Day Trip

As the seasons turn to Fall, I always try and get a few last exploring trips in with my animals before ND winter hits.

With it being busy season as a Realtor, I don't have much time to get away or travel.

I am however in a constant battle of wanting to travel and explore, so I started finding cool places to travel within a day's drive of Fargo!

Here are a few of my favorites!

1. Buffalo River State Park is only a 22 minute drive from Fargo, a little hidden gem that I never see anyone at. Sammy, Ava, and I go out there a couple times a year for a little get away and exercise. There are cute little spots along the trails where you can get down to the river, I always let Sammy get a little swim in of course! The last couple years they haven't filled in the swimming hole out there due to Covid, but I hope they will start that up again next year.

2. Detroit Lakes is one hour from Fargo with plenty to do in a days trip. I have traveled there to visit the public beach, and end with eating at Zorbaz. You can also rent a boat and go out to the sandbar or cruise around the lake!

3. Itaska State Park is a two-hour drive from Fargo, but very much worth it! There is tons of activities you can do, from exploring trails to renting a pontoon or canoe for a couple hours! I highly suggest taking the trails down to the water. A day is plenty of time to rent a canoe for an hour or two and hit some trails! Don't forget to visit the headwaters on your way out!

4. Maplewood State Park is an hour and fifteen minutes from Fargo, and a truly gorgeous stop. Surrounded by lakes it has amazing views and trails! Sammy and Ava had a blast exploring and swimming in this park.

5. If you're looking for a little wine get away, there are a couple wineries not far from Fargo.

Bear Creek Winery has beautiful views and even a golf course, only being a 20-minute drive!

Dakota Vines Vineyard and Winery is only thirty-five minutes from Fargo, with gorgeous deck views and wines I always want to bring home.

6. Frazee MN only being an hour drive from Fargo has lots of stops you can visit in a day trip! Including; Lions park, Spankys Stone Hearth, Frazee golf course, Janus pumpkin patch, Blues Valley camp ground, Maple hills golf course which is half way between Detroit Lakes and Frazee, and the many lakes nearby that will have public beaches.

7. Naytahwaush or White Earth Reservation is a good exploring destination only an hour and thirty-minutes from Fargo! The tower is fun to climb for a beautiful view. I have friends that bring their ATV's and Jeeps out for a day of fun. Such a beautiful spot for exploring!

8. A little farther of a drive, but I made it with a couple stops and back in one day! I did get back around 11:00 but Theodore Rosevelt National Park and the Badlands area is one of ND's beautiful attractions. If you're looking for a place to eat or grab a drink after exploring, I highly suggest Stonehome Brewing Co. and/or Slow Ride Tequila Cocina in Watford City, ND.

9. If you want to make this trip a little less lengthy, you can stop on the other side of Lake Sakakawea-Missouri River at Lake Sakakawea State Park which is a four-hour drive from Fargo.

Across from Lake Sakakawea State Park and the lake there is another state park called Fort Stevenson State Park. This is also a four-hour drive from Fargo!

10. This summer we took a canoeing trip down Crow Wing River/Shell River, and ended near Shell Lake which was super fun! The drop off was only two-hours from Fargo!

11. If you're looking for a sporty afternoon, Cass County Wildlife Club gun range is a forty-minute drive from Fargo.

Goose River Paintball in Hillboro is also a forty-five minute drive and fun day activity.

12. Orchard Glen Park only a ten to fifteen minute drive is a fun place to explore, and you can pick apples! I take Sammy and Ava out there to explore and walk the trails quite a bit. There are tucked away trails along the Red River and throughout the apple trees, also a paved trail that goes around all the trees easy for strollers!

13. Fargo-Moorhead does have a lot of cool parks to visit in town as well if you want a quick trip! A few of my favorites being Burdick Park, Dike East Park & Dog Park, Forest River Park, Holm Park, Iwen Park, Lindenwood Park, Oak Grove Park, Ponte's Park, Trefoil Park, and Wildflower Grove Park!

NOTE: State parks do cost $7 for a day pass.

Exploring keeps me sane

I will be honest; I sometimes get bored in Fargo and feel the need to get away. A trip to the park or a daytrip to explore always makes me feel better!

Mentally we need a good getaway and to take in nature, especially before ND winter hits. The earth is beautiful, don't forget to check her out!

Go down my list and find a new favorite spot!