BringFido's Ruff Guide to North Dakota

Posted by Jason Halliburton

Thinking of meandering with your mutt on a trip to North Dakota? If so, he’s one lucky dog. The editors at BringFido have dedicated themselves to digging up the dog-friendliest things to do in The Peace Garden State, as well as the rest of the country. And we've assembled it all in the latest edition of our book, Ruff Guide to the United States.

Now in its second edition, the book features over 365 of the best places to stay and play with your dog in all 50 states. Order your copy today and save 50% off the retail price when you use the discount code BUFFALO.

For a preview of the book, here are a few of our editors' top picks for dog-friendly things to do in North Dakota.

Walk Among Giants

Jamestown, ND
"I told you I was afraid of thunder!" Photo by @waggin_walt

Hit the highway on a dog-friendly road trip across North Dakota to visit several of the largest creatures on planet Earth. Your cross-state trek along I-94 begins at the National Buffalo Museum in Jamestown, where your pup can visit mighty Dakota Thunder, the world’s largest buffalo. While there, you can stroll through Frontier Village, a replica prairie town constructed using original buildings from frontier days. Drive west 50 miles to the tiny town of Steele to visit Sandy - The World’s Largest Sandhill Crane. After Fido feeds the bird, head 70 miles west to New Salem to moo at Salem Sue, the world’s largest Holstein Cow. Finally, take a quick detour off I-94 near Gladstone to cruise along the 30-mile stretch of asphalt called the Enchanted Highway. Dogs can stretch their legs at one of several giant roadside metal sculptures, including Deer Crossing, Grasshoppers in the Field, and Fisherman’s Dream.

After a long day of roadtripping, the La Quinta Inn & Suites Dickinson is a great place to take a breather. Settle back in comfy rooms with separate sitting areas. In the morning, make your way to nearby Dickinson Dog Park for some off-leash exercise before continuing your road trip.

Celebrate Peace With Your Pup

Dunseith, ND
“It’s time for peace.” Photo by Rupali Abhang

Lying on the 49th parallel at the Canada–United States border near Dunseith, the International Peace Garden is a living tribute to world peace. This 2,339-acre park is accessible to visitors from both countries without the need for a passport. Over 150,000 flowers are planted in the formal garden every spring, but the star attractions are always the American and Canadian flags made out of flowers. The gardens are open year-round, but mid-July through August tends to be the best time to view the colorful floral displays. Your leashed pup is welcome to join you throughout the park for free. As you continue your journey across North Dakota, take a detour to Washburn to visit the Seaman Overlook, featuring a 1,400-pound, steel sculpture of the dog that accompanied Lewis and Clark on their expedition across America.

The Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham Minot serves as a comfortable overnight stop as you traverse between Dunseith and Washburn. All of the suites in this apartment-style property feature pillow-top beds and full kitchens. While in Minot, be sure to visit Scandinavian Heritage Park, an outdoor museum dedicated to all five Nordic countries.

Calling All High-Flying Hounds

Fargo, ND
“I’m more of a boat dog, myself.” Photo by Facebook.com/fargo.airmuseum

Hang out with your hound in two hangars full of incredible flying machines at Fargo Air Museum. This nonprofit organization promotes interest in aviation through education, preservation and restoration. What sets this museum apart from many others across the country is that a number of the exhibits actually take flight in the skies around Fargo. Highlights include the MQ-1 Predator unmanned drone and a replica of the Wright Brothers’ Flyer. Leashed dogs are welcome to join their owners inside the museum.

You won’t need to reserve a long-haul flight to find a pet-friendly hotel. Candlewood Suites Fargo N Dakota State Univ is located next to the museum and offers a comfortable stay for you and Fido.

Ready for a Road Trip?

Photo by Linda Segerfeldt


If this Ruff Guide to North Dakota preview left your dog drooling for more, we hope you check out our new book - Ruff Guide to the United States. Remember to use discount code BUFFALO to save 50% on your copy. Happy Travels!

Have you and your dog been to North Dakota? Leave a comment or tweet us @BringFido!

Banner photo by Melissa Halliburton.