15 Best Resorts in North Dakota
Forget everything you thought you knew about North Dakota! This incredible state, often overlooked, is a hidden gem brimming with stunning natural beauty, vast open spaces, and a surprising array of resorts that promise everything from tranquil lakeside escapes to thrilling casino adventures and rustic ranch experiences. Imagine waking up to the gentle lapping of waves on a pristine lake, exploring the rugged Badlands, or unwinding under a blanket of stars so clear you feel like you can touch them. North Dakota offers an authentic American experience, a chance to reconnect with nature, and discover a unique brand of Midwestern hospitality.
You’ll find resorts tailored to every taste, whether you’re seeking family fun, a romantic retreat, or an outdoor adventure base. The best time to visit is typically late spring through early fall (May to September) when the weather is warm and all outdoor activities are in full swing, though winter offers its own snowy charm for specific pursuits. Prepare to be enchanted by the Peace Garden State’s welcoming spirit and diverse recreational opportunities.
💰 Travel Cost Overview
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (per night) | $80 – $120 | $130 – $200 | $200 – $450+ |
| Food & Dining (per day) | $25 – $45 | $50 – $90 | $100 – $180+ |
| Transportation (per day) | $10 – $20 (local bus/taxi) | $40 – $70 (car rental + fuel) | $70 – $120+ (premium car rental + fuel/parking) |
| Activities & Attractions (avg. per day) | $10 – $30 (parks, basic activities) | $35 – $70 (guided tours, specific activities) | $75 – $150+ (specialized tours, spa, premium experiences) |
| Total Daily Budget | $115 – $215 | $255 – $430 | $445 – $900+ |
| Weekly Budget Estimates | $800 – $1500 | $1785 – $3000 | $3115 – $6300+ |
Woodland Resort
Woodland Resort, nestled on the shores of Devils Lake, is a premier destination for anglers and nature lovers alike. What makes this place truly special is its reputation as a fishing paradise, offering world-class walleye, pike, and perch fishing year-round. You can expect to find comfortable lodge rooms, rustic cabins, and RV sites, all designed to provide a cozy base for your adventures.
Beyond fishing, the resort offers boat rentals, guided excursions, and a bait shop, ensuring you have everything you need for a successful day on the water. In the winter, ice fishing is a major draw, with heated ice houses available for rent. This resort truly caters to outdoor enthusiasts, families looking for a lakeside getaway, and anyone eager to experience North Dakota’s abundant aquatic life. Its long-standing history as a fishing lodge contributes to its authentic, welcoming atmosphere.
💰 Quick Cost Guide
📍 Visitor Information
Haybale Heights Campground and Resort
Haybale Heights Campground and Resort offers a unique, family-friendly camping experience on the shores of Lake Sakakawea. This resort stands out for its blend of traditional camping with resort-style amenities, making it perfect for those who love the outdoors but appreciate comfort. You can choose from spacious RV sites with full hookups, cozy cabins, or primitive tent sites, all offering easy access to the lake.
Visitors can enjoy swimming, boating, fishing, and kayaking. The resort also features a playground, a swimming beach, and often hosts family-friendly events during the summer months. It’s a fantastic spot for families with children, group gatherings, and anyone seeking a relaxed, community-oriented camping vacation. Its proximity to one of the largest man-made lakes in the world gives it significant recreational appeal.
💰 Quick Cost Guide
📍 Visitor Information
Grand Lodge, Rolling Plains
Grand Lodge, Rolling Plains, offers a refined escape into North Dakota’s tranquil prairie landscape. While not a traditional “resort” with extensive activities, its grandeur and serene setting make it a luxurious base for exploring the surrounding natural beauty or for business retreats. This lodge is known for its elegant architecture, spacious rooms, and panoramic views of the rolling plains.
You can expect a quiet, upscale experience, often with a focus on comfort and relaxation. It’s an ideal choice for couples seeking a romantic getaway, business travelers, or solo adventurers desiring a peaceful retreat. While specific activities might be limited on-site, its location provides easy access to hunting, birdwatching, and scenic drives through the heart of North Dakota’s agricultural and natural landscapes.
💰 Quick Cost Guide
📍 Visitor Information
Moose Creek Lodge
Moose Creek Lodge offers a cozy, rustic retreat that feels miles away from the everyday hustle, even if it’s conveniently located. This lodge specializes in providing an authentic North Dakota wilderness experience, often appealing to hunters, anglers, and those simply seeking solitude in nature. You’ll find comfortable, cabin-style accommodations, often with a homely, woodsy feel.
