North Dakota Vacation Rentals: An Introduction

North Dakota is a state that is situated in the Great Plains region of the US, bordered by Canada, Montana, Minnesota and South Dakota. It is large and sparsely populated; however, the number of things that the state offers to visitors is opposite its population. This is the reason why many travelers choose to rent a North Dakota vacation home and spend their holiday in the state.

If you are thinking about which destination you should go to next, we offer you some of the reasons why you should consider going to North Dakota. Aside from our travel guide, we also have a lot of options for North Dakota vacation rentals which would help you in planning your trip. You can choose to stay at a Devils Lake vacation cabin, a Fargo vacation home or a vacation rental in Bismarck. Whatever North Dakota vacation home you choose from the listings we have, you are sure to end up with one of the best North Dakota vacation deals that are available today.

Best North Dakota Vacation Attractions

The Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail runs through several states including North Dakota, it offers a wide range of activities such as hiking, biking, fishing and more. In North Dakota, it is also where several attractions are located including the Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site, the Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site, the Theodore Roosevelt National Park, the Fort Mandan North Dakota Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center. There is a lot to explore on this trail so you might want to rent a North Dakota vacation home nearby if you are planning to spend several days on it or in the surrounding areas.

Established as an NPS site or a National Park Service site back in 1974, Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site is the only site which protects and preserves the Northern Plains Indian Heritage in North Dakota. The area has actually been occupied by Native Americans for more than 11,000 years, making it a truly notable historic site. Here, you would be able to see the remains of several Hidatsa village sites including the Big Hidatsa site, the Sakakawea or Awatixa site and the Lower Hidatsa site. There is also a museum on the park boundaries as well as programs that are held during the summer.

Situated on the upper portion of the Missouri river, Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site used to be the largest fur trading post. Now it is a Bourgeois House which has been reconstructed and features various museum exhibits. If you are staying at a Williston rental home, be sure to go here not only to see the exhibits but also to purchase some good quality replica trade goods.

Offering a total area of more than 2,300 acres, the International Peace Garden is a must-see attraction particularly if you are staying at a Dunseith vacation rental. It is a botanical garden which commemorates the peace between Canada and the US. It has over 150,000 flower varieties and is where the Peace Chapel can be found. Also, if you are visiting in June or July, the garden is where the International Music Camp is held.

For those who are staying at a Napoleon rental home, visiting the Beaver Lake State Park is recommended as it offers a refreshing escape for those who are looking to be in a relaxed environment surrounded by the beauty of nature. The lake also offers endless possibilities for all kinds of water sports activities. Families can also choose to do some camping before heading back to their North Dakota vacation rental home.

Situated along some of the last undeveloped and free-flowing stretches of the Missouri River, the Cross Ranch State Park has a boat ramp as well as canoe and kayak rentals for visitors to enjoy. If you are looking to do some quiet fishing, you would be delighted to know that there is a wide variety of fishes in the river such as trout, walleye, salmon, catfish, pike and bass. It also has an extensive trail system that you can explore by foot or skis in the winter. You could also schedule your trip in June to take part in the bluegrass music festival which is held here.

North Dakota Activities

1. Experience the life and culture of American Indians.

North Dakota is home to many American Indian tribes such as the Mandan, Arikara, Hidatsa, Yanktonai, Wahpeton, Sisseton, Hunkpapa, Pembina Chippewa, Cree, Metis and many other Dakotah/Lakotah Tribes. There are plenty of sites in the state where visitors are welcome to explore reservations and discover Indian culture.

2. Enjoy the arts and entertainment scene.

Festivals, concerts and galleries abound in North Dakota. If you want to watch some world-class performers, you can go to some of the larger performance venues like the Bismarck Civic Center, the FargoDome, the Grand Folks' Alerus Center or the Minot All Seasons Arena. You can also go to the North Dakota Museum of Art or the Plains Art Museum to see plenty of art works and masterpieces that would be a delight for both art enthusiasts and common folk.

3. Engage in various outdoor recreational activities.

Because of the varied topography of North Dakota, you can expect to find all kinds of outdoor recreational sites and activities to satisfy your need for outdoor adventure. If you want to go biking, you can head to the Turtle Mountains, the Little Missouri National Grassland or the Maah Daah Hey Trail.

For water sports activities, you can visit any of the lakes and rivers in North Dakota to go boating, canoeing and kayaking. You could look for a North Dakota vacation cabin that you can rent near the lake you are planning to go so traveling would be easier. Aside from these, North Dakota is also considered as a fishing hotspot so you should be able to try your luck and skill in the streams, lakes and rivers of the state.

You can also go on a hiking trip on the public lands of the state, including state parks, grasslands, wildlife management areas and refuges, historic sites and national parks. You and your family can stay at a nearby North Dakota cabin rental and then go on an educational and enjoyable hiking trip.