Discover North Dakota

Get ready to “Discover North Dakota!” From the rugged Badlands at Theodore Roosevelt National Park to the living history at fort sites and state parks. This tour will give you an up-close look at the state’s beauty and diversity. Our travels take us through rolling hills and across the expansive Midwest plains into North Dakota with regular stops along the way. On our way to Medora, we get off the beaten path to discover the “Enchanted Highway.” The “Geese in Flight Sculpture,” a 90-foot-high sculpture, has been certified by the Guinness Book of World Records as the World’s Largest Outdoor Sculpture. Located at an I-94 exit, this attention-getting sculpture invites travelers to explore the 32-mile stretch of highway to Regent, ND. It is lined with seven giant artworks created by Gary Greff, a retired teacher and metal sculptor. Arriving in Medora, we step back in time when “Cattle were King” on the prairie. You’ll feel the charm of the “Old Days” in this quaint little town with plenty of shopping, touring, and great food! Our accommodations are at the Badlands Motel for a two-night stay. This evening, you are free to discover Medora. Shop, explore, and have a delicious evening meal on your own. (L)

We get an early start, with breakfast bags to take with us, on our tour of the Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Along with our step-on-guide, we’ll discover highlights of the park’s 7,000 amazing acres, hundreds of wild bison, herds of elk, prairie dogs, and all types of birds. Our next stop is at the Painted Canyon Overlook to get another view of the rugged Badland’s landscape. We’ll spend the rest of the day discovering Medora. Our included lunch will be at the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame followed by a self-guided tour to take in the exhibits. By early afternoon, we tour the Chateau de Mores Historic Site. This site memorializes the life and activities of the Marquis de Mores, a French nobleman who arrived in 1883. He began multiple enterprises including a beef packing plant, a stagecoach line, and freighting.

De Mores named Medora in honor of his wife. The chateau displays many artifacts related to the business ventures and their demise. Elegant furnishings are on display, ready to entertain guests that had once even included Theodore Roosevelt. Theodore Roosevelt came to the Dakota Territory in 1883 to hunt bison. As time went on, this zealous trophy hunter was transformed into what many regard as the greatest conservation president. Roosevelt credited North Dakota for molding him into the man who became president. Tonight, we take in a dinner and show Medora-style! Chefs load steaks onto a pitchfork and fondue them in Western fashion. Savor your steak while overlooking the rugged Badlands from atop a bluff. The Medora Musical is at the nearby outdoor Burning Hills Amphitheater. The musical looks back at the “Wild West” days of the region and includes references to Theodore Roosevelt, who loved this area of North Dakota. (B) (L) (D)

We enjoy another day of touring this magnificent region of the state of North Dakota. The Bismarck and Mandan area has been welcoming visitors ever since Lewis & Clark paddled up the Missouri River in 1804. After an included noon meal, we’ll tour the North Dakota Heritage Center located on the state capitol grounds. This museum features four galleries, two theaters, and an outdoor amphitheater. This afternoon, we’ll enjoy discovering Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park, established in 1907. You’ll travel through time exploring the rich culture and history of the area by investigating all of the artifacts at the visitor center. In addition, you’ll discover what life was like as a frontier soldier as you journey through the blockhouses and furnished barracks, and also participate in a living history tour of the commanding officer’s quarters. After checking into our hotel, we depart for a Sunset Cruise on the Lewis & Clark Riverboat. We’ll enjoy an included evening meal while taking in the beautiful sunset views. (B) (L) (D)

After three days of discovering North Dakota, we’re homeward bound. We’ll make a morning stop at the National Buffalo Museum in Jamestown, ND. This rustic log museum is situated on top of a hill next to a pasture where a herd of bison resides. The Great Plains was once home to millions of majestic bison that thundered across the golden grasslands. The bison provided many of life’s necessities including food, clothing, shelter, and even tools. At the museum, you’ll explore the Wild West and learn the fascinating history and cultural significance of the American bison. After an included noon meal, we travel to Moorhead, MN, where we’ll visit the beautiful Hjemkomst Scandinavian and Heritage Center, a must-see Minnesota museum! Inside the white tent-like structure, you’ll find the Hjemkomst Viking Ship, a full-scale model of the Gokstad Burial Ship built near Hawley, MN, and sailed to Norway from the shores of Minnesota. Located on the same grounds is the Hopperstad Stave Church, a replica of the one located in Vik, Norway. We’ll enjoy reminiscing about our treasured memories of our tour in North Dakota as we travel back to Kerkhoven. Rustad Tours is sure you’ll agree that motorcoach travel is a great way to discover America and our rich heritage! (B) (L)