Dickinson, North Dakota Travel Guide

Discover Dickinson, North Dakota – Your Gateway to the Badlands and Theodore Roosevelt National Park, rich in history and outdoor adventures.

Nestled in the heart of North Dakota, Dickinson serves as the perfect gateway to the stunning Badlands and Theodore Roosevelt National Park. This charming city is known for its warm hospitality, rich history, and a variety of outdoor activities that cater to all ages and interests. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast or a history buff, Dickinson offers a unique blend of attractions that promise an unforgettable experience. Begin your journey with a visit to the Dickinson Museum Center, where you can delve into the region's fascinating past. The museum hosts a variety of exhibits showcasing everything from prehistoric fossils to the heritage of the early settlers. For families, the Dakota Dinosaur Museum is a must-visit, offering a delightful mix of education and fun. Outdoor lovers will find plenty to do in and around Dickinson. The Patterson Lake Recreation Area is perfect for fishing, boating, and picnicking, while the Maah Daah Hey Trail offers some of the best hiking and mountain biking in the state. Don't miss the opportunity to drive through Theodore Roosevelt National Park, where you can witness breathtaking landscapes and encounter local wildlife like bison and prairie dogs. Dickinson is also a vibrant community with a range of dining options, from cozy cafes to fine dining restaurants. Local events and festivals throughout the year add to the city's lively atmosphere. Whether you're here for a weekend getaway or an extended stay, Dickinson promises a rich and rewarding experience for every visitor.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Dickinson.

Visit the Dickinson Museum Center early in your trip to get a sense of the local history.
Plan a picnic at Patterson Lake Recreation Area for a relaxing afternoon.
Wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water if you plan to hike the Maah Daah Hey Trail.
Check out the local events calendar before your visit to catch a festival or community event.
Drive through Theodore Roosevelt National Park at dawn or dusk for the best chances to see wildlife.

Explore Dickinson: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Best attractions in Dickinson

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Best Attractions

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Dickinson Museum Center & Badlands Dinosaur Museum

Discover the rich history and prehistoric wonders at the Dickinson Museum Center & Badlands Dinosaur Museum in North Dakota.

4.6

Patterson Lake Recreation Area

Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Patterson Lake Recreation Area, a premier destination in Dickinson, North Dakota for outdoor fun and relaxation.

4.3

Enchanted Highway

Experience the charm of the Enchanted Highway, where art meets nature in a captivating journey through North Dakota's stunning landscapes.

4.6

Joachim Regional Museum

Explore the rich cultural heritage of Dickinson at the Joachim Regional Museum, where history comes alive through engaging exhibits and local stories.

4.8

Best landmarks in Dickinson

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Los Cabos Family Mexican Restaurant

Experience the essence of Mexico at Los Cabos Family Mexican Restaurant, where authentic flavors and family-friendly ambiance meet in Dickinson, ND.

4.5

Sanford's Grub & Pub

Experience the warmth of family dining at Sanford's Grub & Pub in Dickinson, North Dakota, where delicious food and fun meet in a vibrant setting.

3.8

Phat Fish Brewing LLC

Experience the best craft beers and delicious cuisine at Phat Fish Brewing LLC in Dickinson, North Dakota - A true brewpub gem!

4.3

Roosevelt Grand Dakota, SureStay Collection By Best Western

Experience comfort and convenience at the Roosevelt Grand Dakota, the premier hotel in Dickinson, North Dakota, offering modern amenities and warm hospitality.

3.7

Best restaurants in Dickinson

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Los Cabos Family Mexican Restaurant

Indulge in authentic Mexican flavors at Los Cabos Family Mexican Restaurant - where every meal is a fiesta!

4.5

Country Kitchen Restaurant

Delight in classic American comfort food at Country Kitchen Restaurant - a family-friendly destination in Dickinson, ND.

4.2

Dakota Diner

Dakota Diner offers mouthwatering breakfast classics in a cozy setting, making it the perfect start to your day in Dickinson.

4.4

Sakura

Experience the art of Japanese dining at Sakura in Dickinson—where every meal is a performance of taste and skill.

4.4

Best bars in Dickinson

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Sanford's Grub & Pub

Discover Sanford's Grub & Pub, a family-friendly restaurant and lively bar in Dickinson, ND, offering unique menu items and a vibrant atmosphere.

