The 8 Best Educational Activities for Children in North Dakota!

Who says learning must stop when school is out? North Dakota is home to a wide variety of educational activities that range from museums and historical sites to centers designed to inspire, engage, and enhance. If you are looking for an activity that can captivate the entire family, look no further than these eight great spots. 

North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum, Bismarck, ND

With interactive exhibits that include the “Adaptation Gallery: Geologic Time,” the “Innovation Gallery: Early Peoples,” the “Inspiration Gallery: Yesterday and Today,” and the “Governors Gallery: Green Revolution,” the museum has a plethora of exciting opportunities to learn more about the state and its rich history. Children will likely to be most drawn, however, to the life-sized casts of a Tyrannosaurus rex and a Triceratops engaged in battle.

Visit Bonanzaville USA, West Fargo, ND

Nowhere else can you get a first-hand look at what life was like in the 1800s. Step inside an authentic blacksmith shop, cozy up to the bar at the Brass Rail Saloon, try to imagine a typical day at the Dobrinz School, or stroll through the Law Enforcement Museum. Few activities will make children more grateful for the contemporary luxuries that are so easy to take for granted.

Gateway to Science Center, Bismarck, ND

With a plethora of interactive exhibits that explore the many roles science plays in our everyday lives, children of all ages will be enthralled for hours. North Dakota’s only science center, Gateway has been inspiring young minds since 1994. The center’s most popular exhibits include a robotic arm, simple machines, and electricity and magnetism.

Lewis & Clark Riverboat, Bismarck, ND

A trip aboard the Lewis & Clark Riverboat will provide you and your children with an incomparable and authentic North Dakota experience. Part of the Fort Abraham Lincoln Foundation, the riverboat will take your family on a beautiful one to two-hour cruise down the serene waters of the Missouri River.

Northern Plains Botanic Garden, Fargo, ND

North Dakota’s only botanical garden is home to a butterfly garden, rain garden, hummingbird patio, and alphabet garden, within which each of the mini-gardens are designated by a specific letter of the alphabet. It is a perfect place for budding horticulturists to get their proverbial feet wet. 

Magic City Discovery Center, Minot, ND

Located within the Dakota Territory Air Museum, the Magic City Discovery Center is Minot’s only children’s museum. Fun and entertaining opportunities include educational games, science related exhibits, play areas, a magnetic wall, and a gigantic light bright. 

North Dakota Railroad Museum, Mandan, ND

Located on four acres of land in NW Mandan, the museum includes a wide variety of railroad related equipment, include a bridge, speeder shacks, a coaling bucket, tracks, and of course, train cars. The museum also includes a vast collection of literature and memorabilia. Plan to spend a good amount of time on the grounds—there is a lot to take in.

Frontier Village and National Buffalo Museum, Jamestown, ND

The Buffalo Museum’s exhibits focus on the history of the buffalo and the Plains Indians that were the original residents of the area. With a mix of artwork and artifacts, the museum tells the tale of life in the 19th century. The grounds are also home to the “World’s Largest Buffalo,” one of the best photo opportunities in the state.

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102 Highway 2 South East, Rugby, ND
About Us: Prairie Village Museum was established in 1964 and is currently operated under the Geographical Center Historical Society. The Historica... Read More
312 2nd Avenue Southwest, Rugby, ND
Formerly known as Saint Paul's Episcopal Church was dedicated on January 25, 1905, the cornerstone having been laid in September, 1903. The church ... Read More
4839 78th Street, Wolford, ND
The museum is a unique display of antique farm machinery and pioneer living. Read More
321 Third Avenue South East, Jamestown, ND
The home of the Stutsman County Memorial Museum was built by George Lutz in 1907.  We are located at 317 3rd St. SE in Jamestown, North Dakota. Read More
500 17th Street South East, Jamestown, ND
The mission of the North Dakota Buffalo Foundation (NDBF) is to foster awareness of the cultural and historical significance of the North American ... Read More
612 East Boulevard Avenue, Bismarck, ND
The North Dakota Heritage Center is home to the State Historical Society of North Dakota (SHSND) and the State Museum, the State Archives, the Stat... Read More
1810 Schafer Street, Suite 1, Bismarck, ND
Mission:To serve as a regional resource for informal science education.Vision:To present science as Fun… Cool… Awesome… by pro... Read More
3102 37th Street NorthWest, Mandan, ND
Our hours of operation are from 1 to 5 pm Memorial Day through Labor Day. We have several displays and photos from all the railroads that served No... Read More
52 North Main Street, Garrison, ND
Mission : The Museum will establish a depository for the various records, artifacts, and memorabilia relating not only to firefighters, bu... Read More
19 First Street Northeast, Minot, ND
History:The Railroad Museum of Minot was founded in 1986 as part of the North Dakota Centennial Celebration in the city.  The museum was organ... Read More
2 North Main Street, Minot, ND
Our Vision:The Lillian & Coleman Taube Museum of Art encourages affiliation with various community arts groups, such as the Minot Area Council ... Read More
50 Main Street, Ellendale, ND
The beautiful and historic Coleman building was given to the Society in 1984 by Lauren and Lucile Coleman's grandchildren.  Dr. Coleman, who w... Read More
100 34th AVE NE, Minot, ND
About Us:The Dakota Territory Air Museum was founded in June of 1986 with the incorporators' dream and desire to provide the most comprehensive avi... Read More
261 Centennial Drive Stop 7305, Grand Forks, ND
Mission:We, as inhabitants of the Northern Great Plains, struggle to ensure that the arts are nourished, and that they flourish, because we know th... Read More
P.O. Box 5023, Grand Forks, ND
The Mission of the Dakota Science Center is to encourage lifelong curiosity and fascination with science in children, parents, teachers and the com... Read More
2405 Belmont Road, Grand Forks, ND
The Myra Museum was constructed in 1976 for the Grand Forks County Historical Society, with funds from the Myra Foundation. Its architecture reflec... Read More
1351 West Main Avenue, West Fargo, ND
Mission:The Cass County Historical Society is a non-profit organization made up of members of the community who are dedicated to preserving the his... Read More
805 State Highway 59, Pembina, ND
The Pembina Region:Situated at the northeastern corner of what is now North Dakota, the region around Pembina has been a center of activity for cen... Read More
3902 13th Avenue South, Fargo, ND
The Roger Maris Museum opened in 1984. True to Roger’s wishes, the museum couldn’t be more accessible. Housed in the West Acres Shoppin... Read More
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