Friday Fun Day
Good Morning we have made it through another week and now it's time to go on our weekly Friday adventure. Can you guess where we are going this week? We are going to go visit the beautiful state of North Dakota
1.) Teddy Roosevelt National Park/Painted Canyon Overlook located in Medora-Begin your visit to the Teddy Roosevelt National Park with a spectacular view of the Badlands, a flat desert landscape broken by petrified wood and rock formations.
2.) Fargo-Moorhead Visitors Center-Our Visitors Center, the "Grain Elevator," located at exit 348 of Interstate 94, has bushels of information, maps, brochures, and a gift shop. It is open year-round, so stop in and talk to our Visitor Center Travel Ambassadors. We provide free wifi and coffee for visitors...And the bathrooms are spick-and-span! The Fargo-Moorhead Visitors Center is also home to the woodchipper from the movie 'FARGO.' Stop by and have your photo taken with the infamous woodchipper! We provide the (fake) leg to complete the photo op. Be sure to see the Celebrity Walk of Fame outside our visitors center with star signatures and hand & foot prints in cement.
3.) Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park located in Mandan hours of operation are 8am-10pm Rich in both military and early Native American history, Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park is your destination! The North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department is the state agency charged with administering selected parks and recreation areas that are deemed to have state-wide or regional significance. In addition, the department has responsibility for the following functions: Off-highway vehicle planning and safety program Snowmobile safety programs and trails Nature Preserves Act Outdoor recreation grants and statewide recreation planning State Scenic Byways Program The mission of the North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department is to provide and enhance outdoor recreation opportunities through diverse parks and programs that conserve the state's natural diversity. Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park in North Dakota is one of the outstanding historic areas within the state. The park is historically important because within its boundaries are the ruins of On-A-Slant Mandan Indian Village and the Fort Abraham Lincoln cavalry and infantry posts. Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park is located 7 miles south of Mandan, ND, on Highway 1806. For those touring the historic fort buildings and Mandan Village, interpretive passes are required in addition to the vehicle entrance fee. There are daily tours of the Custer House and the On-A-Slant Indian village (May - September). Amenities 1,006 acres Campground Electrical Reservations RV Dump station Showers Cabins Visitor center Historic buildings Interpretive tours Picnic shelters Playground Horse corrals
4.)The Dakota Zoo located in Bismarck-The Dakota Zoo was founded in 1961 by Marc & Betty Christianson with the help of a host of dedicated volunteers. The Dakota Zoo opened its gates on June 3, 1961 on 15 acres of developed land, with 75 mammals and 23 birds, and 40,000 visitors passed through the gates that first year. Today, thanks to the continued support of members, visitors, donors and volunteers, the Dakota Zoo has grown to a 90 acre facility housing 600 animals, birds, reptiles and fish representing 125 species and visited by more than 150,000 people each year.
5.) Red River Zoo located in Fargo hours of operation are 10am-5pm The Red River Zoo is a leading conservation organization for some of the world's rarest cold climate species. We feature world class exhibits on over 33 beautiful acres. Founded in 1999, we are constantly growing into a leading attraction in the Fargo Moorhead area. Our new interactive Children' Zoo Farm and Nature's Legendary Playground open in 2016! Come in and see for yourself!
6.)Chateau de Mores State Historic Site- Summer Hours: 8:30am - 5:30pm MST, Daily. Last tickets sold at 4:30pm MST. Covers entry to the Interpretive Center and Chateau de Morès. Off-Season Hours: 9:00am - 5:00pm MST, Tuesday-Saturday. Last tickets sold at 4:00pm MST. Covers entry to Interpretive Center. Located SW of Medora, the site interprets the North Dakota ambitions of Antoine de Vallombrosa, the Marquis de Morès, who arrived in 1883. His enterprises included a beef packing plant, stagecoach line, freighting company, refrigerated railway cars, cattle, and sheep raising, land ownership, and a new town named Medora in honor of his wife.
7.) Fargo Air Museum located Fargo hours of operation are 10am-5pm Located just off I-29 interstate, The Fargo Air Museum is an easily accessed pet friendly, must-stop location. North Dakota's premiere aviation destination, the Fargo Air Museum's dual hangars are home to aircraft of all eras - from a modern unmanned reconnaissance drone to the "most accurate recreation of a Wright Brothers' flyer the Smithsonian Institute has ever seen." A "flying" museum, many of the airplanes occasionally take to the sky, a unique feature not found in the vast majority of the nation's static-display air museums. More than just a simple place to display its many aircraft, military memorabilia and exhibits, the Fargo Air Museum also houses one of the Midwest's largest Aviation libraries. In addition, the museum hosts educational day-camps, speakers and seminars for flight fans of all ages to enjoy. The Fargo Air Museum is a fantastic choice for a unique venue for corporate & private events and has quickly become a local favorite for hosting wedding ceremonies and receptions. Please email for event rental information. Located across the street from the Fargodome, the museum is also surrounded with dining opportunities and is conveniently just moments away from Fargo's Hector International Airport.
