North Dakota is a vast Great Plains state in the northern United States, renowned for the rugged badlands of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, the sweeping prairies, rich Native American heritage, and the largest contiguous waterfowl nesting habitat in North America. Bismarck serves as the capital, while Fargo is the cultural and commercial hub. The state surprises visitors with world-class museums, frontier history, and dramatic landscapes that few tourists know about.
North Dakota is one of the safest states in the United States. Urban areas are low-crime and welcoming. The primary risks for travelers are natural and environmental: severe winter storms (October–April), wildlife encounters in national park and prairie areas, and extreme summer heat in the badlands (July–August can exceed 100°F / 38°C).
Current safety advisory
Very Safe — North Dakota Ranks In The Top 5 Safest Us States By Fbi Violent Crime Data
Essential safety tips
Practical advice that applies everywhere.
Keep copies of important documents (passport, insurance) in separate locations.
Stay aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas and tourist hotspots.
Use registered taxis or rideshare apps. Avoid unmarked vehicles offering rides.
Trust your instincts — if a situation feels wrong, remove yourself from it.
Common scams to avoid
Recognise and sidestep tourist-targeted scams.
Health considerations
Staying healthy on your trip.
- Items
- Topic
- Hospitals
- Detail
- Major hospitals in Fargo (Sanford Health, 801 Broadway N, 701-234-2000; Essentia Health, 3000 32nd Ave S, 701-364-8000), Bismarck (Sanford Medical Center, 300 N 7th St, 701-323-6000), Minot (Trinity Hospital, 1 Burdick Expy W, 701-857-5000), and Grand Forks (Altru Hospital, 1200 S Columbia Rd, 701-780-5000).
- Topic
- Pharmacies
- Detail
- Walgreens, CVS, and Walmart pharmacy in all major cities. Smaller towns may have limited pharmacy access — bring sufficient prescription medications for your trip.
- Topic
- Sun and Heat
- Detail
- July–August in the badlands can exceed 100°F (38°C). Carry 2+ liters of water per person, apply SPF 30+ sunscreen, and avoid midday hiking.
- Topic
- Insect Protection
- Detail
- Mosquitoes are significant in summer, especially near lakes and the Red River valley. West Nile Virus is present — use DEET repellent. Ticks are present in wooded and grassland areas — check after hikes.
- Topic
- Winter Health
- Detail
- Frostbite risk is real below 0°F (-18°C). Dress in layers (base layer + mid-layer + outer shell). Keep a wool blanket and hand warmers in your vehicle November–March.
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.
Emergency contacts
Numbers to know before you go.
- Items