Arrive in Fargo, ND for a two night stay.  Dinner is on your own this evening.

This morning meet your local guide for a city tour of Fargo.  Maybe you’ve heard of Fargo from the movie or TV series, but you’ve never actually visited the real place.  Learn about the history of this town and its connection to the Old West.  Tour includes the city’s downtown murals, and stop by the Visitors Center and see the original iconic Woodchipper from the hit Movie, “FARGO”.  Stop in and take your picture with the well-known movie prop – there’s even a leg sticking out of it for excellent action shots.  If you’re looking for Fargo souvenirs, this is a great spot for that as well.

Next, visit the Hjemkomst Center.  Pronounced YEM-komst, your next stop is this Scandinavian culture center across the bridge in Fargo’s sister-city Moorhead.  The area has a rich Scandinavian history, and many locals’ ancestry can be traced back to Norway and Sweden (you’ll notice a lot of fair-haired folks around town!).  This cultural center’s centerpiece is a giant replica Viking ship.  In the 1980s, this Viking ship actually sailed from Minnesota to Norway.  While you’re here, you can also check out one of the region’s largest art collections.

The afternoon also includes a tour of the Plains Art Museum, the largest art museum in North Dakota.  The museum’s permanent collection has over 4,000 local, regional, and national works, including Native American art.

Tonight, dinner is included at a local restaurant followed by an evening of theatre or performance.  Fargo is filled with theatre and performing arts – The Historic Fargo Theatre, many local theatres and playhouses, a professional ballet, an opera and even a symphony. (B,D)

Today, features Jamestown, ND, the heart of the North Dakota Prairie.  On arrival, meet your local guide for a Louis L’Amour Tour.  This famous western novelist was born in Jamestown.  Visit the places that shaped and influenced his novels.  Stop included on the tour include: the Alfred Dickey Public Library, The Franklin School and Dakota Store & AAUW Books.  Lunch is included today at a local restaurant.  Try the local favorite Knoephla Soup, a German from Russian dish of potato dumpling served in a creamy chicken broth.

This afternoon visit the National Buffalo Museum, a 6000 square foot facility housed in a rustic log building at the Frontier Village in Jamestown, North Dakota.  Museum exhibits focus primarily on the history of bison in the plains culture, but displays include Plains Indian artifacts; a wide variety of artwork; the 19th century firearms used by bison hunters; remains of prehistoric bison; and other wildlife of North Dakota.

Following your visit, travel to Bismarck, ND and check into your hotel for a two night stay.  Dinner is own your own this evening. (B,L)

After breakfast, visit the North Dakota Capitol, home to the North Dakota Theodore Roosevelt Rough Riders Hall of Fame.  Honorees include author Louis L’Amour, and Harold Schafer, founder of the Medora Foundation.  At the Heritage Center, the exhibits focus on North Dakota, covering prehistoric times, American Indian artifacts, and the cowboys and settlement of the state.

Then enjoy free time in downtown Bismarck for shopping and lunch on own.  From authentic American Indian art pieces to western art and antiques, downtown has a wide variety of shopping opportunities.

This afternoon visit the Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park. Experience life at the Fort in 1875 at the Custer House.  Tour the home of the General and Mrs. George Custer.  Walk across the parade grounds to the barracks of the 7th Cavalry, the Commissary Store and visit the horses at the stables.

The hills at Fort Abraham Lincoln provide a great view of the Missouri River Valley with the blockhouses standing guard over both fort and an ancient Mandan Village.  The park’s Visitor Center houses the nation’s best display of Mandan artifacts and history along with items of interest on Lewis & Clark and General Custer.

Tonight, enjoy a dinner cruise on the Lewis & Clark Riverboat.  Cruise down the fabulous Missouri River and enjoy a delicious meal. (B,D)

Arrive today in Medora, ND.  This authentic Old West cow-town was founded in 1883 by the Marquis de Mores and named for his wife.  Medora offers a musical extravaganza, trail rides, mountain biking, hiking, museums, many gift shops and restaurants during the summer season.

First stop is a tour Theodore Roosevelt National Park.  Named for the 26th President, it memorializes his contribution to conservation. North Dakota Badlands provide the scenic backdrop to this park.  The loop drive provides a view of buffalo, deer, elk, bighorn sheep, wild horses, mule deer and prairie dog towns.  The park can be entered through Medora and is home to Teddy Roosevelt’s first ranching cabin, the Maltese Cross Ranch.  He stated several times, “I never would have been President if it had not been for my experiences in North Dakota.”

Next, find your inner cowboy at the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame.  This museum showcases ranching, trail drivers, homesteaders, the sport of rodeo and the impact of the horse on the development of life on the Plains of North Dakota.  Then check into your Medora hotel for the night.

This evening enjoy a Pitchfork Fondue Dinner. Every evening chefs load steaks onto pitchforks and fondue them western style.  Savor your steak as you overlook the picturesque Badlands from atop a bluff at the Tjaden Terrace.  Your steak comes with fresh fruit, salad, coleslaw, vegetables, baked beans, garlic toast, baked potatoes, brownies, cinnamon-sugar donuts, lemonade and coffee.  If you want a beer or glass of wine with your steak, we have you covered at the Tjaden Terrace Bar!

Then you have reserved tickets for the Medora Musical.  Set in the outdoor splendor of the rugged North Dakota Badlands, this professionally produced, high energy, western-style musical show is proudly dedicated to the legacy of America’s 26th President, Theodore Roosevelt, and the time he spent here in the Badlands of the Dakota Territory.  There’s no other show quite like it to the legacy of America’s 26th President, Theodore Roosevelt, and the time he spent here in the Badlands of the Dakota Territory.  There’s no other show quite like it! (B,D)

After breakfast at the hotel, depart for home. (B)