The Ultimate Weekend Itinerary If You Love Spending Time Outdoors In North Dakota

North Dakota is one of those states that practically implores its residents and visitors to have an adventure just about every day. It’s impossible to live in – or visit – this amazing state and do, see, and experience everything. There’s simply too much to do; one could even make a whole lifetime of adventures out of it. I’ve gone ahead and put together a delightful trip featuring some of the downright best outdoor adventures and activities in North Dakota; with just over three hours of total drive time, the trip involves more doing and less driving – so let’s go!

From national parks and campgrounds to waterfalls, canyons, and more, there is so much to love about America’s natural splendor — and June, designated as Great Outdoors Month, is the perfect time to get outside.

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Use your smartphone to follow along with our Google Maps itinerary.

Hike The Stunning Caprock Coulee Trail

Mike Jan Huddle/AllTrails

At 4.4 miles long and rated as moderately challenging, the Caprock Coulee Trail is one of North Dakota's most famous trails for a reason: It's positively breathtaking.

With some truly astonishing views of North Dakota's most amazing landscape, this hiking trail is sure to make your heart sing with every step you take. You'll want to make sure to wear good hiking shoes and bring plenty of water - there are some parts of this hike that are more strenuous than others.

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Caprock Coulee Trail, Grassy Butte, ND, USA

Daniel Phillips/AllTrails

The butte vistas are awe-inspiring, to put it lightly, and anyone who's never been to the Badlands will want to make this their first stop. It's an incredible introduction to the wonders of North Dakota, and I cannot possibly understate its amazingness.

See more of the Caprock Coulee Loop

Explore the Wonders of The Legendary Dakota Prairie Grasslands

Dakota Prairie Grasslands, South Emmons, ND, USA

Justin Meissen/Flickr

The Dakota Prairie Grasslands are some of the most ridiculously beautiful, natural grasslands in the world - and they're all ours!

They are the epitome of North Dakota: Seemingly endless and stretching on forever, the rolling, gentle green hills show us what much of the state used to look like. When paired with the vast, blue sky, the Dakota Prairie Grasslands appear like something out of a fantasy movie more than the northern plains. The region is made up of four distinct grasslands: North Dakota Cedar River National Grassland, Little Missouri National Grassland, Sheyenne National Grassland, and South Dakota Grand River National Grassland. Bring your camera - you'll want lots of photos to remember it by.

Dine at the Little Missouri Saloon and Dining Room

Little Missouri Saloon & Dining Room, 3rd Street, Medora, ND, USA

Little Missouri Saloon & Dining Room/Google Local

The Little Missouri Saloon is famous for its juicy, mouthwatering steaks... and the awesome views from the patio. Why eat inside when the views outside are to die for? You'll find the Little Missouri Saloon in Medora, not too far from the first two stops on this adventure. You might want to skip breakfast (or lunch) for this one, because the servings are huge and the flavors are incredible.

Konstantin Svist/Google Local

I strongly recommend the steaks and chops, though ultimately what you munch on is up to you. For the most up-to-date hours, menu, specials, and more, be sure to visit the official Little Missouri Saloon website.

Spend the Night At A Stunning Cowboy Cabin

Boots Cowboy Cabin Medora ND 2 BR 1 B Sleeps 6/VRBO

This wonderful accommodation in North Dakota is surrounded by some of the most beautiful landscapes you'll ever experience.

It sleeps up to six, though if you want it all to yourself, I can't possibly blame you. I wanted the same thing!

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Boots Cowboy Cabin Medora ND 2 BR 1 B Sleeps 6/VRBO

The whole place has a wonderful western vibe, which truly feels very "North Dakota". To book your stay (I recommend booking well in advance), you'll want to check out the property’s VRBO listing.. Why bother with a traditional hotel or motel when you have options like this one?

If this one doesn't quite do it for you, no worries - you can find lots of wonderful, unique stays in this area on VRBO.

Finally, spend a day at Stewart Lake

Stewart Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Bowman, ND, USA

Brian Moench/Google Local

When I say that Stewart Lake is almost mystical in its beauty, I mean it.

The Stewart Lake National Wildlife Refuge is a gorgeous complex made up of 560 refuges and 38 wetland districts. There's so much to it that you could literally take the entire day to explore it (in between bouts of dipping your toes in, of course), and I cannot stress this enough: it. Is. AMAZING. It's the perfect way to close out this awesome adventure!

So, what do you think? Would you embark upon this epic adventure through some of North Dakota’s most beautiful places? Sounds good to me! How many outdoor adventures & activities in North Dakota do you think you could think of? Tell me about it in the comments!