Things To Do
in Dickinson
Dickinson, North Dakota is a small but bustling regional hub on the western prairie, shaped in recent years by the oil industry and agriculture. The town blends small-town friendliness with essential services, a state university campus, and several museums that celebrate local history and paleontology. Wide skies, rolling mixed-grass prairie and access to nearby badlands make the area attractive for outdoor recreation and photography.
Expect a practical, down-to-earth community with seasonal extremes — hot summers, very cold and windy winters, and lots of open space to explore.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your morning with a delightful breakfast at a local café, savoring freshly brewed coffee and homemade pastries. After breakfast, take a leisurely stroll through the historic downtown area, admiring the charming architecture and unique storefronts. Be sure to visit the Dickinson Museum Center to learn about the local history and cultural heritage.
In the afternoon, enjoy a relaxing picnic at the nearby Prairie Outpost Park, where you can immerse yourself in the beauty of nature. Explore the park's walking trails and diverse wildlife, taking in the sights and sounds of the great outdoors. Before leaving, stop by the local farmer's market to pick up fresh produce and artisan goods.
As the sun sets, head to a popular local restaurant for dinner, where you can indulge in delicious North Dakota cuisine. After dinner, catch a live performance or local event at the Historic Elks Theatre, enjoying a taste of the local arts scene. Wrap up your evening with a stroll through the vibrant downtown, perhaps stopping for a nightcap at a cozy bar.
Kick off your adventure with an early breakfast at your hotel, fueling up for a day of exploration in Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Arrive at the park and embark on one of the scenic drives, taking in the stunning landscapes of the Badlands and the unique rock formations. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, including bison, elk, and prairie dogs, as you soak in the natural beauty.
After a morning of sightseeing, pack a lunch and find a picturesque spot in the park to enjoy a meal surrounded by nature. Spend the afternoon hiking one of the many trails, such as the Wind Canyon Trail, where you can experience breathtaking views and perhaps spot some local flora and fauna. Take your time to appreciate the tranquility of the park and snap photos of its stunning vistas.
As the day winds down, head back to Dickinson and treat yourself to dinner at a local steakhouse, where you can sample some of the region's best cuts of meat. If the weather is nice, consider dining al fresco to enjoy the evening air. After dinner, relax at your hotel or take a leisurely walk around town to reflect on your adventurous day.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-20 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $2.50-5 |
| 🍺Domestic beer (pub) | $4-7 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $80-150 |
| ⛽Gasoline (per gallon) | $3.00-4.00 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Friendly small-town atmosphere with essential services and amenities
- Easy access to wide-open prairie landscapes and nearby badlands for outdoor activities
- Lower cost compared with large urban centers and less congestion
- Good base for exploring western North Dakota attractions and National Parks within driving distance
- Harsh winter weather and strong winds can limit travel and outdoor plans
- Limited nightlife and cultural options compared with larger cities
- Long drives to major specialty medical centers or big-city amenities
- Services and options may be more limited outside peak tourist seasons
Places to Visit in Dickinson
Visit one of these nice places.
The open plains west of town offer expansive skies and dramatic sunsets—excellent for golden-hour landscape photography.
Historic buildings, museum exhibits and outdoor displays provide textured, character-rich subjects and museum architecture shots.
Drive a short distance out of town for badlands vistas and layered rock formations—great for dramatic landscape compositions.
Colorful murals, classic storefronts and university campus scenes make for authentic small-town street photography.
Food in Dickinson
Dickinson Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Lean, flavorful bison is common on menus—find it at steakhouses and pubs around town for a regional twist on classic beef dishes.
Must-Try!
A creamy German-Russian-style dumpling soup popular in North Dakota, often served in diners and community events during cooler months.
A traditional German-Russian coffee cake or pastry often sold at bakeries and community gatherings; try it with coffee at local cafés.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A summer market featuring local produce, baked goods, preserves and occasional food vendors—great for picnic supplies and local treats.
Food trucks and booths appear at festivals, university events and the county fair; good places to sample casual street-style fare when available.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
People tend to be polite and direct—greet shopkeepers and neighbors, say thank you, and expect friendly but reserved conversations with strangers.
Much of the surrounding land is privately owned—ask permission before crossing fences, hunting or parking on fields, and follow posted signs.
Dress is casual and practical; loud or disruptive behavior in restaurants and public spaces is frowned upon.
Safety
Tipping in Dickinson
Ensure a smooth experience
Typical US tipping norms apply: 15–20% in sit-down restaurants, $1–2 per drink or 10–15% at bars, round up taxi fares, and tip hotel staff for bell/housekeeping if services are provided.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; cash is handy for small vendors or tips. Contactless and chip cards are common; ATMs are available in town but may be sparse outside core areas.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm to hot days, generally low humidity and long daylight hours—best season for farmers markets, outdoor events and hiking; pack sunscreen and layers for cool evenings.
Crisp days and cool nights with colorful, short-lived foliage; great for scenic drives and photography—pack a jacket as temperatures can drop quickly.
Very cold temperatures, frequent wind and snow; dress in insulated layers, be prepared for icy roads and limited daylight; winter sports and cozy indoor attractions are common.
Variable weather with rapid swings from cold to mild; spring can be muddy and windy but brings wildflowers and migratory birds—bring waterproof footwear and layers.
Dickinson at Night
Hiking in Dickinson
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Iconic badlands scenery and short trails for dramatic landscape photography and moderate hikes—accessible within a longer day trip from Dickinson.
Rolling badlands and butte-country trails north of Dickinson offering panoramic views and geological features—suitable for half-day hikes and scenic drives.
Short, family-friendly walks along city greenways and river corridors near Dickinson for easy nature outings, birdwatching and sunset strolls.
Airports
How to reach Dickinson by plane.
Small regional airport serving Dickinson with limited commercial flights and general aviation; convenient for direct access by car or taxi to town.
Major regional airport with more frequent commercial service and connections; a drive of a couple of hours is typically required from Dickinson.
Another regional airport offering commercial flights; reachable by several hours' drive and an option for alternate routing.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Multi-generational families with roots in agriculture and local businesses form the town’s civic backbone.
Workers drawn by the oil industry and related services have increased the working-age population and brought more transient residents in recent years.
The region has Native American populations and cultural ties; nearby reservations and communities contribute to the area's heritage.
Dickinson State University students and staff add youth and cultural activity, particularly during the academic year.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Friday night high school football is an important community event in the fall—local support and spirited crowds are common.
Ice hockey and skating are popular in winter months, with local rinks and youth programs providing activity and community events.
DSU sports draw local fans for basketball, football and other collegiate events—good for experiencing local school spirit.
Rodeo events and hunting seasons are part of local culture; hunting is a major recreational and economic activity in the region.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Dickinson.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Options exist but are more limited than in large cities: many diners and cafés can assemble vegetarian sandwiches, salads or veggie sides; call ahead to confirm choices.
Vegan-specific options are modest—bring snacks and plan ahead. Larger grocery stores carry plant-based staples, and some cafés can adapt dishes on request.
Gluten-free options are increasingly available at bakeries and restaurants, but cross-contamination can be a concern—speak with staff about preparation.