Activities typically revolve around the great outdoors, including guided hunting and fishing excursions, hiking trails, and opportunities for wildlife viewing. It’s perfect for adventurers, small groups, and families who appreciate a simpler, nature-focused vacation. The lodge’s charm lies in its unpretentious atmosphere and its deep connection to the surrounding natural environment, offering a genuine taste of North Dakota’s wild side.
💰 Quick Cost Guide
📍 Visitor Information
Sleep Inn & Suites Conference Center and Water Park
Sleep Inn & Suites Conference Center and Water Park in Bismarck is a fantastic destination for families and business travelers alike. Its standout feature is undoubtedly the indoor water park, making it a year-round attraction regardless of North Dakota’s weather. You can expect modern, comfortable rooms and suites, alongside the excitement of water slides, splash pads, and a lazy river.
The attached conference center also makes it a popular choice for events and meetings. This hotel is ideal for families with young children looking for entertainment, or for anyone attending a conference in the Bismarck area who appreciates added amenities. Its convenience and comprehensive facilities make it a hub of activity in the state capital.
💰 Quick Cost Guide
📍 Visitor Information
Indian Hills Resort
Indian Hills Resort, situated near Lake Sakakawea, offers a serene escape with a focus on fishing, boating, and enjoying the vast beauty of the lake. What makes it unique is its prime location and dedication to serving outdoor enthusiasts, particularly those interested in the lake’s renowned fishing opportunities. You can expect a range of accommodations from cabins to RV sites, and often a marina or boat ramp for easy water access.
Visitors come here to fish for walleye, salmon, and pike, or simply to relax by the water, swim, or explore the expansive shoreline. It’s a perfect spot for avid anglers, families seeking a peaceful lake vacation, and groups looking for a base for water-based activities. Its connection to the lake’s resources and the surrounding natural landscape is its biggest draw.
💰 Quick Cost Guide
📍 Visitor Information
Spirit Lake Casino and Hotel
Spirit Lake Casino and Hotel, located on the shores of Spirit Lake, is more than just a place to gamble; it’s a full-service entertainment complex. What sets it apart is its unique blend of gaming, live entertainment, dining, and cultural experiences, as it is owned and operated by the Spirit Lake Tribe. You can expect a vibrant casino floor with slots and table games, multiple dining options, a hotel with comfortable rooms, and often live music or special events.
Beyond the casino, its location offers opportunities for enjoying the lake. This resort is ideal for adults seeking entertainment and gaming, groups looking for a lively getaway, and those interested in experiencing Native American culture and hospitality. The cultural aspect and the beautiful lake setting add depth to the typical casino experience.
💰 Quick Cost Guide
📍 Visitor Information
Prairie Knights Casino and Resort
Prairie Knights Casino and Resort, nestled along the Missouri River, offers a blend of gaming excitement and scenic beauty. Its unique appeal lies in its grand scale and diverse offerings, from a sprawling casino floor to a marina and RV park, all set against the backdrop of the river valley. You can expect a wide array of slot machines and table games, multiple restaurants, a comfortable hotel, and often big-name entertainment.
For outdoor enthusiasts, the marina provides access to the Missouri River for boating and fishing. This resort is perfect for adult entertainment seekers, RV travelers, and those looking for a comprehensive leisure experience in a picturesque setting. Its location on the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation also provides a rich cultural context.
💰 Quick Cost Guide
📍 Visitor Information
Sky Dancer Casino and Resort
Sky Dancer Casino and Resort, located near the Canadian border, is another prominent casino destination, known for its vibrant atmosphere and comprehensive amenities. What makes it special is its commitment to providing a full entertainment package, including a large gaming floor, diverse dining, and regular live events.
You can anticipate a lively casino experience with a wide selection of games, comfortable hotel accommodations, and often a packed schedule of concerts or shows. Beyond the gaming, the resort often highlights the local culture of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa. It’s an excellent choice for adults seeking entertainment, groups looking for a fun getaway, and those who appreciate the convenience of having everything under one roof.
💰 Quick Cost Guide
📍 Visitor Information
Bismarck KOA RV Resort
Bismarck KOA RV Resort offers a quintessential American camping experience with the added convenience and amenities expected from a KOA. Its uniqueness lies in providing a family-friendly, well-equipped base for exploring North Dakota’s capital city and its surroundings. You’ll find a variety of camping options, from full hookup RV sites to tent sites and even cozy cabins.
