Visiting the Most Underrated State

I never considered visiting North Dakota for vacation. To celebrate my brother’s 50th state I packed my hiking boots to meet up with my brother and the gang. My mom and I arrived in Bismarck and spent an incredible weekend in the most underrated state.

The weekend began at a Quality Inn which came to be the party spot of the town. People came from all around to spend a night at the Inn and more importantly the downstairs bar. After the shuttle picked us up from the airport my mom and I passed time at Laughing Sun Brewing Co. and Stonehome Brewing while waiting for the rest of the gang to arrive. After everyone was together we shared beers at the Laughing Sun before spending a late night at the Quality Inn bar. Trust me when I say this Quality Inn was the place to be in Bismarck.

The itinerary for the remainder of the weekend was as follows:

• Pick up motorhome

• Pick up keg from Laughing Sun Brewing Co.

• Drive to Dickinson Visitor Center to pick up 50th State Certificate

• Reserve a camp site in Theodore Roosevelt National Park

• Wave to every prairie dog and bison we pass

• Finish the keg

Need I say more? I forgot to mention the matching T-shirts and heart sunglasses that were to be worn at all times. We stayed at the Cottonwood campground located on the south side of the national park. We had access to a stream at the end of a charming stroll amongst horse trails and wild shrubbery. There was no shortage of bison, prairie dogs, wild horses, or sunny views in the park. We took a sunset walk at Buck Hill before returning to the campsite for the evening where there was usually a stray bison and visiting deer. The following day we hiked along the Jones Creek and Lower Paddock trail. Jones Creek offered a nice walk and admirable views while Lower Paddock had more wildlife. It is unfair to compare the two based on wildlife because there is no guarantee to see dozens of bison and wild horses every time. The Lower Paddock route is home to MANY prairie dogs so there is a very likely chance you will encounter these tiny, adorable rodents. In between hiking and camping we had bison sausage pizza in Medora accompanied by some shopping and stocking up on goods and gas.

On our way back to Bismarck for our departing flights we made a quick stop at the Painted Canyon Visitor Center to pick up a koozie and walk the Painted Canyon Trail. Unfortunately, we did not finish the four mile loop due to being short on time and having an encounter with an unfriendly rattlesnake. No one was harmed but we made the decision to turn back around at this point in the trail. The overlook at the visitor center is worth stopping for and you may just see a bison in the parking lot like we did. Theres also a large park sign perfect for a photo opportunity.

If you have time to spare in North Dakota check out the wildlife in Theodore Roosevelt National Park (the only national park named after a single person) and be sure to stay at the Quality Inn and take the shuttle to Laughing Sun Brewery!