Summer legends

A 2 day tour of North Dakota
from our Western issue,
Summer 2012.

	Photo: North Dakota Tourism/Rebecca Pedersen
	Amazing scenery beckons in North Dakota.

People everywhere are hearing about North Dakota. Give your group an opportunity to see and experience the rich heritage and culture that North Dakotans are proud of and eager to share. 

Scan unspoiled vistas and take part in truly authentic experiences all across this great state. 

Enjoy the stories and deeds of North Dakota’s larger-than-life legends like Sitting Bull, Lewis and Clark, Theodore Roosevelt, Gen. George Custer, Sakakawea and baseball legend Roger Maris.

Day One

Begin your trip in Bowman, a true hidden gem for tours in southwestern North Dakota. Its Paleontology Lab has a team of experts excavating fossil-bearing sites, and this extraordinary experience can be shared with groups. Imagine finding the next big triceratops — that would be a story you could share forever. 

Keeping with big themes, the Enchanted Highway in Regent offers larger-than-life metal sculptures strategically staged along the highway considered American folk art. 

Each art piece has a story to tell, such as Theodore Roosevelt Rides Again, inspired by the 26th U.S. president and the stories he shared about the North Dakota Badlands and his love for the land.

Fisherman’s Dream is a big catch and plays into the lakes and rivers around this state, including great fishing, hiking, biking, birding and scenic beauty along Lake Sakakawea, Missouri River, Little Missouri River, Devils Lake and Red River. 

The Enchanted Castle in Regent features 24 luxury suites and will have you resting in king and queen style for the overnight.  

Day Two

Experience North Dakota’s western flare and rich roots. 

Dickinson’s Prairie Outpost Park could be your first introduction to the Germans-from-Russia heritage with its stone house. Included is a veteran’s chapel and a Norwegian stabbur. This wooden home was designed to look like the typical Scandinavian structure, and the logs came from Yellowstone National Park.

	Photo: North Dakota Tourism/Jim Zielsdorf
	Hearty food is the highlight of Medora’s Pitchfork Steak Fondue in Theodore Roosevelt’s old stomping grounds.

Medora, meanwhile, is home to the Theodore Roosevelt National Park and its 36-mile wildlife loop.  

Located in the North Dakota Badlands, the national park features the president’s ranch cabin, museum and information center. While driving the loop, be prepared to slow down for the large buffalo herd, wild horses, elk, mule deer and prairie dog towns.  

There is so much to do in Medora, you may have to pick and choose from the Chateau de Mores State Historic Site, North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame, Billings County Courthouse Museum, Medora Musical, Pitchfork Steak Fondue, Medora Riding Stables and Bully Golf Course. 

Prairie Fire Pottery in Beach welcomes groups for tours of the studio and showroom. Plan ahead for a pottery 101 class and discover how Tama Smith finds joy in her pottery products and how she produces her unique products. 

Next up is the Golden Valley County Museum with the 1909 schoolhouse and its school materials, along with a horse-drawn hearse and antique dishes, vintage hats and dresses.

GO
Bowman, Regent, Dickinson, Medora, Beach

SEE
Dickinson’s Prairie Outpost Park 
(701) 483-4988 
www.visitdickinson.com

Enchanted Highway
(701) 563-6400
www.realnd.com/enchantedhighwayindex.htm

Prairie Fire Pottery
(888) 229-9496 
www.prairiefirepottery.com

Theodore Roosevelt National Park
(701) 842-2333, North Unit
(701) 623-4466, South Unit
www.nps.gov/thro

EAT
Pitch Fork Steak Fondue/  Medora Musical
(800) 633-6721
www.medora.com

ASK
Bowman Area Chamber of Commerce
(701) 523-5880 
www.bowmannd.com/visitors

Medora CVB
(701) 623-4829 
www.medorand.com

North Dakota Tourism Group Travel Division 
(800) 435-5663, ext. 2502
www.NDtourism.com/grouptravel

Tell us what you think or offer your culinary group travel itineraries to the editor.
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