3.8

Players Sports Bar & Grill

Discover the ultimate sports dining experience at Players Sports Bar & Grill in Dickinson, where great food and sports come together.

4.0

Blue 42 Sports Grille & Bar

Experience the best of American cuisine and sports culture at Blue 42 Sports Grille & Bar in Dickinson, North Dakota.

4.6

Phat Fish Brewing LLC

Discover unique craft beers and delicious pizzas at Phat Fish Brewing LLC, a lively brewpub in Dickinson, North Dakota.

4.3

Best nightclubs in Dickinson

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Players Sports Bar & Grill

Discover the vibrant Players Sports Bar & Grill in Dickinson, ND, where delicious food meets an exhilarating sports atmosphere.

4.0

Final Final Bar & Lounge

Discover the vibrant nightlife at Final Final Bar & Lounge, Dickinson's top spot for nightlife, cocktails, and unforgettable experiences.

4.2

Spur Bar & Lounge

Discover the lively atmosphere of Spur Bar & Lounge, Dickinson's favorite nightlife spot for drinks, dancing, and socializing.

4.1

Maverick's Saloon

Discover the lively ambiance and local flavors at Maverick's Saloon, the perfect bar experience in Dickinson, North Dakota.

3.9

Best shops in Dickinson

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Walmart Supercenter

Explore Walmart Supercenter in Dickinson, ND – your ultimate shopping hub for groceries, clothing, electronics, and more!

3.8

Cash Wise Foods Grocery Store Dickinson

Discover the essence of North Dakota at Cash Wise Foods in Dickinson, your local grocery store with a coffee shop and liquor store.

4.3

Runnings

Explore Runnings in Dickinson, a unique general store offering clothing, outdoor gear, and pet supplies for every traveler’s needs.

4.4

Prairie Hills Mall

Discover the charm of Prairie Hills Mall, your go-to shopping destination in Dickinson, North Dakota, featuring diverse stores and delightful dining options.

3.5

Explore Dickinson on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Dickinson, mapped for you.

Dickinson Essentials

Dickinson, North Dakota is serviced by the Dickinson Theodore Roosevelt Regional Airport (DIK), which has daily flights to and from Denver International Airport. For those driving, Dickinson is accessible via Interstate 94, which runs east-west through the city. Bus services like Jefferson Lines also connect Dickinson with other cities in North Dakota and neighboring states.
Once in Dickinson, getting around is relatively straightforward. The city has a modest public transportation system operated by Dickinson Public Transit, which offers fixed-route services and demand-response options. Taxis and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are also available. For greater flexibility, renting a car from one of the agencies at the airport or downtown is recommended, especially if you plan to explore the scenic Badlands and Theodore Roosevelt National Park nearby.
The official currency in Dickinson is the United States Dollar (USD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are plentiful, especially in larger retail areas and near banks. It is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments or rural excursions where card payments may not be accepted.
Dickinson is generally a safe city for tourists. However, it is wise to take standard precautions such as avoiding poorly lit areas at night and securing your belongings. While there are no specific high-crime neighborhoods targeting tourists, it's best to stay vigilant, particularly in less populated areas and during late hours.
In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. Dickinson has several medical facilities, including CHI St. Alexius Health Dickinson Medical Center, which provides comprehensive healthcare services. Pharmacies are also available for minor health issues. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.
Fashion: Do dress comfortably and practically, particularly if you plan to explore the outdoors. Avoid overly formal or revealing attire. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting churches, dress modestly and speak quietly. Public Transport: Do be considerate of fellow passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly handshake or nod. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and North Dakota specialties. Don't forget to tip around 15-20% in restaurants and cafes.
To experience Dickinson like a local, visit the Dickinson Museum Center, which includes the Badlands Dinosaur Museum, for a dive into the region's prehistoric past. Attend local events such as the Roughrider Days Fair and Expo or a Dickinson State University Blue Hawks game. For a taste of local culture, try the local breweries and eateries downtown, and consider a day trip to the nearby Theodore Roosevelt National Park for stunning landscapes and wildlife viewing.

