Planning a Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library trip and wondering where to eat in Dickinson, North Dakota? Dickinson is a practical home base for a Library visit because you can keep your day flexible, then come back to a wider range of restaurants and drinks than you might expect in western North Dakota. This post was created in partnership with Visit Dickinson and includes paid compensation. As always, all opinions (and recommendations) are entirely my own. Why Dickinson works well for a Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library trip Opening week (and peak summer travel) can mean longer lines, shifting schedules, and meals that happen at odd times. Staying in Dickinson helps you avoid the “we’re starving, and everything is packed” problem. You can start your morning quickly, do your main Library visit, and return to Dickinson for a relaxed dinner and drinks. It also gives you options. Some nights you’ll want a sit-down meal…
Dickinson, North Dakota, is a sneaky-good girls’ weekend destination in peak summer: long daylight hours, warm evenings at the ballpark, and just enough outdoorsy Badlands scenery to feel like you truly got away. Add in local boutiques, a brewery lunch, and a wine-flight finale, and you’ve got a weekend that’s equal parts fun, easy, and very photo-friendly. This relaxed, doable itinerary hits the best stops in town plus a couple of short drives that make the weekend feel bigger than a typical city break. This post was created in partnership with Visit Dickinson and includes paid compensation. As always, all opinions (and recommendations) are entirely my own. Where to stay: Hawthorn Suites For a girls’ weekend, Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham Dickinson makes a great home base. It’s comfortable, convenient, and keeps you close to the places you’ll actually be spending time, downtown shopping, dinner spots, and the ballpark. The best…
Planning to visit the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora, ND, from Grand Forks? This route is classic North Dakota, wide open spaces, quirky small towns, and plenty of local flavor. Here’s how to turn the drive into a memorable part of your 2026 adventure, whether you’re traveling as a family or a couple. Why Start in Grand Forks? It’s the perfect “eastern gateway” for North Dakota road trippers. Great food, coffee, and parks to kick off your journey. Easy access to I-29 and I-94 for a smooth route west. Route Overview: Grand Forks to Medora Total Drive Time: About 6 hours (one-way, no major stops) Main Route: I-29 South to Fargo, then I-94 West to Medora Best Stops Along the Way 1. Fargo Why stop: Downtown murals, local coffee shops, Red River Market (in season) Family tip: Fargo’s Children’s Museum or Lindenwood Park Couple tip: Try a local brewery…
The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library’s 2026 opening in Medora, North Dakota, is the perfect reason for a Midwest road trip. Whether you’re coming from Minnesota, South Dakota, or Montana, you can turn your drive into a memorable part of your adventure. Here’s how to plan your route, where to stop, and how to make the most of your journey, whether you’re traveling as a family or a couple. This post contains affiliate links. If you buy something, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Why Make the Drive a Road Trip? Distances in the Northern Plains are bigger than they look, but that just means more opportunities to explore small towns, local eats, and scenic views along the way. Instead of rushing to Medora, use these suggested routes and stops to get a real taste of the region. Don’t forget to check out my travel must-haves HERE…
If you’re planning a trip to the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in 2026, a road trip is one of the best ways to see more of North Dakota than just one destination. Instead of flying in, driving straight to the library, and leaving, you can: Build in small-town stops See the North Dakota badlands Try local restaurants and coffee shops Turn your visit into a real vacation In this guide, you’ll find ready-made 3-, 5-, and 7-day North Dakota road trip itineraries designed for both families and couples visiting the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library. This post contains affiliate links. If you buy something, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. How to Use These North Dakota Road Trip Itineraries Before you dive in, a few quick notes: Choose your starting point: Fargo (eastern ND, great food + city feel) Bismarck (central ND, easier access to the…
If you’re planning your first trip to North Dakota for the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library opening in 2026, you’re not alone. A lot of travelers will be visiting the state for the very first time, and many are surprised by what they find. This first-timer’s guide will help you: Understand what North Dakota is really like Choose the best time to visit in 2026 Get a feel for distances, driving, and weather Decide which cities and regions to include Avoid common mistakes first-time visitors make Use this as your “North Dakota 101” before you dive into detailed itineraries. This post contains affiliate links. If you buy something, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. What Is North Dakota Actually Like? If your mental image of North Dakota is just flat fields and endless highway, you’re only seeing a small piece of it. Here’s what first-time visitors…
The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library is opening in North Dakota in July 2026, just in time for America’s 250th birthday. If you’re already thinking about a trip, you’re smart to start planning now, especially if you’re traveling as a family or a couple and want to turn the library into a full North Dakota vacation. In this guide, you’ll find: Where the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library is located How many days do you actually need When to visit in 2026 Best places to base your trip How to turn your visit into a North Dakota road trip By the end, you’ll have a clear starting point for planning your 2026 Theodore Roosevelt Library trip! This post contains affiliate links. If you buy something, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Where Is the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library? The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library (TRPL) is located in…
Summer’s over, winter hasn’t arrived, and you’re wondering where to travel next. Here’s a secret: fall and spring are hands-down the best times to explore the Midwest. While everyone else is either dealing with summer crowds or hibernating until beach season returns, smart travelers are discovering the region’s most beautiful destinations at their absolute best. Why Shoulder Season is Your Secret Weapon Before we dive into destinations, let’s talk numbers. Shoulder season travel (typically April-May and September-October) can save you 30-50% on accommodations, flights, and activities. But the real magic isn’t just financial, it’s experiential. Picture this: walking through a state park without fighting for parking, actually enjoying a meal at that popular restaurant without a two-hour wait, and having genuine conversations with locals who aren’t overwhelmed or annoyed by tourist season chaos. Fall Shoulder Season Gems (September-October) Minnesota’s North Shore – Peak Color Without Peak Chaos When to Go:…
Planning a romantic escape without breaking the bank? St. Louis, Missouri delivers big-city excitement with Midwest charm, making it the ideal couples destination. From world-class museums to hidden speakeasies, this itinerary proves you don’t need to travel far for an unforgettable romantic getaway. Day 1: Arrival and City Foundry Exploration Start your St. Louis adventure at City Foundry Food Hall, a beautifully restored foundry turned into a culinary paradise. This isn’t your typical food court – it’s a date night destination. Share plates from multiple vendors, sample craft cocktails, and soak in the industrial-chic atmosphere. After exploring the food hall, head to City Winery for an intimate wine tasting experience. The rooftop views of the city skyline create the perfect romantic backdrop. End your evening at None of the Above Speakeasy at City Foundry STL, hidden behind an unmarked door. The craft cocktails are worth the hunt, and the intimate…
Planning your next adventure across America’s heartland? These tried-and-true road trip strategies will save you money, time, and stress while maximizing the fun. Road trips are the ultimate way to explore the Midwest’s hidden gems, from charming small towns to breathtaking state parks. After countless miles crisscrossing the heartland, I’ve learned what separates a good road trip from an unforgettable one. Here are my top tips to help you plan the perfect getaway. I may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. This helps support what I do and in no way costs you a thing. Before You Hit the Road 1. Download Offline Maps Cell service can be spotty in rural Midwest areas. Download offline maps for your entire route using Google Maps or Waze. Trust me, you don’t want to get lost searching for that perfect pie shop in small-town Iowa! 2. Plan Your…