Martin North DakotaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Martin, North Dakota.
1. Theodore Roosevelt National Park
MAJESTIC BADLANDS WILDERNESS
Theodore Roosevelt National Park showcases the dramatic landscape of North Dakota's badlands with colorful painted canyons and abundant wildlife. Visitors can explore hiking trails, scenic drives, and historical sites connected to President Theodore Roosevelt who ranched and hunted in this area. The park is divided into three units (South, North, and Elkhorn Ranch) offering unique perspectives on this rugged wilderness that inspired Roosevelt's conservation ethics.
2. Enchanted Highway
WHIMSICAL METAL SCULPTURES
The Enchanted Highway features a collection of enormous scrap metal sculptures created by artist Gary Greff along a 32-mile stretch of rural highway. Highlights include 'The World's Largest Tin Family,' 'Teddy Roosevelt Rides Again,' and 'Fisherman's Dream' among other imaginative creations. The project has helped revitalize the local economy while becoming a popular tourist destination attracting visitors from around the world.
3. Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park
HISTORIC MILITARY OUTPOST
Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park, established in 1907, holds the distinction of being North Dakota's oldest state park. The park features a reconstruction of General Custer's military post along with insights into the Native American history of the region. Visitors can enjoy outdoor recreation opportunities while exploring this significant historical site located just south of Bismarck.
4. International Peace Garden
TRANQUIL BORDER MONUMENT
The International Peace Garden is a 2,300-acre botanical garden straddling the border between North Dakota and Manitoba, Canada, symbolizing the peaceful relationship between the two nations. The garden features thousands of flowers, reflecting pools, a peace chapel, and a 120-foot peace tower. Visitors can experience the unique sensation of crossing an international border within the beautifully landscaped grounds that have been maintained since 1932.
5. Painted Canyon Overlook
BREATHTAKING BADLANDS VISTA
Painted Canyon Overlook offers visitors a spectacular panoramic view of Theodore Roosevelt National Park's colorful badlands landscape. The easily accessible viewpoint includes interpretive displays explaining the geological and historical significance of the region. Many travelers consider this roadside stop along Interstate 94 to be one of the most impressive natural vistas in North Dakota.
6. Huff Archaeological Site
ANCIENT MANDAN VILLAGE
The Huff Archaeological Site preserves one of the best-preserved prehistoric Mandan villages in the world, occupied from around 1450 AD until approximately 200 years before European contact. The rectangular settlement included hundreds of lodges surrounded by defensive ditches and fortifications, indicating the inhabitants faced conflict. Visitors can still observe much of the original village layout while following interpretive signage on self-guided walking tours.
7. Devils Lake
PREMIER FISHING DESTINATION
Devils Lake is North Dakota's largest natural body of water and one of the top fishing destinations in the Midwest, known particularly for its walleye, northern pike, and perch populations. The lake encompasses over 200,000 acres with numerous bays, inlets, and islands creating diverse fishing environments throughout all seasons. Beyond fishing, visitors enjoy water recreation, bird watching, and exploring the unique landscape created by this glacial lake's continuous expansion over recent decades.
8. White Horse Hill National Game Preserve
WILDLIFE AND NATIVE HERITAGE
White Horse Hill National Game Preserve (formerly Sullys Hill) protects a diverse ecosystem on the shores of Devils Lake including woodland, prairie, and wetland habitats. Visitors can observe American bison, elk, and prairie dogs while exploring interpretive trails through this natural sanctuary. The preserve also honors the cultural heritage of the region's Native American tribes who have historical connections to this land.
9. Frontier Village
OLD WEST EXPERIENCE
Frontier Village recreates a pioneer town with authentic and replica buildings filled with period artifacts depicting life in Dakota Territory during the late 1800s. Visitors can explore the sheriff's office, old schoolhouse, church, and various shops while interpreters share stories of frontier life. The village serves as home to the National Buffalo Museum and the world's largest buffalo statue, making it a quintessential North Dakota attraction.
10. Roosevelt Park Zoo
FAMILY WILDLIFE ADVENTURE
Roosevelt Park Zoo, established in 1920, is North Dakota's oldest zoo housing over 200 animals representing 80 species from around the world. The zoo's exhibits include big cats, primates, penguins, and the popular Amur tigers in naturalistic habitats designed for animal welfare and visitor education. Despite surviving devastating floods in 2011, the zoo has been fully restored and continues to expand with new exhibits and conservation programs.
11. Dakota Territory Air Museum
AVIATION HISTORY SHOWCASE
The Dakota Territory Air Museum houses an impressive collection of historic aircraft spanning from early aviation to modern military jets with particular emphasis on World War II planes. Visitors can explore both indoor and outdoor exhibits featuring restored aircraft, flight simulators, and memorabilia documenting North Dakota's rich aviation heritage. The museum's partnership with the Texas Flying Legends Museum brings additional rare warbirds to the facility during summer months.
12. Magic City Discovery Center
INTERACTIVE CHILDREN'S MUSEUM
The Magic City Discovery Center offers hands-on learning experiences through interactive exhibits designed to spark curiosity in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. Children can explore themed areas including water play stations, construction zones, and sensory activities that make learning engaging and fun. The recently expanded facility provides year-round educational entertainment for families visiting the Minot area.
13. Fargo Air Museum
FLYING HISTORY COLLECTION
The Fargo Air Museum features an ever-changing rotation of aircraft with most planes being operational rather than static displays. Visitors can get up-close views of vintage military aircraft, civilian planes, and helicopters spread across two large hangars. The museum's educational programs include flight simulators, interactive exhibits, and regular opportunities to meet veteran pilots who share firsthand accounts of aviation history.
14. Badlands Overlook
SCENIC NATURAL WONDER
Badlands Overlook provides visitors with sweeping views of North Dakota's unique geological formations characterized by colorful striped buttes, canyons, and spires. The accessible viewing area offers interpretive panels explaining how millions of years of erosion sculpted this dramatic landscape. Photographers find this location particularly appealing during early morning and late afternoon when changing sunlight enhances the vibrant colors of the sedimentary rock layers.
15. Dakota Zoo
WILDLIFE CONSERVATION CENTER
Dakota Zoo houses over 600 animals representing 125 species in naturalistic habitats spread across 90 acres along the Missouri River. The zoo emphasizes North American wildlife including bison, mountain lions, and bald eagles while also featuring exotic species such as tigers, snow leopards, and primates. Educational programs, feeding demonstrations, and a children's zoo make this a popular family destination in the Bismarck area.