North Dakota with Kids

Dedicated to honoring the early settlers along Beaver Lake shoreline, Beaver Lake State Park was officially opened in 1932. Situated on 283-acres of prime real estate, this historic park is ideal children of any age. Beaver Lake State Park boasts a wide-ranging camping venue with five primitive campsites, 25 modern campsites, three group campsites, and three camping cabins, with easy access to the park’s Lake. The 25 modern campsites have electricity and running water. Cabins feature mini-fridges, microwaves, and air conditioning. There are six hiking trails, two of which are over a mile. Other activities include mountain biking, fishing, and swimming.

3850 70th Street Southeast, Wishek, ND, Phone: 701-452-2752

Black Tiger Bay State Recreation Area in North Dakota is located on the eastern shores of Devils Lake. It offers an exciting way for kids to enjoy a day in the semi-wilderness, and on the lake. This secluded park provides some of the most scenic views in all of North Dakota, while boasting one of the best fishing areas in the state as well. Children eager to learn to fish, or the child who already knows how to, will enjoy the largest body of water North Dakota has to offer. The park provides ramps for two-single lane boats and an expansive parking lot.

152 South Duncan Drive, Devils Lake, ND, Phone: 701-766-4015

In West Fargo, North Dakota, Bonanzaville Pioneer Village and Museum sits on 12 acres. It provides visitors with a look into the lifestyle of the early settlers in this territory. The venue has forty buildings, many of which are historic from the area’s past. It provides an educational experience that can only be done on site. The village arranges the buildings into a town-like setting with one building being a general store, another a drug store, and a fire station. Bonanzaville Pioneer Village and Museum offers an annual Pioneer Days event, featuring activities of the pioneer era. Admission for children six to 17 is $6. Ages five and under are free.

1351 Main Avenue West, West Fargo, ND, Phone: 701-282-2822

The first zoo built in North Dakota, Chahinkapa Zoo in Wahpeton, is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Sitting on 29 acres and showcasing more than 200 animals, this state’s iconic zoo is an idyllic and a fun learning experience for any kid. The zoo is open May through October, and available during the wintertime by appointment only. Featuring animals from six continents and 70 species, the zoo is sure to capture the imagination of all who visit. The venue also offers a unique opportunity for guests to see how the animals are trained.

1004 R J Hughes Drive, Wahpeton, ND, Phone: 701-642-8709

Activities for Active Families

Offering more than 13 miles of scenic trails and over 500 acres of state parkland, Cross Ranch State Park in Center, is nestled next to the Missouri River where famed explorers Lewis and Clark roamed centuries ago. The park is a great way to showcase nature’s wonders to kids of all ages. With a designated site that provides camping for 65 RVs and tents, Cross Ranch features rolling prairies, marshy river bottoms, and cottonwood glens. This scenic park also provides campers or day hikers with cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter, and kayaking and canoeing in the summer.

1403 River Road, Center, ND, Phone: 701-794-3731

Just west of New Town, in Mountrail County, Crow Flies High Scenic Overlook is a butte located in Crow Flies High State Recreation Area. It provides the same views Lewis and Clark saw on their epic expedition. Four Bears Bridge is also visible from the butte, although the original bridge is underwater now. Here, older children will bear witness to what was once fertile land that was taken over by the US Government to make Lake Sakekawa, named after an Indian chief from the Hidatsa tribe. Crow Flies High offers a sightline to where the town of Sanish now sits beneath the reservoir.

10031 Highway 23, New Town, ND, Phone: 701-859-3071

Des Lacs National Wildlife Refuge in Kenmare, got its name from the French trappers who migrated to this area because of the many furbearing animals. This unique area was formed from the runoff thousands of years ago by glacial Lake Regina. Now this 19,500-acre wonderland is a refuge for migrating birds like tundra swans and snow geese. The birds are attracted to this area because of the managed wetlands and natural lakes. Children of all ages will enjoy the beauty of American White Pelicans feasting on small fish, and the sight of Giant Canadian Geese.

Ward County Road 1, Kenmare, ND, Phone: 701-385-4046

For History Buffs

Double Ditch Indian Village Historic Site, formerly a large village the Mandan Indians had inhabited for 300 years, is now an archaeological site. This earthlodge village (a semi-subterranean village) built with wood, straw, grass, and other local products was built to sustain the heavy winds, sun, and snow of the great plains. This historical site provides viewers with an insight into how villagers lived in the late 1780s and earlier. The archaeological digs here now show how massive these earth-lodges were for the era when they were constructed. This is truly an awesome experience for kids who are interested in archaeology.

ND Highway 1804, Bismarck, ND, Phone: 701-328-2666

Ideal for the child who loves airplanes and or flying, Fargo Air Museum provides kids with an array of still serviceable and flying airplanes. Since opening its doors in 2013, this museum, which boasts planes from the Wright Brother’s era to unmanned surveillance aircrafts, offers a fun-filled and educational experience to all who visit. The museum offers guests self-guided tours, or guided tours with one of veteran pilots can be arranged through the office. The venue provides two-gigantic, indoor hangars that house the planes. Admission for children aged five to 11 is only $5. Admission for adults is $8.

1609 19th Avenue North, Fargo, ND, Phone: 701-293-8043