The United States is home to a certain section of the country that Americans like to refer to as “fly-over states.” These are typically states that people don’t see the point in visiting, either because they’re “flat,” “boring,” or, “there’s nothing to see.” Two of the most notable fly-over states are North and South Dakota. North Dakota specifically has a reputation for being the 50th state people visit (to the point where you can get a t-shirt in Fargo that says so).
Well, I might be the first person on Earth to say this, but I disagree with all of the above statements. The Dakotas have tons to offer, from unique, and even dream-like landscapes to incredible wildlife.
Badlands National Park, SD
Here are 10 reasons you should actually visit the Dakotas:
1. They don’t get a lot of tourists
If you’re like me and like to travel like a local, the Dakotas are two fantastic destinations for you. They’re some of the least populated states in the country and all the spots that would normally count as “touristy” had far less people than even other states in this part of the US. The lack of people makes you feel like you’ve discovered some unknown secret, and allows for you to be completely immersed in these northern grassland landscapes without the crowds.
My car/super tiny home in Badlands National Park, SD
2. The wildlife
I’ve seen a lot of North American wildlife in my travels, but the Dakotas had some of the most interesting animals I’ve encountered. From a herd of bison welcoming me to Theodore Roosevelt National Park to sleeping in a prairie dog town in the Badlands, the Dakotas were never disappointing when it came to spotting wildlife in their natural landscapes. I even got to see some pronghorn sheep during a Badland sunrise, which was made even more unique by the fact that I was one of the only people out that early.
Pronghorns in Badlands National Park, SD
3. The grasslands
The Dakotas are some of the only places in the country where you can experience pure, untouched grassland and prairie, and doing so gives you an awesome peek into what the landscape of this country looked like before mass industrialization. I got to spend the night in the Sheyenne National Grassland (where I was one of three campers), and the clear skies and vast prairies that surrounded me gave me an amazing sunset and sunrise.
4. Sunflower farms!
Something that was completely unexpected was North Dakota’s sunflower farms. First of all, they’re everywhere. Second, they’re huge. Third, they’re absolutely gorgeous. When I told people I’d be driving every state in the country, I got “I hope you like cornfields” as a response more often than you’d think, but North Dakota surprised me in incredible ways with its bright yellow rows of sunflowers off the sides of state highways. So, keep an eye out if you’re road tripping these states! Or don’t, you can’t really miss them.
Sheyenne National Grasslands, ND
5. Badlands National Park
You knew I’d be getting to the National Parks at some point. There are actually 3 National Parks across both states, and they’re all on this list, but the one with the most unique and anticipated landscape is Badlands. Located in South Dakota, the Badlands is made up of a mixture of vast grasslands and unique geologic formations. The Badlands is an interesting experience, and the rock formations are best experienced at sunrise and sunset (but I’d recommend sunrise—way less people!), but the park has so much to offer. From backcountry camping that’s allowed anywhere in the park to roaming bison, the Badlands is going to leave you with something to remember. I got to stay in the park’s free campground: Sage Creek, which is technically in the backcountry. The campground was situated in a prairie dog town and was insanely hot during the day, but was fantastic for morning wildlife viewing as I made my way back toward the main road and spotted tons of bison enjoying their breakfast.
Disclaimer: do not feed prairie dogs anywhere you encounter them. They might look cute, but they do bite, and are known to carry bubonic plague in this part of the country.
Badlands National Park, SD
6. Theodore Roosevelt National Park
My personal favorite of the three Dakota National Parks is Theodore Roosevelt. Located in North Dakota, Theodore Roosevelt is home to expansive grasslands, rolling hills, and unique wildlife. I was able to hike about 7 miles here, and was super happy to find out that this park is actually dog friendly! The hike I did was called Jones Creek and it took me through 3 separate prairie dog towns, which was so exciting because it allowed me to get close enough to them to enjoy their company without feeling like I was violating their space. Theodore Roosevelt just kind of surprised me when it came to how beautiful of a park it really was, so it’s definitely one that shouldn’t be missed, no matter when you end up making it to the Dakotas.
Disclaimer: while the trail’s proximity to the prairie dog towns does not allow for the Leave No Trace principle of staying 25 yards away from wildlife, please make sure that you’re staying on the trail while hiking in Theodore Roosevelt and any other National Park. This is for the safety of you and the wildlife around you, as well as the conservation of the natural landscape. You can, however, hike freely in Badlands National Park.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park, ND
7. Wind Cave National Park
While the elevators into the cave were broken due to a lightning storm when I visited, Wind Cave is still known as one of the country’s oldest National Parks. With barometric winds at the cave’s entrance, Wind Cave is known for its complexity, length, and surrounding intact prairie lands. The park is also home to tons of wildlife, including huge herds of bison, and elk (if you’re lucky enough to spot them).
Me in Wind Cave National Park, SD. This National Park is so close to Wyoming that the pine trees start to appear here, where the grasslands end.
8. These states are unique
I’ve been to nearly every state in the country, and the Dakotas stood out as incredibly unique to me. They didn’t feel like the rest of the Midwest, and they didn’t quite feel like the North either. The Badlands aren’t quite desert, but they look like they almost are. The wildlife seems borrowed from other parts of the country, but they’re actually native. All around, it’s a special feeling being in these Northern states, one that’s almost impossible to describe, but I think the thing is, their landscapes don’t quite feel like they’re part of the United States. The Badlands feel like another, distant country, and the animals feel like they’re something out of a storybook.
Prairie Dog Town in Sage Creek Campground in Badlands National Park, SD
9. Fargo and Mount Rushmore
You’ve probably heard of Fargo from either the movie or the TV show, and saying this town in front of any group of people who aren’t from the Midwest or the North usually prompts a chorus of people trying to pronounce it in that characteristic Northern accent. Fargo is probably one of the most “touristy” parts of these two states because of its recognition in pop culture, but the good news is, you won’t be bombarded by a ton of people in this little Midwestern town.
Mount Rushmore, on the other hand, is known for being one of the most touristy spots in the Dakotas (which is why I actually skipped it during my time there, although I kinda wish I hadn’t). It is managed by the National Park Service, so there is an entry fee, and you can’t get too close to the mountain, but seeing this iconic piece of American history is something worth doing.
10. Clear skies
Both of the National Parks I camped in were in super low light pollution zones, which meant that once the sun went down, I was greeted with amazing views of the stars. If you’re into night sky photography, these parks are great choices for you, and while they aren’t on the list of International Dark Sky Zones, they’re close enough.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park, Jones Creek Trail, ND
The Dakotas are far more than just fly-over states. They’re home to unique, authentically American landscapes that seem a bit more untouched than other famous landscapes the US has to offer. Here, you can escape the norm, and venture into the unknown by exploring everything from expansive grasslands to Badland rock formations that will make you feel as if you’re on an alien planet (or at least another continent). So, what are you waiting for? The bison and prairie dogs are waiting for you.