We may live in a region called the “Great Plains,” but there are some places, not too far from here, that can give you a small sense of that mountain-like feeling with some beautiful views.
Check out the spots below to plan a weekend visit to hike, bike, camp, or explore! All are 3-5 hours away, which makes them great spots for a weekend trip this summer or fall.
Best Getaways Near Fargo to Find a Scenic View
Pembina Gorge
Distance: 2 Hours and 50 Minutes
Address: 101 5th St, Walhalla, ND
The Pembina Gorge State Recreation Area encompasses over 2,800 acres of steep valley cliffs towering over small, isolated prairies and pocketed wetlands surrounded by the largest continuous, undisturbed forest in North Dakota. Check out their Facebook page for updates regarding trail information.
Palisades State Park
Distance: 3.5 Hours
Address: 48422 256th St, Garretson, SD
Palisades State Park is home to Split Rock Creek, which flows through the park and is lined with Sioux quartzite formations. Shelves above the water vary from just several feet to 50-foot vertical cliffs, making this park popular among not only rock climbers and hikers, but campers, photographers, sightseers, and even picnickers. The scenic view is breathtaking!
Pipestone National Monument
Distance: 3.5 Hours
Address: 36 Reservation Ave, Pipestone, MN
Pipestone National Monument is sacred to many American Indian tribes, who quarry and carve its red pipestone for prayer ceremonies. Carvers prized this durable yet relatively soft stone, which ranged from mottled pink to brick red. Surrounded by beautiful stone and rich history, visitors can participate in picnics, programs, hikes and snowshoeing.
Blue Mounds State Park
Distance: 3 Hours and 45 minutes
Address: 1410 161st St, Luverne, MN
Blue Mounds State Park offers more than the typical camping, hiking, biking, rock climbing and snow mobile trails. It also offers sight seeing tours through the parks bison range and education on the bison conservation herd.
Duluth, MN/North Shore
Distance: 4 Hours and 30 Minutes+
Address: Duluth, MN and surrounding area
Take a trip up the North Shore in Minnesota to find some breathtaking views! With Gooseberry Falls State Park, Split Rock Lighthouse State Park, and Tettegouche State Park all along beautiful Lake Superior, there is no shortage of spots to take in a view.
Sully Creek State Park
Distance: 4 Hours and 45 Minutes
Address: 1465 36th St, Medora, ND
Sully Creek is just minutes from Theodore Roosevelt National Park and the historic town of Medora. Kayaking the 274-mile long Little Missouri River offers a unique perspective of the badlands from North Dakota’s only State Scenic River. Horseback riding, hiking, and biking are also popular activities. The park also gives visitors access to the 144-mile Maah Daah Hey Trail.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Distance: 4 Hours and 40 Minutes
Address: 315 2nd Ave, Medora, ND
This well-known western North Dakota spot boasts breath-taking views of the Badlands. Spend time hiking, biking, or taking a scenic drive during your visit to Medora. Camping spots are also available! It is definitely worth the drive out west.
There you have it! Which one is next on your list to visit to get a beautiful scenic view?
Looking for spots in and around Fargo to enjoy nature? Check our posts below!
Spots to Explore Nature in Fargo
Best Spots to Hike in Fargo with Kids
