In the day 2-4 area I have a suggestion. From leaving Minot, go to Williston. Fort Union Trading Post is just off ND Hwy1804, 25 miles southwest of Williston ND.

www.nps.gov/fous/planyourvisit/directions.htm

Then from there go to Watford City by way of Fairview, MT then Hwy200 east back to US85 and down. The North Unit has only a single loop into the TRNP and isn't as scenic as Medora's South Unit. Watford City area isn't that great to spend that much time there.

As for the Geo Ctr at Rugby don't blink or you'll miss it. But you will be able to say you were there.

Malebird

Looks as though you have had some great suggestions as far as what to do and see while you are in North Dakota. If you haven't already made up your mind, The North Dakota Tourism Division office has sample itineraries available that could help you plan the final details. If you don't find the one you are looking for, we can put one together for you. You can find them on our website, www.ndtourism.com, click on "Vacation Packages", then "Trips to Go". If you have questions you can contact our office. We would be happy to help.

North Dakota Tourism

Thanks everyone! We arrive tomorrow afternoon and I'm packing now.

I did get a huge envelope of info from ND tourism so we're set with brochures galore, so many ideas from them, you folks, and friends.

Also have "The Geology of Lewis and Clark in North Dakota", an excellent book. And the DeLorme map book. Now I'm thinking 10 days is not nearly enough time to see the landscapes, history, geology, etc!! (We are both soil scientists and love seeing cropland, roadcuts, geology, etc., but also like to travel so much that it all is interesting).

Last night we were wondering about what time zone we'd be in and found out a very interesting fact. ND has a time zone anomaly - the line between mountain and central time is so convoluted in the western part of the state that you can go east from central time to mountain time, that is if you could get to the line (is it the Missouri or Yellowstone River, we couldn't really tell). Anyway, we thought this was fascinating.

Will report back when we get home.

Alfie

Hope you enjoy your stay in ND! Sounds like you've got a good plan. I'm rather new to ND and so am exploring as well. I don't know if you'll check this while traveling but I thought I'd add my two cents.

I don't know if you're taking back roads or not, but on your way from Bismarck to Devil's Lake you may want to stop in Medina for food--I've heard the Firehouse Rib joint is good although never eaten there myself. Also, someone told me the cafe there serves some local German dishes which are also good. From Medina, you can venture north to Chase Lake National Wildlife Refuge and hopefully there see some nesting American White Pelicans. Potholes around Chase lake are also great for birding/nature. In Devil's Lake, I enjoyed a drive and short hikes through Sully's Hill Wildlife Refuge (elk, bison, prairie dogs).

I personally enjoyed the North Unit of TR and there was a great restaraunt in Watford City if I remember correctly.

Medora area has lots of petrified wood and south of the park is forest service land (or is it blm?) if you want to do some more exploring.

A drive down the Enchanted Highway is silly fun if you have time.

Bismarck is a fun town although I haven't explored it enough. I think JACombs gave some good suggestions.

I would suggest a stop in Jamestown at least along your way from Bismarck to Fargo. There are now 3 white buffalo here and the National Buffalo museum is a nice quick stop. Of course the World's Largest Buffalo is a must-see!

Valley City is also a quaint little town and the scenic byway along the Sheyenne River is really nice this time of year. I guess the Pierre Shale in the VC area does contain some fossils but I have not come across any road cuts that contain any myself.

I second the visit to the Hjemkomst Center in Moorhead. Not only is there a viking ship, but a gorgeous hand carved wooden church.

For more ND geology (the book you have is good I agree!), you may be interested in receiving the NDGS newsletter or reviewing old ones on their website if you haven't already.

Looking forward to your review, especially any special geological features you may find!

Thanks Honeybee for all the ideas. We're in Devils Lake now and are going to Sullys hill today and Fort Totten, then to Rugby and Minot.

The ride from Bismarck to Devils Lake was lovely, through Anamoose.

We love it here!

Alfisol,

I would imagine you are back home by now, finished with your 10 day itinerary. As a born and raised North Dakotan, I just wanted to say how great it is to hear of folks from the east coming to visit our fine state! (We are a well-kept secret!) The weather has been unusually chilly, even by our standards (where "chilly" doesn't become "cold" until we dip well below zero!) but I hope you enjoyed your stay. I don't think you can beat the quality of people here: hardworking, honest, kind, salt of the earth folks. I hope your experience was great and that you get a chance to return. Would love for you to post an update on your trip!

BabyNurse

BabyNurse, you're so right about North Dakota being a well kept secret.

I am planning to write a trip report, but I'm thinking that it will be too long. There's so much to say about our experience in ND.

In short summary:

It was an absolutely wonderful vacation.

The people were the friendliest people I have EVER encountered on vacation.

Do you all want to hear the long of it??

Alfie

I say give us the long of it...I'm sure we'd all love to hear it! And if someone doesn't, then they can stop reading here. ;)

I agree....give us the long of it, and don't leave out a thing! (It's rather like a mother who never minds when people go on and on about how adorable or well-behaved her children are...we are ready to hear it all!)

Will be watching....

BabyNurse