Clifford North DakotaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Clifford, North Dakota.
1. World's Largest Sandhill Crane
IMPRESSIVE METAL SCULPTURE
The World's Largest Sandhill Crane is a towering metal sculpture that stands as part of the famous Enchanted Highway collection in North Dakota. Visitors can marvel at this impressive artistic creation that showcases the region's wildlife in a larger-than-life format. The sculpture provides an excellent photo opportunity and represents North Dakota's commitment to public art along its highways.
2. The Dirty Gun Bar & Grill
LOCAL FOOD AND DRINKS
The Dirty Gun Bar & Grill offers visitors a taste of authentic North Dakota cuisine and hospitality in a rustic, welcoming atmosphere. The establishment serves hearty meals alongside a selection of local beers and spirits that reflect the regional flavors. Guests can enjoy the friendly small-town ambiance while mingling with locals and fellow travelers.
3. Maple River Winery
LOCAL WINE TASTING
Maple River Winery produces distinctive wines using locally grown fruits and berries from the Northern Plains. Visitors can enjoy tastings of their award-winning fruit wines in a charming setting that showcases North Dakota's agricultural bounty. The winery offers a selection of unique bottles that make perfect souvenirs or gifts for wine enthusiasts.
4. 4e Winery
VINEYARD AND TASTINGS
4e Winery welcomes visitors to its picturesque vineyard where North Dakota's unique terroir creates distinctive wines. Guests can sample a variety of wines in their tasting room while learning about the winemaking process from knowledgeable staff. The winery often hosts special events and offers a peaceful countryside setting just a short drive from Clifford.
5. Ronald Reagan Minuteman Missile Site
COLD WAR HISTORY
The Ronald Reagan Minuteman Missile Site preserves an important piece of Cold War history, allowing visitors to explore a decommissioned nuclear missile facility. Guided tours take guests deep underground to see the launch control center where officers once stood ready to launch intercontinental ballistic missiles. This fascinating historical site offers a rare glimpse into America's nuclear deterrence strategy during a tense period of global history.
6. Enchanted Highway
ROADSIDE ART INSTALLATION
The Enchanted Highway features a collection of massive metal sculptures created by artist Gary Greff along a 32-mile stretch of rural highway. Each unique sculpture depicts different themes including 'Geese in Flight,' 'The World's Largest Tin Family,' and 'Teddy Roosevelt Rides Again.' The artistic attraction was established in 1991 to draw visitors to small towns in the region and has become one of North Dakota's most distinctive roadside attractions.
7. Painted Canyon Overlook
BREATHTAKING BADLANDS VIEWS
Painted Canyon Overlook offers visitors a spectacular panoramic view of the colorful North Dakota Badlands from a convenient roadside stop. The site includes interpretive displays that explain the geological and natural history of this unique landscape shaped by millions of years of erosion. Many travelers consider this overlook an essential first stop before exploring Theodore Roosevelt National Park in greater depth.
8. South Unit
THEODORE ROOSEVELT NATIONAL PARK
The South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park showcases the rugged landscape that helped shape the conservation ethic of America's 26th president. Visitors can explore a network of scenic drives and hiking trails that wind through colorful badlands formations while offering opportunities to spot bison, wild horses, and prairie dogs. The park's visitor center provides excellent exhibits about Roosevelt's time in North Dakota and how it influenced his later environmental policies.
9. International Peace Garden
SYMBOL OF FRIENDSHIP
The International Peace Garden straddles the border between the United States and Canada, symbolizing the peaceful relationship between the two nations. This 2,339-acre botanical garden features over 150,000 flowers, a peace chapel, and a 9/11 memorial made from steel recovered from the World Trade Center. Visitors can literally walk between two countries while enjoying the meticulously maintained gardens and contemplating the importance of international harmony.
10. Frontier Village
PIONEER TOWN RECREATION
Frontier Village recreates a pioneer town with authentic and replicated buildings that transport visitors back to North Dakota's early settlement days. The attraction includes a trading post, church, jail, schoolhouse, and various shops filled with period artifacts and historical exhibits. Visitors can also see the World's Largest Buffalo Monument nearby, making this a popular stop for families interested in western heritage.
11. Historic 1883 Stutsman County Courthouse
PRESERVED TERRITORIAL HISTORY
The Historic 1883 Stutsman County Courthouse stands as the oldest courthouse in North Dakota and a rare surviving example of territorial architecture. Visitors can tour the beautifully restored building to see period courtrooms, offices, and exhibits that tell the story of early governance in the Dakota Territory. The courthouse played a significant role in North Dakota's path to statehood and represents an important piece of the region's political history.
12. Roosevelt Park Zoo
WILDLIFE AND CONSERVATION
Roosevelt Park Zoo houses over 200 animals representing species from around the world in naturalistic habitats across its 19-acre grounds. As North Dakota's oldest zoo, established in 1920, it combines historical charm with modern conservation efforts and educational programs. Visitors can observe tigers, bears, primates, and many other animals while learning about wildlife preservation initiatives.
13. Dakota Territory Air Museum
AVIATION HISTORY COLLECTION
The Dakota Territory Air Museum preserves and displays significant aircraft and aviation memorabilia spanning from early flight to modern military planes. Visitors can explore numerous restored aircraft including several from the World War II era alongside interactive exhibits about aviation development. The museum particularly highlights the region's contributions to aviation history and military air power.
14. Magic City Discovery Center
INTERACTIVE CHILDREN'S MUSEUM
Magic City Discovery Center provides children and families with hands-on educational experiences through interactive exhibits focused on science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. The center features multiple themed areas designed to inspire curiosity, creativity, and learning through play for children of all ages. Its modern facility offers a welcome indoor activity option for families visiting North Dakota, especially during inclement weather.
15. White Horse Hill National Game Preserve
WILDLIFE AND NATIVE HISTORY
White Horse Hill National Game Preserve (formerly Sullys Hill) protects a diverse ecosystem where visitors can observe bison, elk, and prairie wildlife in their natural habitat. The preserve offers scenic hiking trails through wooded hillsides and prairie landscapes with interpretive signs explaining the area's natural and cultural significance. This tranquil setting also holds importance for Native American tribes and provides insight into the region's indigenous heritage.