8.)Fort Union Trading Post located Williston- hours of operation are 9am-5pm The Grandest Fort on the Upper Missouri River Between 1828 and 1867, Fort Union was the most important fur trade post on the Upper Missouri River. Here, the Assiniboine and six other Northern Plains Indian Tribes exchanged buffalo robes and smaller furs for goods from around the world, including cloth, guns, blankets, and beads. A bastion of peaceful coexistence, the post annually traded over 25,000 buffalo robes and $100,000 in merchandise.
9.)The Ronald Reagan Minuteman Missile State Historic Site located in Cooperstown hours of operation are 10am-6pm The Ronald Reagan Minuteman Missile State Historic Site consists of two locations, the Oscar-Zero Missile Alert Facility (the command site) and the November-33 Launch Facility (a missile site). Constantly manned 24 hours a day, 7 days a week from 1966 to 1997, the two sites stood as a vanguard of the American nuclear deterrent force throughout the Cold War. Opened for tours in 2009, the State Historical Society of North Dakota provides tours of Oscar-Zero and an insight into North Dakota's vital Cold War roles.
10.) Roger Maris Museum located in Fargo hours of operation are 10am-9pm- The legendary baseball player and Fargo's hometown hero is honored with a 72-foot long glassed-in exhibit at the West Acres Shopping Mall, tracing all aspects of his career, including major awards, uniforms and some of the home run balls from 1961, the year he broke Babe Ruth's record with 61 home runs.
11.)Bonanzaville- Bonanzaville is a pioneer village and history museum in West Fargo, ND. We explore the history of the Red River Valley, from Native Americans to the modernization of America. We have 36 historic buildings, each with their own story. Come explore our twelve acre village and the large exhibit areas which feature new displays each year!
12.) Fort Mandan State Historic Site located in Washburn- Visitors can step back in time at the reconstructed Fort Mandan, a fully furnished, full-size replica of the fort in which the Lewis and Clark Expedition overwintered in 1804-1805. Their time here was characterized by the hospitality of the Mandan and Hidatsa peoples. In fact, this is where they met and built friendships with such important figures as Sacagawea, Toussaint Charbonneau and Sheheke-Shote. Available by guided tour only, weather permitting. Many great learning experiences are available at Fort Mandan. Join one of the guided tours that depart at regular intervals throughout the day. Our interpretive staff is always on hand to bring the stories of that winter to life through programs on a wide array of related topics. Exhibits in the Visitor Center reveal that winter in greater depth, while a children's play area allows young visitors to discover history with costumes, camp supplies, and more. Our museum store offers a great selection of souvenirs, beverages, and snacks.
13.) Dakota Territory Air Museum located in Minot temporarily closed until May 2023- Founded in 1986, the Dakota Territory Air Museum has evolved into a significant historical depository honoring the men, women and machines that have impacted the rich history of aviation. Displays include an impressive collection of airworthy WWII aircraft and general aviation aircraft, a full-scale replica of the Wright Flyer, many artifacts and much more! The museum has become a viable and important historical resource for the region and the state of North Dakota. The museum is open seasonally from Mid-May through Mid-October. Hours during the open season are Monday through Saturday 10:00am - 5:00pm and Sunday 1:00pm - 5:00pm.
14.) Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center located in Washburn hours of operation are 10am-5pm The Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center stands at the crossroads of culture and commerce on the Northern Plains. When Lewis & Clark arrived at the Mandan and Hidatsa villages in 1804, they simply became the most famous of many people who visited in search of knowledge and trade. Today's visitors will experience engaging exhibits, hundreds of period artifacts, world-class art collections and friendly interpreters who tell the story of the Lewis and Clark Expedition like never before. The Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center highlights some of the area's most famous of countless travelers and residents over hundreds of years along this special stretch of the Missouri River. Each gallery tells the story of a different one of these groups. Self-guided tours, augmented by our nationally-certified interpretive staff, offer visitors a focused view of the incredible heritage of the Northern Plains.
15.)North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum hours of operation are 9am-4pm ** We will be reopening on June 22. Four galleries tell the fascinating story of North Dakota through thousands of artifacts and specimens, high-tech displays, and interactive exhibits. Experience North Dakota’s heritage throughout the museum spaces. Along with the galleries, hallway exhibits located within the Corridor of History also help tell our unique story. The Northern Lights Atrium is a stunning combination of architecture and symbolism, and the outdoor Pembina River Plaza features specimens from our geologic past. Find treasures in the new Museum Store, and enjoy refreshments at the James River Cafe. From a life-size T. rex skeleton cast to a 1950s soda shop, you will find connections from your own life with your experience here. Our goal is “history for everyone."
