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The Best Road Trip In North Dakota With Grandkids

This summer has been filled with road trips with my grandkids and I have been loving every moment of it. Why not take a summer road trip in North Dakota with your grandkids and live your best life?

My eight-year-old grandson, Jon, and I traveled across I-94 in North Dakota in June. I quickly learned by day 2, that this road trip would be a little different. Anytime I travel with my grandkids, I am quickly reminded that I need to slow down the pace. I hope to conquer more of North Dakota with my grandkids over time, so here’s the first North Dakota road trip blog post for you.

*This post is sponsored by Discover Jamestown; Medora, ND; and Bismarck, ND – The opinions here are mine and nobody elses.

Start In Jamestown, ND

You can start your road trip in Jamestown, North Dakota. Jamestown is a family-friendly destination that is home to the World’s Largest Buffalo. Meet Dakota Thunder. Let’s face it, who does not like anything of the world’s largest?

worlds largest buffalo

Things To Do With Kids In Jamestown

As you travel across I-94 in North Dakota near Jamestown, you can’t miss seeing the giant buffalo from the Interstate highway. Note- If you are traveling with an RV, there is RV parking at the North American Bison Discovery Center.

woman with mural

The art scene is booming and it’s growning by leaps and bounds. As you travel through the town, look around, there seems to be art on every corner.

Bismarck Is Calling!

As you continue to travel along I-94, you will come to Bismarck, North Dakota. Bismarck offers several incredible experiences with grandkids. The Dakota Zoo is one of the best zoos in the Midwest.

boy watching penguins
penguins at zoo

If your family enjoys watching penguins, they will keep everyone entertained for hours. The Street Art scene is incredible in Bismarck. My grandson is still talking about all of the murals he saw in the alley.

Things To Do In Bismarck With Grandkids

According to Jon, the best breakfast awaits you at The Brick Oven Bakery. You can experience a little bit of France when you indulge in breakfast at Bismarck.

woman and son with baked goods

Enjoy all that this community has to offer, as you will be glad you did. Afterall, a North Dakota road trip with grandkids is something you will talk about for years.

Salem Sue

As you continue to travel west on I-94, you will want to stop at Exit 127. You will see Salem Sue, a giant fiberglass Hostein cow, as you approach the exit.

boy with salem sue
Largest Cow North Dakota

She stands at 38 feet tall, is 50 feet long, and weighs in at an exceptional 12,000 pounds. Bring a picnic lunch, as there are picnic tables near the incredible “World’s Largest Hostein Cow.” Walk around, under, and all around her. My grandson walked on past her and I followed.

large cow
cow in north dakota
woman selfie

This offered a “new to me” view of Salem Sue. As I had always stopped around her feet and took pictures. The tip I can give you is to keep walking past her and then look back. North Dakota is in full view and you will get a beautiful view of Salem Sue.

Enchanted Highway

North Dakota’s famous Enchanted Highway begins at Exit 72 along I-94. My grandson and I did not drive the 32-mile highway on this trip. I have driven it before, and it is something special to see.

selfie
woman and boy
boy at metal sculpture

Jon and I exited at Exit 72 and experienced “Geese In Flight.” He would have enjoyed many other stunning sculptures if time had permitted.

Camping In Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Experience Medora

Medora has become one of my favorite towns in the country. I had hoped my grandson would fall in love with the town, as I have. It’s fair to say that he did. Thanks to the fantastic Medora Singers, who know how to connect with families.

boy with man

Experience The Gospel Brunch In Medora

Point to Point Park will not disappoint. Buckle up and hop on the two-seat zipline.

You ride it backwards and you can take in the view of Medora and BAM….. back down you go! This zipline ride was a thrill for my grandson and I.

Best National Park For Kids

After you tackle the zipline, take a swing with a golf club at the Little Bully Pulpit Mini-Golf Course.

boy mini golf
golf balls
woman min golf

You can then relax some and take a swim in the lazy river. All of this is in town, in Medora.

Outdoor Adventure In Medora

zipline over pool
lazy river

After a busy day playing in Medora and Theodore Roosevelt National Park, we grabbed supper at the Little Missouri Saloon. The western theme fits right in with the charming town of Medora. The kids menu was a hit with Jon, as he devoured his macaroni and cheese accompanied by corndogs.

light fixture
boy eating mac n cheese

Make North Dakota your next road trip with your grandkids. My grandson and I had a memorable trip. There are several other places you can explore in North Dakota, but this itinerary is a simple, easy introduction to this beautiful state. You can start in the west in Medora, or start in the east at Jamestown, as I did. Most importantly, I encourage you to get out and travel with your grandkids, as you will be glad you created the memories. The best tip I can give you is to keep things simple when you travel with your grandkids.

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SaraB

Sara is a travel enthusiast that resides in North Iowa. You can find her traveling where the plane, train, ship, or car will go. Are you looking to take a road trip? Sara has solutions for you!

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