Category: North Dakota

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Medora North Dakota Presidential Library United States

Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library: We’re Obsessed!

Theodore Roosevelt once said, “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” And honestly, that’s exactly the energy behind the brand‑new Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora, North Dakota. It’s bold, it’s beautifully done, and it’s one of the most engaging presidential sites we’ve visited on our 50‑state journey.

When we partnered with the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library, I expected to like it. I didn’t anticipate how incredibly immersive, fun, and kid-friendly it would be. Our visit sparked a whole new quest for us: Visit every Presidential Library. Will any of the others top the TRPL? Probably not, but there’s only one way to find out!

If you’re planning a family trip through the Badlands, or you’re a history‑loving nerd like us,  this stop deserves a spot on your itinerary.

Our visit to the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library was part of a hosted partnership, and our family received complimentary admission. All thoughts and impressions are entirely our own.

The kids outside of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library

First Impressions: A Library Built for Storytelling

The TRPL isn’t your typical presidential museum. It’s immersive, modern, and intentionally designed to feel like you’re stepping into Roosevelt’s world, from his childhood home in New York to his cowboy years in North Dakota to his presidency and adventures in the Amazon.

The building itself blends right into the landscape, almost like it grew out of the Badlands. Inside, the exhibits are hands‑on, kid‑friendly, and packed with storytelling moments that make history feel alive.

The view of the Badlands from the TRPL
The living roof of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library

What the Kids Loved

1. The Hands‑On Exhibits

Our kids were immediately drawn to the interactive stations; touching, building, exploring, and learning without even realizing they were learning.  They loved seeing photos of themselves being transformed to show them in various eras of TR’s life.

In one really fun interactive exhibit, the kids made campaign posters and created a video of them on the campaign trail.  

2. The Cowboy Era Displays

Roosevelt’s time in the Badlands is one of the most fun parts of his story. In fact, TR once said, “I would have not been President had it not been for my experience in North  Dakota,” and the museum totally leans into this. The kids loved seeing how he lived, worked, and adventured in North Dakota- swanky cowboy clothes and all!

3. The Nature & Conservation Section

This was a huge hit. Roosevelt’s conservation legacy is massive, and the museum makes it accessible for kids with visuals, activities, and storytelling.  

Did you know that after his presidency, TR went on a survey expedition in the Amazon?   TR and his son, Kermit, joined a team of scientists to survey “The River of Doubt”.  There’s an incredible immersive exhibit that tells all about this treacherous journey. The exhibit puts you in a boat right next to TR and the crew as they navigate the river.  It was one of my favorite parts of the museum!

4. “Talking” to TR

One of the most popular exhibits in the museum allows visitors to “talk” to TR.  With the magic of AI, you can ask TR questions and share your own stories.  The kids thought this was really neat! One of our kids mentioned Abraham Lincoln and “TR” pointed out there was a Lincoln portrait hanging right behind the kids.

What would you ask him?  

5. The Play Spaces!

Wait, play spaces in a Presidential Library?  That’s CRAZY!  The TRPL was designed with kids in mind.  As if the interactive, AI-enhanced exhibits weren’t enough, they included play spaces for kids!  They loved crawling, climbing, and explored.

Tips for visiting the TRPL

  • Plan 2+ hours — you’ll want plenty of time to explore without rushing. We were in the museum for just over 3 hours.

  • Pair it with Medora — the town is adorable and full of western charm.  You won’t want to miss the Pitchfork Fondue Dinner or the Medora Musical! (seasonal).

  • Visit Theodore Roosevelt National Park — it’s right there, and it’s stunning.

  • Check for special programs — the library hosts family events, talks, and activities.

Final Thoughts

We’re big believers that presidential sites tell the story of America in a way textbooks can’t. The TRPL is one of the best examples of that — it’s immersive, thoughtful, and genuinely fun for families.

It’s also a perfect anchor stop for a North Dakota trip, especially if you’re exploring national parks, western history, or road‑tripping through the region.

The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library exceeded every expectation. It’s beautifully done, deeply educational, and surprisingly fun — the kind of place that sticks with you long after you leave.

If you’re planning a trip through the West or checking off North Dakota on your 50‑state list, this is a must‑visit.

Visiting Information

Address: 315 Pacific Avenue, Medora, North Dakota

Hours:

  • Summer Season: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM

  • Fall and Winter: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

  • Closed on major holidays

  • Hours may vary during special events

What’s Coming Next in the Series

This post is part of our full North Dakota road trip series. Each stop will get its own dedicated blog post, and once they’re published, I’ll embed the links right here so you can follow along:

  • Enchanted Highway
  • Theodore Roosevelt National Park
  • North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame
  • Medora, and more!

