Romantic Getaways in North Dakota

Located in the Upper Midwestern region of the United States, North Dakota is a state of rolling plains, wide grasslands, green river valleys and sparkling lakes. With such scenic beauty, no wonder North Dakota figures as a popular destination for vacationing couples. But even if you are interested in historic sites, cultural offerings and a rocking nightlife, the Peace Garden State has a lot to offer in terms of romantic getaways.

Minot

Minot's Midwestern setting and attitudes sometimes hides its sizable and sometimes flamboyant arts community. When here, you can check out its art museum or take in a performance by its  symphony orchestra, opera company, city band or several dance and theater troupes; in fact over 40 organizations claim membership in the Minot Area Council on the Arts, and even more exist. A popular attraction here is Scandinavian Heritage Park. With Nearly 40% of the city's residents of Scandinavian ancestry, Scandinavian Heritage Park features remembrances and replicas from each of the Scandinavian countries: Sweden, Norway, Denmark, as well as Finland and Iceland. However if your idea of romance is wooing your beloved amidst scenic environs, head to the  Roosevelt Park located along the Souris River between Eastwood Estates and the Roosevelt Park Zoo. Other parks here are the Oak Park but if you are keen on wider recreational options, explore The Minot Park District which operates seventeen parks with various facilities. Finally what better way to round off your Minot romantic trip that by treating your beloved to a romantic dinner? Fortunately in this matter Minot has options galore. A favorite haunt of couples here is 10 North Main where The food is very classy as they serve everything from pheasant to lobster. Sevens Restaurant and Bar is also a great destination restaurant for a romantic night out on the town. Located in the Vegas Motel across from the Minot International Airport, Sevens boasts of a well-stocked bar and ambient lighting which makes it very inviting and warm when you walk in. The food is great from entrée to dessert while the sophisticated setting adds a touch of elegance to the whole picture. Michael's Italian Restaurant is another good choice if your beloved is fond of Italian food. With good service, cozy ambience and delicious food, you can be sure that by the end of the meal, you will be in the mood for some amorous action.

Medora

Medora in North Dakota prides in being one of the incredibly irresistible romantic getaways. Full of natural treasures and places of historical importance, the city offers limitless scope for wooing your partner. Nothing is as romantic as going back in time with your beloved by your side and at Medora the Chateau de Mores Historic Site you are sure to spend a lovely time together. Chateau De Mores State Historic Site consists of three parts: The Chateau De Mores, now a museum, was the summer home to the founder of the town, the Marquis de Mores. With 26 rooms, the Chateau provides a profound glimpse of the lives of the French aristocrat and his wife. All the furnishings in the museum are original and show the lavish lifestyle of this family. The Chimney Park houses the brick chimney that is the only remnant of the Marquis’s meatpacking plant. In the de Mores Memorial Park, you can see the glorious statue of the Marquis. For a fun destination, make sure you take your beloved to visit the Cowboy Hall of Fame. Every item in the museum has a bit of history and it is truly fascinating to go through the collection of peace medals, tobacco pouches and beautiful vests that belonged to the Native Americans. As one of the most endearing romantic getaways, the campsites of Medora Campground have exemplary scenic beauty and fabulous ambience – apt for lovers. The campground is located on the western edge of Medora. There are 200 campsites in all and numerous gigantic cottonwood trees blanket these grounds. Here you are sure to feel close to nature and to your partner as well. Nearby is the Theodore Roosevelt National Park was built for protecting the Badlands. Covering more than 100 acres, this vast region beckons you to explore it. You can go for hiking, and horseback riding. With over 180 species of birds and a huge number of animals, you and your partner can experience the wonderful wildlife of this place. For a touch of history, visit the Maltese Cross Cabin, which was occupied by Theodore Roosevelt when he visited North Dakota. It was his first ranch cabin. Some of the furnishings, which actually belonged to Roosevelt, have been preserved dexterously for the visitors. The blend of history and pure natural surroundings makes the park one of the excellent romantic getaways.

Fargo

Though Fargo was the setting for the 1996 dark comedy “Fargo” made by Coen brothers, the city can make for a great getaway idea if you and your partner are looking to have a fun time. For one you can visit the city zoo known as the Red River Zoo which apart from featuring myriad species of wildlife also offers a carousel and events throughout the year such as pumpkin carving in the fall. Then you can explore museums based on interests as diverse as sports – The Roger Maris Museum honoring the New York Yankees legend who was a native of Fargo – and movies – “The Woodchipper in Fargo" Exhibit, complete with a protruding fake leg, displayed at the Fargo-Moorhead Visitors Center. Again there are options galore for lovers of arts and culture. The Fargo-Moorhead Community Theatre typically puts on around 10 productions a season at the Stage at Island Park while the Fargo-Moorhead Opera Company features two professional productions a year, including famed operas such as “The Barber of Seville.” Shows take place at the Festival Concert Hall on the North Dakota State University campus. Also the Fargo-Moorhead Symphony Orchestra produces a chamber music series, a holiday pops concert and a concert geared for young audiences. For a unique experience, head to Bonanzaville where you can take fascinating glimpse into a world which was once thriving with the antics of settlers. The museum and historic village at Bonanzaville outlines frontier life in vivid detail, from authentic log cabins and schoolhouses to a collection of some of the most touching frontier memorabilia we've come across Finally when you are ready to crash for the night, you can choose from a wide spectrum of lodging options, ranging from star and boutique hotels to cozy inns as well as bed and breakfasts.

Sheyenne River Valley National Scenic Byway

If however you wish to get away from it all, your ideal romantic destination could be the Sheyenne River Valley National Scenic Byway. This stretches 63 miles along the breathtaking Sheyenne River Valley, from Baldhill Dam to Lisbon, following ancient Native American foot paths and pioneer wagon trails. In the spring, blooming lilacs and berry blossoms perfume the air, and in the fall, our spectacular display of leaves is a must-see.

Whether it is snowmobiling, cross-country or downhill skiing in the winter or birding, fishing, hiking, biking or canoeing in the summer, the possibilities abound on our byway. The nearest town is Valley City which has its own collection of historic and cultural treasures. For starters you can take a day out to view its eleven historic bridges or romance your beloved in any one of the parks like City Park, Pioneer Park, Medicine Wheel Park and Chautauqua Park – all of which are well-equipped with walking and hiking trails, picnic areas and some even host concerts and performances during summer. Finally you can explore the lovely nightlife of the city or indulge yourselves in any of the hotels, bed & breakfasts, camping areas or guest inns as the perfect finale to your romantic day.