One of the best things to do in Watford City ND is to visit Theodore Roosevelt National Park! The North Unit of the park is just a few minutes away and Watford City serves as a great home base.
We spent a long weekend exploring the area with our three year old and three month old. Here are our favorite things to do in Watford City ND!
This post was created in partnership with North Dakota Tourism, but all opinions are my own.
Getting there
Watford City is located in North-Western North Dakota. We took a direct flight from Minneapolis MN to Williston ND. From there we rented a car for the 50 minute drive to Watford City. Photos above are from Williston Airport – so nice!
Where we stayed
Watford City hotels are easy to come by. We stayed at Teddy’s Residential Suites. A great spot with an awesome restaurant right on site – a must with kids! We ate at Teddy’s Lounge multiple times and the service and food were both awesome.
Things to do in Watford City ND
Visit Theodore Roosevelt National Park
The North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park is just 20 minutes from Watford City. We spent a whole day exploring the park. You can drive the scenic drive through the park which offers many gorgeous lookout points. Make sure to stop at the visitor’s center to ask where the buffalo are hanging out on your way in!
Our favorites in the park are Cannonball Concretions Pullout and the Caprock Coulee Trail. The natural cannonball concretions are located right off the main road are so unique! The area around them is really fun to explore and looks like another planet. Our 3 year old loved it.
Caprock Coulee Trail is a 4.4 mile loop trail and has the best views in the park. The trail can be difficult at times so make sure you are prepared with plenty of water, snacks, and time. I recommend going clockwise to get the hard part done first.
Get breakfast at Meg-a-Latte
Meg-a-Latte might just have one of the best breakfast burritos ever. It’s packed with all the things you’d want and is HUGE! The acai bowls and coffee are great too, along with the vibe.
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Grab sandwiches at Smiling Moose Deli
Stop here for a quick lunch or to grab some sandwiches before your day in Theodore Roosevelt National Park. So yummy and great for on the go.
Play at the Rough Riders Center
The Rough Riders Center in Watford City is such a great space! Many local events and games take place here, but we spent an afternoon at the indoor waterpark and play area. We loved the zero entry and lazy river for our kids!
Try homemade pizza at Stonehome Brewing Co
Stonehome Brewing Co is a North Dakota staple. The homemade wood fired pizzas and calzones are amazing. So is the craft beer!
Grab coffee and play at WildCow Coffee & Cream
Our favorite part of WildCow Coffee & Cream (besides the coffee) was the awesome play space for kids! We visited here twice being our daughter loved it so much. Definitely stop here if you have little ones and want to relax with coffee (or a brew from Stonehome Brewing Co located right next store).
Explore Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site
Located about 50 minutes west of Watford City, you’ll find Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site. This fort was the most important fur trading post on the upper Missouri for 39 years from 1828 – 1867. Explore the grounds to learn all about it!
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Eat at Outlaws Bar and Grill
Known for their USDA Choice Steaks, Outlaws Bar and Grill is located right in downtown Watford City ND. The service was excellent and so was the food! They have great kid’s meal options as well.
Splash around at Wild West Water Park
Wild West Water Park is an outdoor pool and splash pad that has lifeguards and concessions. It reminded me of my hometown pool with a fun zero-entry area, multiple water slides, and even a fun Wild West themed splash pad!
Get dinner at Teddy’s Lounge
Teddy’s Lounge is located in Teddy’s Residential Suites where we stayed. We ate here multiple times because of their freshly made meals and great service – even when it was really busy! Definitely try this spot even if you’re not staying at the hotel.
There’s no shortage of things to do in Watford City ND – enjoy your time here!
