We Rank The 14 Best Tours & Things To Do In North Dakota

North Dakota isn’t just wide-open plains and small towns. It’s a place where you can find remarkable outdoor adventures, wildlife encounters, and quirky local experiences.

We especially like the Half Day Chasing Horses Wildlife Photography Experience for its personalized approach to capturing wild horses and scenery, and the Theodore Roosevelt Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour for a flexible, educational dive into the park’s rugged beauty.

Whether you’re a shutterbug, history enthusiast, or just looking for a fun outing, North Dakota offers a surprising variety of tours.

Quick Overview

This list covers wildlife-focused trips, scenic drives, interactive scavenger hunts, and even murder mystery experiences. Each one offers a way to see the state’s landscapes, learn about local history, or enjoy some friendly competition. We’ve included options suited for different budgets and interests, so whether you want a half-day adventure or a full day of exploring, you’ll find it here.

1. Half Day Chasing Horses Wildlife Photography Experience in North Dakota

At number 1, this wildlife photography tour takes you into Theodore Roosevelt National Park with a private guide. It’s designed for those who want more than just a drive—they want to capture the wild horses that roam free. The guide helps you locate horses and other wildlife, sharing insights about the local flora and fauna along the way.

The tour lasts around four hours and includes snacks, making it a relaxed and personal experience. A national park pass is required, but the chance to photograph bison, deer, and the stunning scenery is worth it.

This tour is perfect for serious photographers or anyone wanting to make memories with a camera, without feeling rushed.
Bottom line: A personalized, wildlife-rich experience for up-close photography in a stunning setting.

2. Theodore Roosevelt South Unit Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour

Number 2 offers an audio-guided drive through Theodore Roosevelt National Park’s South Unit, perfect for those who love learning on the go. For just $19.99 per group, you get stories about the park’s rugged landscape, including stops at Maltese Cross Cabin, Medora Overlook, and Wind Canyon Trail.

The narration makes the scenery come alive, whether you’re stopping for photos or just soaking in the views from your car.

The tour lasts around 2 to 3 hours, making it ideal for a half-day adventure.
Key advantage: Flexibility to explore at your own pace with engaging stories.
Bottom line: An affordable way to see the highlights of the South Unit with minimal planning.

3. Theodore Roosevelt National Park Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour

At number 3, this self-guided drive offers a more immersive experience, covering roughly 29 miles of the park’s north section. It’s designed for those who want to explore the landscape, spot wildlife, and hear stories about Roosevelt’s connection to this land. The tour takes about 1 to 2 hours, with stops at the Prairie Dog Metropolis, Skyline Vista, and scenic overlooks.

It’s a great option if you prefer to wander independently but still want expert narration.
Good for: Families or travelers with limited time who want an in-depth, yet flexible, experience.
Bottom line: A budget-friendly, guided storytelling drive that enhances your visit.

4. Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt: Beautiful Bismarck

Number 4 is a scavenger hunt designed for those who want to combine sightseeing with a bit of fun. It’s a 2-hour adventure through Bismarck, where you’ll visit landmarks and challenge yourself with trivia and challenges. It’s perfect for families or groups who want to explore at their own pace while learning about the city’s history and hidden corners.

The activity is affordable at around $12.31 per person and offers an engaging way to get to know the city.
Bottom line: An interactive, budget-friendly way to discover Bismarck’s sights and secrets.

5. Murder Mystery Detective Experience in Fargo ND

Number 5 offers a murder mystery adventure, where you play detective over 2.5 hours. It’s a fun, story-driven experience that takes you through 10 locations in Fargo, either on foot or by car. Perfect for those who enjoy a good puzzle and some theatrical fun, this experience combines storytelling with exploring the city’s streets.

It’s rated 3.5/5, indicating it’s a solid choice for casual mystery fans.
Bottom line: A playful and interactive way to uncover Fargo’s secrets, ideal for groups seeking entertainment with a twist.

6. Bismarck Blitz Scavenger Hunt

Number 6 offers an immersive scavenger hunt with a live host guiding you through Bismarck. It’s a mix of tour, challenge, and social play, suited for groups who want a dynamic experience with a bit of competition.

Designed for a 2-hour window, it’s a good choice for active travelers looking for a memorable, interactive event—especially if you enjoy problem-solving and team-building.
Bottom line: A lively, guided adventure that turns exploring Bismarck into a game.