And at the end of the series, I’ll share a full itinerary you can use to plan your own North Dakota road trip.

Stay Connected with Us

If you’re enjoying our North Dakota road trip series, make sure you’re following along on all our socials — that’s where we share the behind‑the‑scenes moments, reels from each stop, and all the chaotic‑good family travel energy. 

You can find us on:

  • Instagram — daily reels, stories, and trip highlights

  • Facebook — full posts, photo albums, and updates

  • TikTok — quick travel tips + funny family moments

  • YouTube — longer travel videos, shorts, and full trip recaps

Follow along as we keep exploring North Dakota — and every other state we pull from the hat next. 

Categories
North Dakota United States

North Dakota’s Enchanted Highway

"Geese in Flight"

One thing I caught on to pretty quickly on our road trip was the fact that North Dakota is hella quirky. And I AM HERE FOR IT. You know how some road trip stops feel like they were created specifically to entertain kids and keep parents laughing? That’s the Enchanted Highway. It’s weird, wonderful, and exactly the kind of roadside magic that makes North Dakota unforgettable.

We hit the Enchanted Highway on the way from Bismarck to Medora, and again on the return trip. Honestly, I didn’t really know what to expect from this wacky collection of sculptures — but it ended up being one of the most unexpectedly fun parts of our whole trip.

What Is the Enchanted Highway?

The Enchanted Highway is a 32‑mile stretch of rural road between Gladstone and Regent, North Dakota, lined with massive metal sculptures; some over 60 feet tall. They’re whimsical, strange, and absolutely perfect for families who love quirky roadside attractions.

The sculptures include:

  • Mile 0 – Geese in Flight

  • Mile 3 – Deer Crossing

  • Mile 15 – Grasshoppers in the Field

  • Mile 19 – Fisherman’s Dream

  • Mile 24 – Pheasants on the Prairie

  • Mile 26 – Theodore Roosevelt Rides Again

  • Mile 30 – World’s Largest Tin Family

  • Mile 32 – Enchanted Castle Gift Shop (Regent)

  • Mile 32.5 – Enchanted Castle Hotel, Knight and Dragon Sculpture in progress

Each one has a pull‑off area where you can park, explore, and take photos. 

Our Experience on the Enchanted Highway

On Day 2 of our road trip, we drove from Bismarck to Medora. Although I had read about the Enchanted Highway, I didn’t plan on stopping to check out any of the sculptures. Since we were partnering with Medora, I wanted to get there ASAP and stay on schedule.

But when “Geese in Flight” came into view, towering over the prairie like it was signaling us, I knew we had to stop. And I’m so glad that we did.

Our daughter, who is an aspiring artist, loved checking out the towering sculpture. And the boys? They were thrilled to run around and burn off some energy, which honestly made the stop even better.

The best part? There’s no rush. No crowds. No pressure. Just you, the sculptures, and the quiet (minus the kids running around) North Dakota landscape stretching out in every direction.

"Geese in Flight"

Date Erected: 2001

Weight: over 78.8 tons

Size: 154’ long and 110’ tall

Largest Goose: 30’ wingspan

Scrap Metal Used: oil tanks & oil well pipe

Record: Guinness World Record since 2002 – Largest Scrap Metal Sculpture

"Deer Crossing"

A few days later, on our way back to Bismarck, we decided to squeeze in one more stop along the Enchanted Highway. We only had a few minutes to spare since our flight was in a couple of hours, so we hit the next closest sculpture, “Deer Crossing”. This one wasn’t nearly as tall as “Geese in Flight”, but we ended up loving it even more. There’s a walk‑through metal maze next to the sculptures, and the kids ran through it a few times like they were trying to beat some imaginary record. It was such a fun, random little detour before heading to the airport.

Date Erected: 2002

Buck Size: 60’ wide x 75’ tall

Doe Size: 50’ wide x 50’ tall

Scrap Metal Used: oil well tanks

Kid‑Friendly Highlights

This stretch of highway is basically a playground disguised as art.

  • Room to run — Every sculpture has a huge open area where kids can sprint, climb, and explore.

  • Giant sculptures — Kids LOVE anything oversized. These are massive, weird, and perfect for photos.

  • Zero crowds — You’ll likely be the only family there, which means freedom to roam.

  • Quick stops — Each sculpture takes 5–10 minutes, making it ideal for restless kids.

Practical Tips for Visiting the Enchanted Highway

  • Plan 1–2 hours depending on how many stops you want to make.

  • Bring water — there are no services along the road.