The resort typically features a swimming pool, playground, communal fire pits, and often organized activities for kids, making it a lively hub. This is an ideal spot for RV travelers, families on a road trip, and anyone looking for a comfortable and convenient camping experience near urban attractions. Its reliable KOA standards ensure a pleasant and predictable stay.
💰 Quick Cost Guide
📍 Visitor Information
Element Hotel
Element Hotel, a Marriott brand, offers a refreshing take on the hotel experience, focusing on extended stays, wellness, and eco-conscious design. While not a traditional “resort” in the recreational sense, its modern amenities and thoughtful design create a resort-like atmosphere for urban travelers.
You can expect spacious, light-filled rooms with fully equipped kitchens, a complimentary healthy breakfast, and amenities like a fitness center and often an indoor pool. Its emphasis on sustainability and a balanced lifestyle makes it unique among standard hotels. It’s perfect for business travelers on longer assignments, families who appreciate kitchen facilities, and health-conscious individuals seeking a comfortable, modern base in a city like Fargo or Bismarck.
💰 Quick Cost Guide
📍 Visitor Information
Buffalo Gap Ranch
Buffalo Gap Ranch offers an authentic Western experience in the heart of North Dakota’s Badlands, providing a unique alternative to traditional resorts. What makes this place special is its focus on horseback riding, ranch activities, and immersion in the rugged, beautiful landscape.
You can expect rustic yet comfortable accommodations, often in cabins or bunkhouses, and opportunities to participate in trail rides, cattle drives (seasonal), and learn about ranch life. It’s an unparalleled choice for adventurous families, couples seeking a unique escape, and anyone with a passion for horses and the American West. The stunning Badlands scenery and the hands-on ranch experience create truly unforgettable memories.
💰 Quick Cost Guide
📍 Visitor Information
Coteau des Prairies Lodge
Coteau des Prairies Lodge is a stunning, architecturally unique lodge perched atop the Coteau des Prairies, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding prairie. Its special appeal lies in its remote, serene location and its design, which blends luxury with a deep connection to the land. You can expect beautifully appointed rooms, common areas with large windows framing the expansive landscape, and a focus on tranquility and nature observation.
The lodge often hosts events, from weddings to corporate retreats, but also welcomes individual guests seeking a peaceful escape. It’s ideal for couples on a romantic getaway, photographers, birdwatchers, or anyone desiring a truly peaceful and scenic retreat. The sunsets here are legendary.
💰 Quick Cost Guide
📍 Visitor Information
North Park Campground
North Park Campground, often a municipal or state park campground, offers a straightforward and budget-friendly way to enjoy North Dakota’s outdoors. While not a “resort” in the typical sense, its appeal lies in its simplicity, natural setting, and accessibility to local attractions or natural features.
You can expect basic amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and usually restrooms, with some sites offering electrical hookups. It’s a great option for tent campers, RV travelers on a budget, and those who prioritize being close to nature over luxury amenities. Its often scenic location, perhaps by a lake, river, or near a hiking trail, makes it a perfect base for outdoor adventures without the frills.
💰 Quick Cost Guide
📍 Visitor Information
Enchanted Castle Hotel
Enchanted Castle Hotel, located in the charming town of Rugby (the geographical center of North America), is a truly unique and whimsical accommodation. What makes it special is its distinctive, fairytale-inspired theme, creating an immersive and memorable stay. You can expect individually themed rooms and suites, each decorated with vibrant colors and fantastical elements, making it feel like you’ve stepped into a storybook.
The hotel also features a restaurant and often hosts events. It’s an excellent choice for families with children who will adore the themed rooms, couples seeking a quirky and romantic getaway, or solo travelers looking for an unforgettable and Instagram-worthy experience. Its novelty and attention to detail make it a standout destination.
💰 Quick Cost Guide
📍 Visitor Information
Plan Your Visit
North Dakota, the “Peace Garden State,” truly defies expectations, revealing itself as a captivating destination brimming with diverse resort experiences. From the angler’s paradise on Devils Lake to the rustic charm of Badlands ranches, and the vibrant energy of casino resorts to the whimsical allure of themed hotels, you’ll discover a spectrum of stays perfectly suited to your desires.
Whether you’re an avid outdoors enthusiast, a family seeking adventure, or simply yearning for a tranquil escape, North Dakota’s hospitality and stunning landscapes await. So, pack your bags, consult our detailed cost guide to plan your perfect budget, and prepare to be genuinely surprised by the beauty and unique character of this often-underestimated state. Your unforgettable North Dakota adventure is calling!
