Guest Writer: Shannon Murray of Snorkels and Snowpants
If you’re looking for the perfect summer road trip, North Dakota deserves a spot on your list. It’s one of the least-visited states in the country, yet it offers miles of wide-open landscapes, welcoming communities, and plenty of opportunities to explore by bike.
From vibrant cities to scenic state parks and a remarkable national park, I was surprised by just how bike-friendly North Dakota is.
Fargo
Fargo sits in eastern North Dakota, just across the Red River from Moorhead, Minnesota. Together, the two communities have created an extensive biking network, complete with a detailed trail map that makes exploring both cities easy.
One of the best rides is the Red River Trail, a five-mile paved path that follows the river and crosses a pedestrian bridge into Minnesota. The trail connects directly to Lindenwood Campground and Park, making it easy to hop on your bike right from your campsite.
Just over three miles from Lindenwood is one of the area's most unique attractions—the Hjemkomst Center in Moorhead. Here you'll find a full-sized replica Viking ship alongside a beautiful Norwegian stave church. After your visit, continue your ride along the Moorhead Viking Ship Park Bike Trail before crossing back into Fargo.
Jamestown
About 90 miles west of Fargo, Jamestown has embraced cycling with a number of community bike rides held throughout the summer.
One of the best places to ride is around the Jamestown Reservoir. Cruise along the shoreline before cooling off with a swim, relaxing on the beach, or grabbing a drink at Hondo's Hideaway.
Another must-see—whether by bike or car—is the North American Bison Discovery Center. Home to a herd of bison, it's an excellent introduction to one of North Dakota's most iconic animals before continuing west. Just outside, don't miss the World's Largest Buffalo Monument, one of the state's most recognizable roadside attractions.
Bismarck & Mandan
Bismarck, North Dakota's capital, and neighboring Mandan sit on opposite sides of the Missouri River. Crossing the river is a memorable milestone as you continue west across the state.
Together, the communities offer more than 100 miles of bike trails. If you only have time for one ride, choose the Missouri Valley Millennium Legacy Trail, which stretches 4.6 miles from Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park into Mandan while following the Missouri River.
Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park is well worth spending several hours exploring. Whether you're camping or visiting for the day, the park combines fascinating history with beautiful scenery. Once home to the U.S. Army's 7th Cavalry, visitors can tour the reconstructed barracks, commissary (now a bookstore and coffee shop), and General George Custer's final home before the Battle of the Little Bighorn.
The visitor center tells two distinct stories: one highlighting the military history of the fort, and another celebrating the Mandan people who lived here long before the military arrived. Just outside, reconstructed earthlodges allow visitors to walk through On-a-Slant, a traditional Mandan village, and gain a deeper appreciation for the area's indigenous heritage.
Medora & Theodore Roosevelt National Park
If you only have time for one stop in North Dakota, make it Medora. This charming western town serves as the gateway to the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park and is filled with history, western culture, and outdoor adventure.
Medora is wonderfully bike-friendly, making it easy to leave the vehicle parked and explore on two wheels. Ride up the butte to the Medora Musical and the new Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library—you'll definitely appreciate pedal assist on the climb.
The Medora Musical takes place nightly in an outdoor amphitheater overlooking the Medora sign and the surrounding badlands. Nearby, the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library offers an experience unlike any traditional museum. Through immersive exhibits and innovative technology—including AI-powered conversations inspired by Theodore Roosevelt himself—the library explores his life, leadership, and enduring conservation legacy.
The South Unit entrance to Theodore Roosevelt National Park is located right in town. The park's 35-mile scenic drive is open to bicycles, offering spectacular views of colorful badlands, prairie landscapes, and abundant wildlife. Bison, wild horses, prairie dogs, mule deer, and bighorn sheep are all commonly spotted here. Because the park receives far fewer visitors than many of America's other national parks, cycling through it often feels peaceful and uncrowded.
Mountain bikers will also find several excellent trail systems in and around the Medora area, providing even more opportunities to explore the rugged landscape. As you ride, think on Roosevelt’s mantra- over, under, through, but never around!
Why Ebiking is the Best Way to Explore North Dakota
North Dakota's landscapes were made to be experienced at a slower pace. On an ebike, you notice the prairie breeze, hear meadowlarks calling from the grasslands, and have the freedom to stop whenever a herd of bison appears on the horizon or a scenic overlook catches your eye.
There are practical advantages, too. In cities like Fargo, you'll rarely need to worry about parking. In Medora, cyclists can often bypass the lines of vehicles waiting at the national park entrance. And with pedal assist, longer rides and rolling hills become accessible to riders of all experience levels.
Whether you're following riverfront trails through the state's cities, cruising around reservoirs, exploring historic parks, or riding among the colorful badlands of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota offers a surprisingly diverse biking adventure. It may be one of America's least-visited states, but for cyclists, that's part of its greatest appeal: fewer crowds, open roads, endless scenery, and the freedom to simply enjoy the ride.