  • Fuel up beforehand — Gladstone and Regent are tiny.

  • Watch for wildlife — deer love the prairie.

  • Download your map — cell service is spotty.

  • Start from the north if you’re heading to Medora — it flows perfectly into Painted Canyon.

Why It Belongs in Your North Dakota Itinerary

The Enchanted Highway is one of those stops that feels uniquely North Dakota — creative, quiet, quirky, and full of charm. It breaks up the drive beautifully and gives your kids something to talk about for the rest of the trip.

Plus… the photos are gold.

 

What’s Coming Next in the Series

This post is part of our full North Dakota road trip series. Each stop will get its own dedicated blog post, and once they’re published, I’ll embed the links right here so you can follow along:

  • Theodore Roosevelt National Park
  • Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library
  • North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame
  • Medora, and more!

And at the end of the series, I’ll share a full itinerary you can use to plan your own North Dakota road trip.

Stay Connected with Us

If you’re enjoying our North Dakota road trip series, make sure you’re following along on all our socials — that’s where we share the behind‑the‑scenes moments, reels from each stop, and all the chaotic‑good family travel energy. 

You can find us on:

  • Instagram — daily reels, stories, and trip highlights

  • Facebook — full posts, photo albums, and updates

  • TikTok — quick travel tips + funny family moments

  • YouTube — longer travel videos, shorts, and full trip recaps

Follow along as we keep exploring North Dakota — and every other state we pull from the hat next. 

Categories
Bismarck North Dakota United States

North Dakota State Capitol: A Quick Stop in Bismarck

House of Representatives Chamber- ND Capitol

When I started planning our North Dakota road trip, I went hunting for free, fun, and educational stops to add to our itinerary. And by “hunting,” I mean I spent an embarrassing number of hours scouring Facebook groups, reading travel blogs, watching YouTube videos, scrolling reels, and digging through my mountain of saved posts like a digital archaeologist.

One of the accounts we follow on Instagram (@tinyocean_rving) inspired us to add the North Dakota State Capitol building to our list. After watching them explore capitols across the country like it was their personal side quest, we decided it was time to check out our first one (aside from the U.S. Capitol).

And honestly? I’m glad we followed in their footsteps.

The kids posing with a statue of Sacagawea and her son Jean-Baptiste outside of the North Dakota State Capitol building

Most Capitol buildings in the US have the classic dome and columns, but North Dakota’s is a tall Art Deco tower that looks more like a bank than a government building.  But like…in a good way…

The building, which is the tallest building in the entire state of North Dakota, is just steps away from the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum.  The grounds are lovely, in that understated, “we don’t need to show off, we’re North Dakota” kind of way.  Not the obnoxiously flashy way.  On the walk from the museum to the Capitol, we stopped by a stunning statue of Sacagawea and her son, Jean-Baptiste.  There’s also a Pioneer Family statue, a few veterans memorials, and the Liberty Memorial Building nearby.

Checking out the grounds was a great way to stretch our legs after a day of traveling!

Walking inside the North Dakota State Capitol feels a little like stepping into a very calm, very organized time capsule.  It’s the kind of building where you automatically lower your voice, even though no one told you to.  Our main goal while we were in the building was to check out the observation deck; however, we made a pit stop at the Senate Chambers and House Chamber.  We were tempted to pop into the Governor’s office…but like…is that even allowed?

It felt like one of those moments where you could wander a little farther, but you also don’t want to be the family that accidentally ends up in a meeting you definitely weren’t invited to. So we behaved and stuck to the public areas.

Okay, I’m not going to lie,  I was low‑key disappointed by the observation deck. Underwhelmed, if you will. I think all the other viewing floors I’ve been on have offered those dramatic, sweeping vistas that make you gasp a little. This one was more… understated. Nice enough, but not exactly a showstopper.

The floor itself has a handful of chairs and some historical photographs, but beyond that, there isn’t much to see or do. It’s quiet, simple, and very on‑brand for North Dakota, but I guess I was just anticipating something a little more exciting at the top of the tallest building in the state.  

Oh, and just how tall is it?  It’s 21 stories high.  It may not have a dome, but at 241 feet, it definitely has prairie bragging rights.

Admittedly, the garden and lawn at the front of the building were lovely, but the observation deck itself left me wishing for just a bit more wow factor.

Visiting Information

Address: 600 E Boulevard Ave, Bismarck, ND

  Admission: Free 

Hours:

  • Monday–Friday: 8 AM–5 PM

  • Saturday–Sunday: Closed 

  • Parking: Free

  • Best For: Families, architecture fans, state‑capitol collectors, road‑trippers who appreciate a good Art Deco moment

Practical Tips for Visiting the North Dakota State Capitol

  • Arrive on a weekday — The Capitol is only open Monday–Friday, so plan your stop accordingly. Weekend travelers will be greeted by locked doors and disappointment.