7. Bismarck Bash Scavenger Hunt

At number 7, this Bismarck Bash is similar but with its own flair. It features a remote, live host and is designed for groups to discover, challenge, and interact through your phone. With no reviews yet, it’s a newer option but promises a fun, social way to see the city in two hours.
Bottom line: For groups wanting a tech-enabled, engaging exploration of Bismarck.

8. Self-Guided Fargo Scavenger Hunt: Fargo Flourish

Number 8 is a Fargo-focused scavenger hunt perfect for families and friends. It’s a 2-hour, interactive activity that takes you around Fargo to learn about its landmarks while completing challenges. It’s easy to start, with flexible departure times, and costs just over $12 per person.

It’s great for those who want to explore at their own pace and get some fun photos along the way.
Bottom line: An affordable, flexible way to learn Fargo’s stories and take memorable photos.

9. Fargo Fiasco Scavenger Hunt

Number 9 features another interactive scavenger hunt with a storytelling twist. It’s a longer but still manageable 2-hour activity, full of puzzles and challenges that will keep your group engaged. It’s ideal for teams that love solving riddles while discovering Fargo’s streets.
Bottom line: A fun, challenge-based activity for groups that want to combine problem-solving with city exploration.

10. Fargo Bar Hunt: We’re Fargo-ing Out

Number 10 offers a bar-themed scavenger hunt, perfect for a lively night out. Using an app, you’ll visit top Fargo bars like Dempsey’s Public House, solving puzzles, and enjoying drinks along the way.

It’s great for groups who want to combine fun, socializing, and a bit of local culture in one activity, all in just 2 hours.
Bottom line: A playful way to explore Fargo’s nightlife and connect over drinks.

11. Murder Mystery Detective Experience in Bismarck ND

Number 11 offers another murder mystery, this time set in Bismarck. Over 2.5 hours, you’ll visit 10 locations and piece together clues to solve the crime. The activity can be done on foot or by car, making it adaptable.

While reviews are limited, the concept appeals to those who enjoy crime stories and local exploration.
Bottom line: A detective adventure that combines storytelling with Bismarck’s streets in a fun, interactive way.

12. Fun Scavenger Hunt in Fargo by Operation City Quest

Number 12 is a city-wide scavenger hunt that is simple and fast. Using an app, you’ll complete tasks and find objects around Fargo in 2 hours or less. It’s a straightforward activity, ideal for those who want a quick, competitive experience with friends or family.
Bottom line: Easy and quick, perfect for a short burst of fun and exploration.

13. Theodore Roosevelt National Park Self-Guided Audio Tour

Number 13 offers a full-day audio tour that covers the entire park in about 9 to 10 hours. It’s packed with stories about Roosevelt’s life and the park’s landscapes, taking you from Painted Canyon to the Maah Daah Hey Trail.

Ideal for families, history buffs, and nature lovers wanting a comprehensive experience, it provides detailed narration at each stop.
Bottom line: An in-depth, self-paced tour perfect for those wanting to immerse themselves fully.

14. Fargo City Scavenger Hunt Excursion by Zombie Scavengers

Number 14 is a themed zombie survival hunt in Fargo. You use an app to find objects and complete challenges to “survive” in a zombie apocalypse scenario. It’s fast-paced and fun, especially if you enjoy a touch of the macabre. It’s suitable for groups who like interactive storytelling with a twist.
Bottom line: A lighthearted, thematic adventure that turns Fargo into a game zone for zombie fans.

How to Choose Your North Dakota Tour

When selecting from these options, consider your interests, budget, and available time. For wildlife photography lovers, the Chasing Horses Experience offers personalized attention, while history buffs might prefer the full-day Roosevelt audio tour. Budget travelers will find Fargo scavenger hunts and Operation City Quest to be affordable options, and groups wanting a night out could enjoy the Bar Hunt.

Booking early is advisable during peak seasons (summer and fall), especially for tours with limited availability or specific dates. Think about your travel style—active, relaxed, or story-focused—to pick the best fit.

North Dakota offers a surprising range of adventures and activities that suit many interests. Whether you’re looking for a wildlife photography session, a scenic drive with storytelling, or a fun city scavenger hunt, you’ll find something memorable here.

For a full day of exploration, the full-length Roosevelt park tour is excellent, while the Fargo Bar Hunt makes for a lively evening. Don’t wait—book early to secure your spot and enjoy these authentic North Dakota experiences.