There are tons of popular, awesome attractions in North Dakota that most everyone knows about. After all, our official state nickname is after one of the most well-known ones in the state, the International Peace Garden. But what about those attractions that not many people know about? The hidden gems, the ones locals like to keep to themselves. Those exist, too, and are just as deserving of all the attention the other ones get. Here are seven great examples of places that more people should know about:
- Fire Hall Theatre - Grand Forks
ShanOC/Tripadvisor This historic fire hall in downtown Grand Forks was renovated in the 1980s to become a community theatre, the Fire Hall Theatre. Not only is the building unique and interesting to visit, there are plenty of performances happening all throughout the year. It’s located at 412 2nd Ave. N, Grand Forks, ND 58203.
- Ronald Reagan Minuteman Missile State Historic Site - Cooperstown
Mark H/Tripadvisor If you want to talk hidden, then this historic site fits the bill! The Ronald Reagan Minuteman Missile site may look somewhat uninteresting from the surface, but deep below the earth there is a fascinating place to be discovered. Take an elevator deep underground and discover what once was a missile launching command center that could have saved the country from foreign missiles if the need came during the Cold War. There is so much to see, do, and learn here, that it is well worth a visit. It is located at 555 113 1/2 Ave. NE, Cooperstown, ND 58425.
- Lewis and Clark Trail Museum - Alexander
FlyfisherAlan/Tripadvisor The small town of Alexander, population just about 300, has an amazing museum most people don’t know about but should. The Lewis and Clark Trail Museum has history from the days of the explorers it’s named after all the way to the later settlers coming to North Dakota and beyond. There is lots of antiques, artifacts, and more to explore, and it’s all in this one cool place. It is located at 102 Indiana Ave., Alexander, ND 58831.
- Paul Broste Rock Museum - Parshall
William Harjo/Google Whether you are into geology or not, you’ve got to visit the Paul Broste Rock Museum at once point in your life. Even though it’s kind of located out in the middle of no where, it is well worth the trip. The building is made of local rocks from the fields and the inside is full of absolutely breathtaking spheres from all different kinds of rocks and minerals, some extremely rare. It is located at 508 Main St. N, Parshall, ND 58770.
- Assumption Abbey - Richardton
Darla H/Tripadvisor This truly beautiful abbey in Richardton is a sight to see. It is located on a hill overlooking the North Dakota prairie and is everything you’d want in a quiet retreat. You can visit and even spend the night while enjoying the grounds. And don’t forget to stop by their shop for handmade soaps and their famous fruitcakes - all made by the monks living there. It is located at 418 3rd Ave. W, Richardton, ND 57652.
- Fort Mandan - Washburn
HollisGert/Tripadvisor This historical fort reconstruction is a total blast to visit and will make you feel like you’re stepping back in time. This area was one of the places Lewis and Clark spent most of their time on their journeys. This fort will immerse you in that time and you’ll be able to learn a lot while you visit. It is located at 838 28th Ave. SW, Mandan, ND 58577.
- Midland Continental Depot Train Museum - Wimbledon
Kirk M/Tripadvisor Not only is this a great place to see train history, it has another extra bonus to the museum: an entire section on the famous Peggy Lee! She grew up here and her father worked for the Midland Continental Railroad. Whether you are into the history of trains, Peggy Lee, or are just curious to see what it’s like, this museum is well worth the stop. It is located at 401 Railway St., Wimbledon, ND 58492.
What other local attractions do you know about that deserve more interest? Even our famous International Peace Garden is considered one of the most underrated attractions we have, believe it or not!
ShanOC/Tripadvisor
This historic fire hall in downtown Grand Forks was renovated in the 1980s to become a community theatre, the Fire Hall Theatre. Not only is the building unique and interesting to visit, there are plenty of performances happening all throughout the year. It’s located at 412 2nd Ave. N, Grand Forks, ND 58203.
Mark H/Tripadvisor
If you want to talk hidden, then this historic site fits the bill! The Ronald Reagan Minuteman Missile site may look somewhat uninteresting from the surface, but deep below the earth there is a fascinating place to be discovered. Take an elevator deep underground and discover what once was a missile launching command center that could have saved the country from foreign missiles if the need came during the Cold War. There is so much to see, do, and learn here, that it is well worth a visit. It is located at 555 113 1/2 Ave. NE, Cooperstown, ND 58425.
FlyfisherAlan/Tripadvisor
The small town of Alexander, population just about 300, has an amazing museum most people don’t know about but should. The Lewis and Clark Trail Museum has history from the days of the explorers it’s named after all the way to the later settlers coming to North Dakota and beyond. There is lots of antiques, artifacts, and more to explore, and it’s all in this one cool place. It is located at 102 Indiana Ave., Alexander, ND 58831.
William Harjo/Google
Whether you are into geology or not, you’ve got to visit the Paul Broste Rock Museum at once point in your life. Even though it’s kind of located out in the middle of no where, it is well worth the trip. The building is made of local rocks from the fields and the inside is full of absolutely breathtaking spheres from all different kinds of rocks and minerals, some extremely rare. It is located at 508 Main St. N, Parshall, ND 58770.
Darla H/Tripadvisor
This truly beautiful abbey in Richardton is a sight to see. It is located on a hill overlooking the North Dakota prairie and is everything you’d want in a quiet retreat. You can visit and even spend the night while enjoying the grounds. And don’t forget to stop by their shop for handmade soaps and their famous fruitcakes - all made by the monks living there. It is located at 418 3rd Ave. W, Richardton, ND 57652.
HollisGert/Tripadvisor
This historical fort reconstruction is a total blast to visit and will make you feel like you’re stepping back in time. This area was one of the places Lewis and Clark spent most of their time on their journeys. This fort will immerse you in that time and you’ll be able to learn a lot while you visit. It is located at 838 28th Ave. SW, Mandan, ND 58577.
Kirk M/Tripadvisor
Not only is this a great place to see train history, it has another extra bonus to the museum: an entire section on the famous Peggy Lee! She grew up here and her father worked for the Midland Continental Railroad. Whether you are into the history of trains, Peggy Lee, or are just curious to see what it’s like, this museum is well worth the stop. It is located at 401 Railway St., Wimbledon, ND 58492.
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