  • Pair it with the Heritage Center — Since the museum is right next door, it’s easy to make this a two‑stop outing. The museum is the more exciting one for kids, so save it for after the Capitol as a reward.

  • Expect a quick visit — The Capitol is simple, calm, and easy to navigate. Most families can explore the inside, observation deck, and grounds in under an hour.

  • Let kids burn energy outside — The grounds are wide and open, perfect for stretching legs after a long drive. Bonus: nothing fragile for them to accidentally knock over.

  • Check the observation deck hours — The deck is usually open during regular building hours, but it’s worth confirming before you go.

  • Don’t expect a dramatic skyline — The view is nice, but not “jaw‑dropping skyscraper panorama” nice. Manage expectations and enjoy the calm.

  • Bring snacks for after — There’s no café inside, so plan to grab food elsewhere. The museum next door has a café if you need a quick bite.

  • Wear comfy shoes — You’ll be walking between the museum, the grounds, and the Capitol, so comfortable shoes make the whole experience smoother.

  • Snap photos outside — The Art Deco tower, Sacagawea statue, and Pioneer Family statue make great photo spots. The observation deck… less so.

The Great Seal of North Dakota

Kid‑Friendly Highlights

This isn’t a hands‑on, climb‑in‑the‑tractor kind of stop (that’s next door!), but there are a few things kids genuinely enjoy:

  • Wide open grounds — Perfect for running off energy before or after the museum. Lots of space, nothing fragile.

  • Observation deck elevator ride — The elevator is honestly the most exciting part for younger kids. It feels like a mini adventure.

  • Senate & House Chambers peek — Kids love seeing “where the government people work.” It’s quick, easy, and surprisingly engaging.

  • Statues on the grounds — The Sacagawea statue and Pioneer Family statue are great for photos and spark quick conversations about history.

  • Short + simple visit — Ideal for families who want something educational without committing to a long museum-style experience.

Bismarck Capitol

Visiting the North Dakota State Capitol ended up being a simple, easy addition to our first afternoon in Bismarck. The Art Deco tower, the peaceful grounds, and the historic touches inside (including the Senate and House chambers) make it a quick but meaningful visit. The Capitol itself offers a look at North Dakota’s government and history. If you’re already exploring the Heritage Center next door, it’s absolutely worth walking over and checking another state capitol off your list.

What’s Coming Next in the Series

This post is part of our full North Dakota road trip series. Each stop will get its own dedicated blog post, and once they’re published, I’ll embed the links right here so you can follow along:

  • Enchanted Highway
  • Theodore Roosevelt National Park
  • Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library
  • Medora, and more!

And at the end of the series, I’ll share a full itinerary you can use to plan your own North Dakota road trip.

Stay Connected with Us

If you’re enjoying our North Dakota road trip series, make sure you’re following along on all our socials — that’s where we share the behind‑the‑scenes moments, reels from each stop, and all the chaotic‑good family travel energy. 

You can find us on:

  • Instagram — daily reels, stories, and trip highlights

  • Facebook — full posts, photo albums, and updates

  • TikTok — quick travel tips + funny family moments

  • YouTube — longer travel videos, shorts, and full trip recaps

Follow along as we keep exploring North Dakota — and every other state we pull from the hat next. 

Categories
Bismarck North Dakota United States

Our Visit to the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum

ND Heritage Center & State Museum

The North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum was the very first stop on our North Dakota road trip, and honestly, it set the tone for the entire week. This place is massive, beautifully curated, and packed with hands‑on exhibits that kept all three kids entertained (which, let’s be real, is the ultimate measure of a good museum).

Even better?  It’s completely free!

Kicking off the road trip at a museum that covers 600 million years of North Dakota’s history was a great way for us to familiarize ourselves with the extensive history of the region.  

What You'll Find Inside

The museum walks you through 600 million years of North Dakota’s history, from dinosaurs to early peoples to modern life. It’s divided into four main galleries, each with its own vibe:

  • Adaptation Gallery: Geologic Time — fossils, minerals, dinosaurs, and the famous “Dakota” mummified Edmontosaurus.

  • Innovation Gallery: Early Peoples — artifacts and stories from the region’s earliest inhabitants.

  • Inspiration Gallery: Yesterday & Today — tractors, vehicles, and immersive exhibits about settlement, agriculture, and modern life.

  • Governors Gallery — rotating exhibits that highlight different parts of state history.

