From Bison to Badlands
With 200 miles between us, you don’t choose one. You experience both! Jamestown brings the bison and early prairie life. Dickinson brings the Badlands and Roosevelt’s legacy. Together, it is a road trip that feels like North Dakota.
From East to West: A 3-Day North Dakota Road Trip
Find out where to stop & stay in Jamestown, ND and Dickinson, ND.
First, take a photo with the World’s Largest Buffalo, visit the North American Bison Discovery Center and grab ice cream in the Frontier Village General Store. Explore the entire Frontier Village and its many hands-on exhibits. Then head downtown to check out the 1883 Stutsman County Courthouse before heading to dine at Hondo’s Hideaway on the Jamestown Reservoir. On your way back to the hotel, stop at the many murals for great photo ops! Don’t forget to get up early tomorrow to snag a delicious breakfast at the Depot Cafe! Fresh baked caramel rolls with great service.
First head west for Dickinson. While on the way, plan to stop and take a photo with Sandy the Sandhill Crane in Steele and Salem Sue the Holstein Cow in New Salem! If time allows, take a drive down the Enchanted Highway to see the largest scrap metal designs in the state. Then check in to your hotel, drop bags, and head to the Dickinson Museum Center and the Theodore Roosevelt Center. By now, you’ll be hankering for an early supper at Blue 42. Don’t forget to check the schedule to catch the Badlands Big Sticks at home or experience a concert at the Bandshell (Tuesday evenings) or Legacy Square (select summer dates).
First sit down for a while and get breakfast at the Country Rose Cafe to gear up for a scenic drive to Theodore Roosevelt National Park watching wildlife and take a morning hike! Then stop in Medora for lunch before taking in the Chateau de Mores historic home before taking in more of Teddy Roosevelt National Park’s South Unit. Don’t forget that Dickinson is home to multiple local coffee shops - grab your sip of energy before leaving town!
Explore the North: A Multi-Day I-94 Road Trip
Make the most of your vacation with our multi-day itinerary.
Explore where to dine and what to do in Jamestown and Dickinson, North Dakota.
For travelers who want a taste of both Eastern & Western ND, this two-night journey brings Jamestown and Dickinson together in one seamless road trip. Jamestown offers the heart of prairie life with the North American Bison Discovery Center, Frontier Village, and don't forget to snap a photo with the World’s Largest Buffalo.
Out west, Dickinson shifts the landscape with the Dickinson Museum Center, the Theodore Roosevelt Center, and the unforgettable roadside art of the Enchanted Highway.
On the way, don’t forget to stop at Assumption Abbey in Richardton and the Ukrainian Cultural Institute in Dickenson! In between, you’ll find plenty of good stops to eat and rest, like The Depot Cafe, Buffalo Grill, and Corner Bar & Grill in Jamestown, and favorites like Brickhouse Grille and Phat Fish Brewery in Dickinson.
To get a deeper dive into ND, try everything above, plus one more night to slow down and see more along the way. In Jamestown, spend time out at the reservoir trails, or explore the 1883 Courthouse for some hands-on history. Try Izumi Sushi & Hibachi or Hondo’s Hideaway while visiting!
On the Dickinson side, swing by a Badlands Big Sticks game, spend time at Patterson Lake Recreation Area, or a visit to the Stark County Veterans Pavilion & Memorial. Wrap up your days with more local flavor, from Dakota Diner, Food Riot or Blue 42.
For a relaxed pace, more culture, and more local ND, try everything above, plus one more night to settle into your time away. In Jamestown, take your time with a downtown mural walk, step into the Local Arts Center, and enjoy a few more casual stops around town like Jonny B’s Pizza, Spirits Bar & Grill, or Tapp’s.
As you continue west, make time for Medora, where the landscape opens into the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, with scenic drives, jaw-dropping overlooks, and the high-energy at the Medora Musical.
Back in Dickinson, try more local dining staples like Players Sports Bar & Grill or Country Rose Cafe.
North Dakota Itineraries for Every Type of Traveler
North Dakota has something for everyone, and every lifestyle!
Explore our options depending who you’re traveling with!
A fun and informative vacation for retirees, this itinerary combines fascinating history, relaxing activities, and plenty of opportunities to experience local North Dakota culture.
In Jamestown, step back in time with visits to the 1883 Stutsman County Courthouse and Fort Seward. Enjoy a leisurely day of birding, golfing, or taking in the scenery along the Jamestown Reservoir trails. When hunger strikes, local favorites like The Depot Cafe, S&R Truck Stop, and The Buffalo Grill offer welcoming atmospheres and great food.
In Dickinson, explore the area's heritage at the Ukrainian Cultural Institute, Pioneer Machinery Hall, and Theodore Roosevelt Center. Spend your free time enjoying Legacy Square, a round of golf, or a visit to Fluffy Fields Vineyard & Winery. End the day with a meal from Dakota Diner, Country Rose Cafe, or JD’s BBQ. This getaway is designed for travelers who enjoy discovering new places while taking time to appreciate the journey.
Need an engaging and active trip with your family? Jamestown and Dickinson offer plenty of opportunities to learn, play, and make memories together.
In Jamestown, young explorers can step back in time at Frontier Village and learn about North Dakota's most iconic animal at the North American Bison Discovery Center. When it's time to burn off some energy, head to the Two Rivers Activity Center for family-friendly recreation. When it's time for a bite to eat, local favorites like Jonny B's and Drift Prairie Brewery offer options the whole family can enjoy.
In Dickinson, hands-on learning continues at the Badlands Dinosaur Museum, where prehistoric discoveries come to life. Families can cool off at the West River Community Center Outdoor Pool, climb and play at City Park Adventure, or catch a Badlands Big Sticks baseball game for an evening of fun. Between activities, stop by El Sombrero or Pizza Ranch for a family-friendly meal before heading to your next adventure. It's the perfect itinerary for families looking to balance education, recreation, and quality time together.
Enjoy a scenic and chill road trip through North Dakota, where wide-open landscapes, unique roadside attractions, and memorable local stops make every mile worthwhile.
In Jamestown, snap a photo with the World’s Largest Buffalo, walk the trails of the Jamestown Reservoir, and explore local favorites like Pit Stop Sports or the scenic beauty of Chan SanSan. When it's time to refuel, grab a meal at Corner Bar & Grill or enjoy lakeside dining at Hondo’s Hideaway.
In Dickinson, continue the adventure with a visit to the Dickinson Museum Center before hitting the road along the Old Red Scenic Byway or exploring the larger-than-life sculptures of the Enchanted Highway. For something different, test your skills at Phat Ax before heading to local dining favorites like Blue 42, Phat Fish Brewery, or The Grub Tub. It's the perfect itinerary for travelers who love discovering hidden gems, taking the scenic route, and enjoying the freedom of the open road!
Discover What North Dakota Has To Offer
North Dakota was never meant to be rushed. Start in Jamestown. Continue to Dickinson. Build your own story along the way.