When is the best time to visit Dickinson?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Dickinson

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Dickinson. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloHowdy
  [haw-dee]
- GoodbyeSee ya
  [see yah]
- YesYah
  [yah]
- NoNah
  [nah]
- Please/You're welcomePlease/You betcha
  [pleez/ yoo bet-chah]
- Thank youThanks a lot
  [thanks uh lot]
- Excuse me/SorryPardon me/My bad
  [pahr-dun me/my bad]
- How are you?How ya doin'?
  [how yah doin]
- Fine. And you?Good. How 'bout you?
  [good. how bout yah]
- Do you speak English?Ya speak English?
  [yah speak ing-glish]
- I don't understandI ain't gettin' it
  [I aint get-tin it]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseCan I check out the menu?
  [can I check out the menu]
- I don't eat meatI don't do meat
  [I dont do meat]
- Cheers!Bottoms up!
  [bottoms up]
- I would like to pay, pleaseI'll settle up now, please
  [ill settle up now please]
- Help!SOS!
  [S-O-S]
- Go away!Git!
  [git]
- Call the Police!Call the cops!
  [call the cops]
- Call a doctor!Get a doc!
  [get a doc]
- I'm lostI'm turned around
  [im turned around]
- I'm illI'm under the weather
  [im under the weather]
- I'd like to buy...I wanna grab...
  [I wanna grab]
- I'm just lookingJust browsin'
  [just browsin]
- How much is it?What's the damage?
  [whats the damage]
- That's too expensiveThat's spendy
  [thats spendy]
- Can you lower the price?Can ya knock it down?
  [can yah knock it down]
- What time is it?What's the hour?
  [whats the hour]
- It's one o'clockIt's one
  [its one]
- Half past (10)Ten-thirty
  [ten-thur-tee]
- MorningMornin'
  [mornin]
- AfternoonAfternoon
  [afternoon]
- EveningEvenin'
  [evenin]
- YesterdayYest'day
  [yes-t-day]
- TodayToday
  [today]
- TomorrowTomorrah
  [tomorrah]
- 1One
  [wun]
- 2Two
  [too]
- 3Three
  [three]
- 4Four
  [four]
- 5Five
  [five]
- 6Six
  [six]
- 7Seven
  [seven]
- 8Eight
  [eight]
- 9Nine
  [nine]
- 10Ten
  [ten]
- Where's a/the...?Where's the...
  [wheres the]
- What's the address?What's the addy?
  [whats the addy]
- Can you show me (on the map)?Can you point it out?
  [can you point it out]
- When's the next (bus)?When's the next (bus)?
  [whens the next bus]
- A ticket (to ....)A ticket (to ....)
  [a ticket to]

History of Dickinson

Founded in 1882, Dickinson began as a small settlement along the Northern Pacific Railway. Named after Wells S. Dickinson, a railroad official, the town quickly grew as a hub for agriculture and transportation. The arrival of the railroad spurred economic growth, attracting settlers and businesses to the area.
The Homestead Act of 1862 played a significant role in Dickinson's development. The act encouraged settlers to move to the area by offering 160 acres of public land for a small fee. This led to a surge in agricultural activity throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Wheat, barley, and livestock farming became the backbone of Dickinson's economy, fostering a tight-knit rural community.
Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th President of the United States, has a notable connection to Dickinson. He first visited the Badlands near Dickinson in 1883 for a hunting trip and later invested in two ranches in the area. Roosevelt's time in North Dakota profoundly influenced his conservation policies and rugged persona, leaving a lasting legacy in the region.
The Great Depression of the 1930s had a significant impact on Dickinson, as it did across much of the United States. The agricultural sector, which was the backbone of the local economy, suffered immensely due to falling crop prices and severe droughts. Despite these challenges, the community demonstrated resilience by coming together to support one another through various local initiatives and government assistance programs.
The discovery of oil in the Williston Basin in the mid-20th century brought transformative changes to Dickinson. The oil boom led to rapid population growth and economic diversification. The influx of oil workers and related industries spurred the development of new infrastructure, housing, and services, turning Dickinson into a modern hub of industry and commerce.
Dickinson is home to a rich cultural heritage, influenced by its diverse settler populations, including German, Scandinavian, and Eastern European immigrants. This cultural tapestry is celebrated through various festivals and events such as the Roughrider Days Fair & Expo, which features rodeos, parades, and family-friendly activities, showcasing the community's spirit and traditions.
The establishment of Dickinson State University in 1918 marked a significant milestone in the city's development. Originally founded as a teacher's college, the university has grown to offer a wide range of programs and serves as a key educational institution in the region. Additionally, the city is home to several historical museums and institutions that preserve and promote its rich heritage.