It’s the kind of museum where you think you’ll spend an hour… and suddenly it’s been three.

ND Heritage Center & State Museum

Kid‑Friendly Highlights

This museum is made for families. A few things our kids loved:

  • The Treehouse — a hands‑on play space perfect for younger kids

  • Climb‑in tractors + vehicles — great for photos and pretend play.  Who doesn’t love a good simulator?

  • Interactive exhibits — touchscreens, puzzles, hands‑on learning, and even dress-up!

  • Replicas of Tee Pee’s-  super fun for a game of hide-and-seek

Visitor Information

Address: 612 E Boulevard Ave, Bismarck, ND 

 Admission: FREE 

 Hours:

  • Monday–Friday: 8 AM–5 PM

  • Saturday–Sunday: 10 AM–5 PM

  • Parking: Free

  • Best For: Families, history lovers, road‑trippers, dinosaur‑obsessed kids

The Heritage Center & State Museum is one of those rare places that’s both educational and genuinely fun. It’s beautifully designed, easy to navigate, and full of surprises.  It was the perfect way to kick off our North Dakota adventure and gave the kids a great foundation for everything else we’d see throughout the week.

What’s Coming Next in the Series

This post is the first in our full North Dakota road trip series. Each stop will get its own dedicated blog post, and once they’re published, I’ll embed the links right here so you can follow along:

And at the end of the series, I’ll share a full itinerary you can use to plan your own North Dakota road trip.

Stay Connected with Us

If you’re enjoying our North Dakota road trip series, make sure you’re following along on all our socials — that’s where we share the behind‑the‑scenes moments, reels from each stop, and all the chaotic‑good family travel energy. 💛🚗

You can find us on:

  • Instagram — daily reels, stories, and trip highlights

  • Facebook — full posts, photo albums, and updates

  • TikTok — quick travel tips + funny family moments

  • YouTube — longer travel videos, shorts, and full trip recaps

Follow along as we keep exploring North Dakota — and every other state we pull from the hat next. 😉

Categories
North Dakota United States

An Intro to Our Amazing North Dakota Road Trip

Road Tripping Through North Dakota

If you had told me last year that we’d spend a week road‑tripping through North Dakota this summer, I would’ve laughed and called you crazy. North Dakota has been on my radar forever, but honestly, I didn’t think we’d make it there anytime soon.

Every New Year’s Day, our family pulls a random state out of a hat and plans a trip there. It’s our favorite tradition — a little chaotic, totally spontaneous, and the perfect way to work toward our goal of taking the kids to all 50 states. When we pulled North Dakota this year, I was so excited. It felt unexpected in the best way.

North Dakota surprised us in the best possible way. Wide‑open skies, friendly people, history everywhere you look, and some of the most unique family‑friendly stops we’ve experienced in all our travels. This summer, we packed up the kids, loaded the car, and headed north for a road trip that turned into one of our favorite adventures yet. 🚗💛

This post kicks off a full series where I’ll break down every stop we made, what we loved, what we learned, and how you can recreate the same trip with your own crew. Each location will get its own dedicated blog post so you can easily find details, photos, tips, and planning info without digging through one giant article.

Hiking in the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park

What This Series Will Cover

Here’s what you can expect over the next several posts:

1. Individual Stop Guides

Each attraction, town, museum, or experience we visited will have its own post. That means you’ll get:

  • What the stop is all about

  • Why it’s great for families

  • What to expect when you visit

  • Tips for making the most of it

  • Photos + video

  • Practical info (hours, cost, parking, etc.)

2. Family Travel Tips for North Dakota

I’ll share what worked well for us as a family of five — from hotel choices to food stops to how we kept the kids entertained on long stretches of highway.

3. A Complete Road Trip Itinerary

The final post in the series will be a full, detailed itinerary you can follow step‑by‑step. It will include:

  • Driving routes

  • Timing suggestions

  • Where to stay

  • What to see each day

  • Optional add‑ons

  • Kid‑friendly pacing

This will be the “big picture” guide that ties everything together.

Why North Dakota?

If you’ve never considered North Dakota for a family road trip, let me be the one to convince you. It’s beautiful, uncrowded, affordable, and packed with history and outdoor experiences. Whether you’re into museums, hiking, wildlife, small‑town charm, or wide‑open spaces, North Dakota delivers.

Plus… the kids had a blast. And that’s always the real test.

Follow Along

As each post goes live, I’ll update this intro with links so you can explore every stop in order. You can also follow along on Instagram and Facebook, where I’ll be sharing reels, photos, and behind‑the‑scenes moments from the trip.

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