North Dakota: Theodore Roosevelt National Park, United Tribes International Powwow & Oktoberfest
Theodore Roosevelt National Park
The grasses may be a little browner and the trees a little more colorful, but that only adds to the allure of fall in Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Subtle differences make all three units worth visiting. The common bonds between them are spectacular scenery, abundant wildlife and the quietest sounds you’ll ever (not) hear.
Upcoming Events
North Dakota is a state made up of many cultures, each having lived and grown together in understanding, acceptance and harmony. While each culture’s traditions vary – sometimes greatly – all are accepted and welcomed into the fabric that make North Dakota special. Be sure your visits include fairs, festivals, powwows and other events in which various nationalities share traditions with others. Two major events in the fall are the 50th annual United Tribes International Powwow (see more below) in Bismarck and Norsk Hostfest in Minot. Here are a few other fall events:
Harvestfest in Hazen, September 4-8
Harvest Festival in Dickinson, September 14
Central North Dakota Steam Threshers’ Reunion in New Rockford, September 20-22
Applefest in Bismarck, September 21-22
Oktoberfest in Mandan, September 28
Oktoberfest in Ashley, October 5
Pumpkin Patches and Corn Mazes, Throughout September
Don’t let fall get away without enjoying traditional food, entertainment and fellowship at these events and more. Click here for more events in North Dakota this fall.
United Tribes International Powwow
United Tribes International Powwow is one of the largest and most prestigious celebrations of Native American culture in the nation. Thousands of drummers and dancers from around the world are drawn to Bismarck for the three-day event. This year’s event takes on extra significance as it marks its 50th year September 6-8 at United Tribes Technical College.
Powwow Events
Friday, September 6
8 a.m.: Flag raising
10-11:30 a.m.: Youth Activities
6:45 p.m.: Drum Roll Call
7 p.m.: First Grand Entry, intertribals, tiny tots, dance contests begin
Saturday, September 7
8 a.m.: Flag raising
12:45 p.m.: Drum Roll Call
1: Second Grand Entry, intertribals, tiny tots, dance contests continue
4:30: Free feed
6:45: Drum Roll Call
7: Third Grand Entry, intertribals, tiny tots, dance contests continue
Sunday, September 8
8 a.m.: Flag raising
10: Worship service
12:30 p.m.: Drum Roll Call
1: Fourth Grand Entry, tiny tots, dance contests continue
4: Free buffalo and beef feed, awards presentation
Fall Accommodations
Looking for the perfect place to hang your hat? Dust off your boots and stay at the ranch, enjoy a restful night at a unique boutique hotel or camp out under the stars.
- Black Leg Ranch is the best, high end, full service. Honey moon suites, cabins, etc. No glam-ping yet.
- Yurting in North Dakota State Parks. Must bring own bedding and food though… three state parks feature yurts as part of their lodging packages.
- Hotel Donaldson is located downtown Fargo. Boutique style property where all 17 suites are designed around the work of a different regional artist. Sculptors, painters, photographers, modern artists…
- Woodland Resort on Devils Lake is a full service resort with a restaurant, cabins, motel, campground, bait shop, and boat rental.
- Eastbay Campground on Devils Lake offers camping, full-service marina, and cabin rentals, unsurpassed fishing opportunities, a full-service c-store, and bait shop, as well as fuel, fire wood and kayak, waterbike, and boat rental.
- Coteau des Prairie – full service lodge in SE North Dakota – Perched on the northernmost ridge of the Coteau des Prairies, where the breathtaking view is second to none, prairie farms and fields unfold from below like a patchwork quilt.
- Lady on the Lake B&B – Located on the North Shore of Lake Elsie. A truly romantic respite steeped in history and comfort has 5 acres and 463 feet of private shoreline.
- Lund’s Landing Resort – Features cabins, restaurant, marina and tipi camping located on Lake Sakakawea near Ray, ND – Best Juneberry Pie around!!
- Enchanted Castle – on the Enchanted Highway – 19 room hotel in the old Regent school lounge, restaurant & steak house.
- Riverdale High Lodge. Full hotel and restaurant in the old school in Riverdale, near Lake Sakakawea!
Find more accommodations at “Places to Stay”.
Photos: North Dakota Tourism
For more information, visit: ndtourism.com.
