3 Days, 3 New States: A Weekend in North Dakota

Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota. So much more than imagined.

I boarded a flight on Friday night from DFW to Bismarck, North Dakota. A place I never knew I would adore.

As a summer intern, my brother, Conner, moved to Park River, ND for 3 months. I knew this was the perfect opportunity to see a new state and explore The Badlands with my one of my favorite people in the world.

North Dakota is neighbored by Montana so naturally, Conner picked me up from my late night flight & we headed to check off another state. The two hour drive brought us to the small town of Glendive, MT for the evening.

On Saturday, we headed to Theodore National Park in Western North Dakota to hike, explore, see bison and prairie dogs.

We then made our way to Medora and oh my goodness this musical. The Medora Musical is the place to be! Conner and I feasted at the PitchFork Steak Fondue dinner and walked over to the show. The joy and fun that we had can never be put in to words. Making the effort for people, especially the ones you love, is always worth it. The gift shop is also a 10/10, highly recommend.

The beauty of this state is one I am completely blown away by. I never knew I would visit ND but I am so glad that I did. Some might be quick to label North Dakota as a “fly over state”, but I see now the importance of going to places that few have ever thought of as top destinations. The world has so much beauty to offer, even in the hidden and off the beaten path places. Sometimes, the extraordinary is not on social media or magazines. Sometimes, it is just right outside your brother’s window.

Go see your people. See the wonder in their eyes in the exceptional places they get to call home.

Having to leave on Sunday morning is always the hardest part. Packed up in Medora & Conner dropped me back in Bismarck. I made a stop over in Minnesota to complete my 3 states in 3 days & off I went, back home to Texas.

Thanks for the meaningful moments & short but exceptional trip, North Dakota.

xoxo, Darby Day