16.) Dickinson Museum Center located in Dickinson hours of operation are 9am-5pm Featuring a 12-acre cultural and natural history campus with dinosaur exhibits, heritage exhibits, Pioneer Machinery Museum - ranching and farming equipment, Prairie Outpost Park with 11 historic buildings, classes, demonstrations, educational programs, and special events! Park Tours are available between Memorial Day and Labor Day only.
17.) Missouri-Yellowstone Confluence Interpretive Center located in Williston hours of operation are 9am-4pm. Here, where two great rivers meet, people have gathered for thousands of years. At the Missouri-Yellowstone Confluence Interpretive Center, people still gather to understand a spot little changed since Lewis and Clark visited two centuries ago. The site, located about 22 miles southwest of Williston, features permanent and temporary exhibits, modern facilities, a picnic area and campgrounds, a walking trail, and bird watching.
18.) Fort Buford State Historic Site located in Williston hours of operation are 10M-6PM Fort Buford State Historic Site preserves remnants of a vital frontier plains military post. Fort Buford was built in 1866 near the confluence of the Missouri and Yellowstone rivers, and became a major supply depot for military field operations. Original features still existing on the site include a stone powder magazine, the post cemetery site, and a large officers' quarters building which now houses a museum. Fort Buford, located near present-day Williston, was one of a number of military posts established to protect overland and river routes used by immigrants settling the West. While it served an essential role as the sentinel on the northern plains for twenty-nine years, it is probably best remembered as the place where the famous Hunkpapa Sioux leader, Sitting Bull, surrendered in 1881.
19.) Pioneer Trails Regional Museum located in Bowman A museum exploring the rich history of the prairies of the MidWest, from Native American civilizations to early settler culture to dinosaur fossils. The first week of June, PTRM hosts an ATV tour, following the many historic trails that cross the area. Throughout the summer, the Paleontology Department offers Day Tours for individuals and groups that would like to experience a day in the life of a Paleontologist. PTRM also offers a week-long opportunity to experience the nitty-gritty work during Field School. Call the museum to book your tours today!
20.) Prairie Village Museum located in Rugby hours of operation are 9am-5pm Visitors to Prairie Village Museum take a step back in time when they explore more than 20 historic buildings arranged around a quaint village square. The museum's six exhibition halls feature antique cars, farm machinery, Native American objects, and household items dating from the mid-1800s to more recent times. People from all over the world tell us Prairie Village Museum is one of the best pioneer museums they've ever seen.
21.) Gateway to Science located in Bismarck hours of operation are 10am-5pm Gateway to Science is North Dakota's hands-on science center. With exhibits to touch and discover, Gateway to Science is an educational, hands-on, entertaining experience for visitors of all ages. Admission: $9.00 Adults, $6.00 Children (4-17), Children 3 and under are free with paid adult admission, $3.00 Museums for All (w/ EBT card & ID). Memberships are available (ASTC and ACM reciprocity).
22.) Fort Abercrombie State Historic Site located in Abercrombie hours of operation are 9am-5pm When the Red River Valley was the western frontier, Fort Abercrombie was the gateway to the West and the spearpoint of the army’s advance into the northern plains. The original guardhouse and the reconstructed blockhouses and stockade attest to the bloody conflict that spilled into the Dakotas from Minnesota in 1862. During this conflict Fort Abercrombie was besieged by Dakota warriors for almost six weeks. After the fort was abandoned in 1877, fort buildings were sold and removed from the site. A Works Progress Administration (WPA) project in 1939-1940 reconstructed three blockhouses and the stockade and returned the original military guardhouse to the site. Major portions of the WPA project have been refurbished and the site reinterpreted.
23.) Widman's Candy Shop located in Grand Forks for all of my candy lovers you will thank me later for telling you about this place. Some of the most delicious candies I have ever had and some of the most unique ones you have never heard of before.
There are plenty of state parks for camping, small parks for getting out and enjoying the scenery, horseback riding, hiking and various shopping malls. Don't forget about the giant cow, catfish and sandhill crane. The university has an art gallery full of international art. If you enjoy the theaters there are a few along the way also. I would recommend searching for things to do near your location for some fun cheap things to do.
I hope that you have enjoyed this week's tour and come back next week for another amazing adventure. Remember to always be kind as it costs nothing and if you see someone without a smile stop and give them yours a smile is contagious.
Written by: BeatifulChaos318
