CVB/Flickr Discover the beauty of the Red River by kayaking or canoeing down it through cities like Fargo and Grand Forks. You’ll be able to see the local nature as well as parts of these big and awesome places. This is a wholesome family activity that is great on a nice summer day.
- Hike to the top of Sullys Hill and take in the view.
Beatnik Photos/Flickr Sullys Hill National Game Preserve has a fantastic trail that’ll lead you right up a hill and give you the best view of North Dakota’s largest natural lake, Devils Lake. There is also quite a bit of wildlife to see here, including bison. It doesn’t get much cooler, especially when there is no entrance fee.
Sullys Hill National Game Preserve is located at 2107 Park Drive, St. Michael, ND 58370.
- Explore the wonders of Keelboat Park along the Missouri.
scottcaps/Tripadvisor Take a stroll along the Missouri River while discovering the history of the area and unusual yet beautiful art from local artists at Keelboat Park. There is a lot of history relating to Lewis and Clark and an actual keelboat - the kind they would have trekked the river with - that you can go in. It’s free and open to the public and well worth a visit.
Keelboat Park is located at 1605 River Rd., Bismarck, ND 58503.
- Have a blast on the water at the Jamestown Reservoir.
Jamestown ND/Facebook The Jamestown Reservoir is one of the best free lake destinations when it comes to available amenities and fun you can have. There are trails, beaches, disc golf, docks, and a marina all for public use. The gorgeous natural scenery and the cool water will make for a stupendous summer’s day of free fun. It is located in Jamestown, North Dakota.
- Take a drive down the Enchanted Highway and get pictures next to the world’s largest scrap metal sculptures.
Amy Meredith/Flickr Fancy a drive? North Dakota has the best road trip destination that is almost like walking through a larger-than-life art gallery. These world record breaking metal sculptures line a specific highway near Regent, North Dakota, and each one has a pullout where you can park and jump out for pictures or have a picnic at one of the many picnic shelters along the way.
What is your favorite activity to do in North Dakota that doesn’t cost anything? Just exploring the many roads of the state can be fun enough and a great way to see the countryside. Here are some top notch scenic routes to take that’ll give you the chance to do exactly that.
Sandy B/Tripadvisor
The Rainbow Garden and Sculpture Walk in Mayville, North Dakota may be one of the most beautiful and peaceful places you can visit in the Peace Garden State. It is free and open to the public and each year it is full of vibrantly colored flowers, plants, and fascinating sculptures from a variety of artists. There are many sections to the garden and you can bring the whole family to enjoy it.
The Rainbow Garden is located at 367 3rd St. SW, Mayville, ND 58257.
Justin Meissen/Flickr
This nature preserve has an absolutely astounding untouched prairie of the prairie pothole region or Missouri Coteau. It’ll almost make you feel like you’ve been transported to another world, but in reality it looks like the native prairies that used to completely cover North Dakota before it became the agricultural center it is today. It is like a glimpse back in time, and a free one at that!
The Davis Ranch is located 5 miles south of Denhoff, North Dakota.
Fargo-Moorhead CVB/Flickr
Discover the beauty of the Red River by kayaking or canoeing down it through cities like Fargo and Grand Forks. You’ll be able to see the local nature as well as parts of these big and awesome places. This is a wholesome family activity that is great on a nice summer day.
Beatnik Photos/Flickr
Sullys Hill National Game Preserve has a fantastic trail that’ll lead you right up a hill and give you the best view of North Dakota’s largest natural lake, Devils Lake. There is also quite a bit of wildlife to see here, including bison. It doesn’t get much cooler, especially when there is no entrance fee.
Sullys Hill National Game Preserve is located at 2107 Park Drive, St. Michael, ND 58370.
scottcaps/Tripadvisor
Take a stroll along the Missouri River while discovering the history of the area and unusual yet beautiful art from local artists at Keelboat Park. There is a lot of history relating to Lewis and Clark and an actual keelboat - the kind they would have trekked the river with - that you can go in. It’s free and open to the public and well worth a visit.
Keelboat Park is located at 1605 River Rd., Bismarck, ND 58503.
Jamestown ND/Facebook
The Jamestown Reservoir is one of the best free lake destinations when it comes to available amenities and fun you can have. There are trails, beaches, disc golf, docks, and a marina all for public use. The gorgeous natural scenery and the cool water will make for a stupendous summer’s day of free fun. It is located in Jamestown, North Dakota.
Amy Meredith/Flickr
Fancy a drive? North Dakota has the best road trip destination that is almost like walking through a larger-than-life art gallery. These world record breaking metal sculptures line a specific highway near Regent, North Dakota, and each one has a pullout where you can park and jump out for pictures or have a picnic at one of the many picnic shelters along the way.
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