7 Legendary Ways to Savor Summer in North Dakota

North Dakota transforms into a summer playground, offering legendary ways to savor the summer season! Get ready for thrilling baseball games, perfect your swing on scenic golf courses, and embrace your adventurous side with hiking, biking, or even a marathon. Nature lovers can enjoy bird watching in stunning wildlife refuges and casting a line for some prime fishing, or camp in RV's, tents, or try unique stays in tipis and yurts. It's the ultimate summer escape!

To truly appreciate the beauty and charm of North Dakota, consider slowing down and extending your stay. You'll have the opportunity to create a more meaningful and memorable journey through the legendary adventures and landscapes of North Dakota.

Batter up

Two things are synonymous with spring: Sunshine and baseball. In North Dakota, you can enjoy a sunny day at the ballpark on a modest budget and without fighting big-city traffic. The Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks minor league baseball team plays at Newman Outdoor Field in Fargo; and the Northwoods League teams consist of the Bismarck Larks who play at the Bismarck Municipal Ballpark, the Badlands Big Sticks who play at the Dakota Community Bank & Trust Ballpark in Dickinson, and the Hot Tots who play at the Corbett Field in Minot. Grab a seat and make lasting fun memories with your family at a game this year.

Time 'fore' golf

North Dakota has more golf courses per capita than any other state in the country, meaning it's easy for you to get on and play our nationally acclaimed courses at very reasonable rates. Whether you seek an open fairway, plenty of trees, breathtaking views or challenging bunkers, there are many great golf courses inviting you to hone your skills. Take your friends on the “Triple Golf Challenge,” or take a road trip and check off courses on the Lewis & Clark Golf Trail.        

For the Athlete in Everyone

North Dakota has an abundance of athletic activities for every level of competitor. From the casual hiker to the hardcore athlete, North Dakota has a fitness adventure just for you. Cyclists can take in road races, scenic routes and the breathtaking views and challenging terrain of the Maah Daah Hey Trail, while runners can look forward to upcoming marathons and fun runs or extreme races. Be sure to extend your stay with several areas to camp and stay along the Maah Daah Hey Trail, including campgrounds and hotels in Watford City. 

Ready to ride

Few things are as exhilarating as hopping onto a big two-wheeler, rolling the throttle and rumbling out onto the prairie. North Dakota is 70,000 square miles of motorcycling bliss. Buzz along the interstate or take the side roads for unique adventures. In June hundreds of bikers roll into Cavalier for the annual Motorcycle Ride In. For one weekend, Main Street is flooded by two-wheelers and the rumble of bikes. The Annual Rods N Rock Car Show takes place in August and features motorcycles, cars, pickups, antique tractors and a big rig show and is held in conjunction with Grant County Fair in Carson. The rumble of motorcycles on the open road is music to the ears of some. If riding across rivers, climbing hills and getting downright dirty is more your style, check out these North Dakota OHV riding areas.

For the birds

With 63 wildlife refuges and a location smack dab in the middle of the Central Flyway, North Dakota is a top destination for millions of birds and a large number of birders, too. The action-packed spring migration season provides astounding opportunities to see birds in their natural habitat, boasting beautiful breeding plumage. For those interested in birding, be sure to stop by a North Dakota state park.

Hook a Whopper

North Dakota is a fishing paradise, teeming with over 400 lakes and rivers that offer world-class angling opportunities. From the expansive Missouri River system, featuring the massive Lake Oahe and Lake Sakakawea, to the walleye haven of Devils Lake, anglers can pursue a diverse range of species, including walleye, northern pike, perch, bass, salmon, and catfish. To make planning your fishing trip even easier, check out tourism's fishing information here.

For the Campers

It’s time to make plans to enjoy North Dakota’s great outdoors. Hot spots on Lake Sakakawea like Indian Hills Resort (with new lodging options), Hazen Bay Recreation Area and Dakota Waters Resort are taking reservations, as are hidden gems like Bayshore Resort and Marina on Lake Ashtabula or Beaver Creek Recreation Area near Linton. If adventure camping is what you seek, stay in a tipi at Fort Lincoln State Park, a yurt at Cross Ranch State Park or sleep with the buffalo at Juniper Campground in Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

These are just a few ideas to help you enjoy spring and take an adventure through North Dakota. Follow North Dakota Tourism on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TravelND or on Twitter at http://twitter.com/NorthDakota  and get tips on what to see and do all year long. 

Check out even more outdoor adventures here!