Camping Gems - North Dakota

North Country National Scenic Trail
This amazing trail stretches from North Dakota to New York, winding past the best scenic highlights of the norhtern states. You'll follow the shores of Lake Sakakawea and Audubon and see the Garrison Diversion Project canals. Don't miss the Sheyenne River, Fort Totten State Historic Site, Devils Lake, and Fort Ransom State Park.

Lewis and Clark Riverboat
A fun way to see the Missouri River is on the Lewis and Clark Riverboat, based in Fort Abraham. You can choose from a Sunday Family Cruise, a Monday Pizza Cruise, Evening Dinner Cruise, Excursion Cruise, and Moonlight Cruise, all of which last from one 1/2 hours to two hours. (1700 River Rd, Port of Bismarck, 701-255-4233, reservations recommended)

Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site
Fort Union Trading Post was the most important fur trading post on the upper Missouri from 1828 to 1867. At this post, the Assiniboine, Crow, Cree, Ojibway, Blackfeet, Hidatsa, and other tribes traded buffalo robes and other furs for trade goods such as beads, guns, blankets, knives, cookware, and cloth.

Jamestown Reservoir
This 2,000-acre lake in the central part of the state has some of the best fishing in North Dakota. Head there for excellent bass, walleye, crappie, catfish, and panfish fishing. Also, the nearby town of Jamestown has the "World's Largest Buffalo," a pioneer village, the Stutsman County Museum, the Fort Seward Wagon Train, and the North Dakota Sports Hall of Fame. Jamestown is the birth place of Peggy Lee and Louis L'Amour.

Bagg Bonanza Farm, Mooreton
Listed on the National and State Register of Historic Places, this is the last restored bonanza farm in the United States. When the Northern Pacific Railroad began to cross North Dakota, the railroad worked up a plan so their stockholders could buy large tracts of land at about the same rates the government was giving. These farms were huge, some as large as 9,000 acres. At this bonanza farm you'll find the 1870s main house, the foreman's house, the farm office, the horse and mule barn, machine sheds, the bunkhouse, the ice house/butchers shed, the supply shed, blacksmith shop, the dairy barn, granaries, and sheep barn. (8025 169th Ave SE, 701-274-8989)

North Dakota State Fair, Minot
If you're in North Dakota in late July, you won't want to miss the fun at the state fair! Aside from livestock shows, rides, fair food, and other special events, the North Dakota Fairgrounds site is also home to the Minot Art Gallery and the Pioneer Village and Museum with its collection of restored historic buildings, antique autos, and nostalgic artifacts.

Lake Metigoshe State Park, Bottineau
If you're ready to go hiking or boating in a gorgeous area, head to Lake Metigoshe. Set in the Turtle Mountains, this park offers excellent hiking on the Old Oak Trail, winding through aspen groves and lush forests. Fish for northern pike, walleye, and perch. (701-263-4651)

North Dakota Railroad Museum, Mandan
You'll see early 1900s rolling stock, handmade models, photos, old time tables, uniforms, equipment, and a miniature train that runs on Sundays. (I-94 at exit 152, 701-663-9322)

Comstock Historic House
Although it's technically across the border in Minnesota, Comstock House lets you see how the people of Fargo used to live. Built over 100 years ago for Solomon G Comstock and his family, you will still find some of the original furnishings in this historic home. (506 8th St. S, Moorhead, 218-233-0848)

Rosebud, Valley City
If you love antique railroad cars, you won't want to miss seeing the Rosebud, a Northern Pacific Railroad Superintendents Coach dating from 1881. This rare Rail Car is the only one known of its kind to have is artifacts still intact. Rosebud was purchased in February 1932, by John P. Reeve for $550.