Your Guide to The Best Day Trips from Williston, ND
With 27,706 inhabitants, Williston, North Dakota is one of the larger cities in the state; it has a small-town feel even though it provides residents with all the amenities of a larger city. It's known for its great local economy, with jobs in healthcare, energy and retail, as a result of which it has grown 122% since 2000.
Additionally, there are so many great things to do in Williston, such as exploring the Ford Buford State Historic Site or Roosevelt National Park, if you're fond of the great outdoors. If you'd rather opt for cultural events, there are a number of summer shows, festivals, and even rodeos in Williston, ND. Also, if you just want to get away for a day, then there are many day trips within driving distance of Williston, ND.
Here at The Reserve at Bison Crossing, Williston's premier apartment community, we love to help residents discover new and exciting adventures in and around town. That's why we've put together this guide to the best day trips from Williston, ND. Let's dive in!
Fort Union Trading Post and Fort Buford
These are two separate historic sites which can be combined into one day trip, since they are only located a few miles apart, about 25-30 minutes north of Williston.
In the early 1800s, the Fort Union Trading Post was the place where a number of North Plains Tribes traded buffalo robes and furs for goods such as cloth, guns, blankets and beads. It has living history interpreters, rangers and staff who will tell you all about the history of the post, as well as special events which recreate the fur trade.
Fort Buford State Historic Site was built in the 1860s as an army outpost whereas today, it simply preserves the way of life of the men and women who lived at the army post.
Minot, ND
The city of Minot, ND is about 2.5 hours’ drive from Williston, ND and has a number of off-beat attractions that will charm you. For an interactive experience, try feeding the giraffes, tigers and okapis at Roosevelt Park Zoo. Everyone will enjoy seeing the realistic historic building recreations at the Scandinavian Heritage Park.
The STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) activities of Magic City Discovery Center in Minot, ND will interest people of all ages while the Dakota Territory Air Museum will be of special interest to aviation enthusiasts.
Lewis & Clark State Park
About 18-19 miles east of Williston is Lewis & Clark State Park, on one of the upper bays of Lake Sakakawea. With rolling hills, greenery and lake views, the park is a haven for nature lovers, and it offers boating, fishing, hiking and swimming opportunities. Those interested in water sports can also rent kayaks, canoes and paddle boards while those who want to get away for more than just a day can rent the Scoria cabin which comes air-conditioned, with a refrigerator.
Bismarck, ND
About 220-240 miles southeast of Williston is the capital of the state, Bismarck which can be reached in about four hours. Some of the attractions of Bismarck, ND include The Dakota Zoo, with 600 mammals and 125 species and the North Dakota Heritage Center and State Museum, with a geologic center and exhibits on the Native peoples of North Dakota as well as fine art.
There's also an observation deck on the 18th floor of the North Dakota State Capitol and the McDowell Dam Nature Park, with hiking, fishing and picnic areas. In the evening, you can take a dinner cruise on the Lewis & Clark Riverboat or try the North Dakotan/Scandinavian dishes at Huckleberry House.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park
About 25-30 miles southwest of Williston is the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park which offers visitors a 14-mile drive through badlands canyons and nature trails for hiking. You often get to see bison, mule deer and prairie dogs as you drive/hike through the park, and there are also camping sites in the Juniper Campground.
The South Unit of the park is about 2.5 to 3 hours from Williston and offers a 36-mile scenic drive with numerous overlooks and trailheads. There's also a campground, a visitor center and opportunities to view wildlife, including wild horses, in the South Unit.
Dickinson and the Enchanted Highway
About 3 hours southeast of Williston is Dickinson which has a number of local attractions, such as the fourteen full-scale dinosaurs in the Badlands Dinosaur Museum. Visitors also have the opportunity to view amazing scenery, flora and wildlife via ATV trails and roads in the Badlands and grasslands.
There's also the Enchanted Highway, a 32-mile stretch of highway where you'll find seven unique scrap metal sculptures, such as "Geese in Flight" which can be found in the Guiness Book of World Records as the largest scrap metal sculpture in the world.
Where to Live in Williston, ND
If you're looking for your next apartment home in Williston, ND, The Reserve at Bison Crossing offers 1, 2 and 3-bedroom floor plans with open kitchens, energy efficient appliances, granite counters and hardwood flooring, and plush carpeting. This is a pet-friendly community with private garages, a fitness center, two playgrounds and beautiful landscaping.
With a number of things to do within Williston itself, a variety of dining options and a number of day trips possible outside of the city, there's no reason why you shouldn't schedule a tour at The Reserve at Bison Crossing today!