Week in North Dakota

The North Dakota Heritage Center was a great place for adults and children. With a little help from family, we received a behind the scenes tour of artifacts that have not yet made the main level display cases. The kids loved the play areas while adults could do more than just watch the kids play. The Dakota Zoo was a long walk, but we made plans to include the Breakfast at the Zoo event in our adventure. What a great idea! The kids got to eat a hot breakfast and then play at the playgrounds and see the animals before the zoo opened for general admission. The highlight was the bears as they were anxious to get out and about. Many animals were active during the morning hours rather than the mid day normal viewing time frame.

Quick Tips:

Check hours of operation and yearly schedules before planning events. Some places have minimal hours during winter if they are open at all. Others are weather dependent, as we tried to visit the Raging River Waterpark it was closed due to temps in the 50s.

Best Way To Get Around:

Rent a car. Nothing like seeing it all for yourself. Most things to do are spread out across the city and surrounding areas. Not a logical option for walking, especially with a family!

Basically a version of Chuck E. Cheese. Video games for the kids, decent food (mostly BBQ and related items), and an alien atmosphere. Tables are a bit small for larger groups, but you can always sit table beside table. Friendly wait staff and quick service. It gets a bit noisy after a while!

Great food. Pub-like atmosphere. Hearty portions for the price. Most meals are $10 to $15, appetizers are $4 to $6, large wine and beer menu.

Not really a place for kids, but they do accommodate.

Everyone was able to do the same activity regardless of age differences. Also has an arcade indoors that includes pool tables and air hockey. Must be about 50+ lanes! Shoes in all sizes and guard rails for the kids. Some nights they do black light bowling where the entire place is neon and disco styled.

Miles of trails that take you around to see the animals. Very large areas for each species. Hard to see it all without getting a bit turned around. Many benches for resting and shaded areas. Also trains and strollers to help make the trip easier. Most animals eat out of your hand, which is great for the kids!

Lots of Native American finds. A history of North Dakota from its pioneer days. The latest in dinosaur fossil finds in the state are displayed in the museum. A wonderful gift shop and beautifully kept grounds. Behind the Heritage Center is the Veterans Memorial. VERY COOL! On 11/11 at the 11th hour, the sun shines in the building to hit the state of ND embossed on the globe, casting illuminating light throughout the memorial. Wish I could have seen it!