Cavalier Travel Guide

A comprehensive tour guide for Cavalier, North Dakota including a list of places to visit, hiking/biking routes, where to stay, what to buy, and more.


Introduction to Cavalier

Located in the Red River Valley of North Dakota, Cavalier is a quaint town surrounded by beautiful, rolling hills and endless acres of farmland. It is a hidden gem in the Great Plains, offering a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Cavalier provides endless opportunities to explore nature and immerse oneself in its rich history and culture.

List of Places to Visit in Cavalier

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Cavalier boasts an extensive history and culture, which are celebrated in its various museums and historical places. Some of the top cultural attractions in Cavalier include:

  • Pembina County Museum: This museum showcases the history of Pembina County and its people. Visitors can explore exhibits on early fur trading, agriculture, and settlement life.

  • Fort Pembina: This was built by the Hudson Bay Company in the mid-1800s and is now a great historical attraction to visit.

  • St. Michael’s Catholic Church: This church is an architectural wonder and a popular tourist attraction. Visitors can explore its beautiful stained-glass windows, towering spires, and ornate decorations.

Natural Attractions of Cavalier: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Cavalier is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, offering endless opportunities for outdoor adventures and scenic views. Some of the top natural attractions in Cavalier include:

  • International Peace Garden: Located just a short drive from Cavalier, this garden spans 2,339 acres of beautiful floral displays, manicured gardens, and picturesque hiking trails.

  • Pembina Gorge State Recreation Area: This recreation area covers 2,800 acres and offers hiking, biking, horseback riding, fishing, and more.

  • Frost Fire Park: Frost Fire Park is a ski resort located just a short 30-minute drive from Cavalier. In the summer months, it offers hiking and biking trails, horseback riding, and other outdoor activities.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Cavalier

For outdoor enthusiasts, Cavalier offers a variety of hiking and biking trails to explore. Some of the top routes include:

  • Dew Drop Trail: This 2.5-mile trail winds along the banks of the Pembina River and offers stunning views of the surrounding scenery.

  • Bear Den Trail: This 4.5-mile trail meanders through dense forests and rolling hills and is rich in natural and wildlife viewing opportunities.

  • Pembina River Trail: This 14-mile trail runs along the banks of the Pembina River and offers stunning views of the river and the surrounding scenery.

Best Things to Do in Cavalier: Activities and Tours

Apart from the cultural attractions and outdoor adventures in Cavalier, there are also plenty of activities and tours for visitors to enjoy. Some of the top things to do in Cavalier include:

  • Horseback Riding: The Pembina Gorge State Recreation Area offers horseback riding adventures for people of all skill levels.

  • Fishing: Anglers can fish for walleye, northern pike, and other species in the Pembina River.

  • Golfing: The Cavalier Country Club, located just outside of town, offers a challenging nine-hole golf course.

Week-Long Itinerary for Cavalier

For those who want to explore Cavalier in more depth, here is a week-long itinerary:

Day 1: Explore the local history and culture at Pembina County Museum and Fort Pembina.

Day 2: Take a scenic drive to the International Peace Garden and spend the day exploring its beautiful gardens and hiking trails.

Day 3: Go horseback riding at the Pembina Gorge State Recreation Area and enjoy a picnic lunch in the great outdoors.

Day 4: Go fishing in the Pembina River and try your hand at catching walleye, northern pike, and other species.

Day 5: Take a day trip to Frost Fire Park and enjoy hiking and biking trails, as well as other outdoor activities.

Day 6: Play a round of golf at Cavalier Country Club and then enjoy a leisurely afternoon exploring Cavalier’s downtown area.

Day 7: Visit St. Michael’s Catholic Church and marvel at its beautiful architecture and stained-glass windows.

Food and Drink Scene of Cavalier

No trip to Cavalier is complete without trying some of the local dishes and beverages. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Knoephla Soup: This hearty soup is a traditional German dish made with potatoes and dumplings.

  • Hotdish: This is a classic casserole made with a variety of ingredients, such as tater tots, ground beef, and cheese.

Local Beverages

  • Wild Grape Wine: Made from wild grape berries, this wine is a local specialty and is a must-try for visitors.

  • Craft Beer: There are a number of local breweries in the area, offering a variety of craft beers for visitors to try.

Where to Stay in Cavalier: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Cavalier offers a variety of accommodations for visitors to choose from, ranging from hotels to hostels and guesthouses. Some of the top places to stay in Cavalier include:

  • The Cavalier Inn: This classic motel has 34 rooms and offers guests complimentary breakfast and Wi-Fi.

  • Bear Creek Cabins: These cozy cabins are located near the Pembina Gorge State Recreation Area and offer guests a rustic getaway experience.

  • The Pembina County Lodge: This newly renovated motel has 18 rooms and offers guests a variety of amenities, such as a fitness center and complimentary breakfast.

What to Buy in Cavalier: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

There are a number of unique souvenirs and local products to buy in Cavalier, including:

  • Handmade Crafts: Local artisans make a variety of handmade crafts, such as pottery, quilts, and jewelry.

  • Wild Grape Jelly: Made from wild grape berries, this jelly is a tasty and unique souvenir to bring home.

Local Culture and Customs of Cavalier

Cavalier is known for its strong German heritage, which is celebrated in various cultural festivals throughout the year. Visitors should be aware of and respectful of the town’s customs and traditions.

Best Time to Visit Cavalier

The best time to visit Cavalier is during the summer months, from June to August, when the weather is warm and the outdoor activities are in full swing.

Do’s and Don’ts of Cavalier

Do:

  • Do experience the local history and culture

  • Do try the local food and drink

  • Do explore the great outdoors

Don’t:

  • Don’t ignore the town’s customs and traditions

  • Don’t litter or damage natural attractions

  • Don’t take risks with your safety while hiking or enjoying other outdoor activities

Safety and Health

Safety in Cavalier

Cavalier is a safe town, but visitors should be aware of their surroundings and take precautions to ensure their safety.

Health in Cavalier

Visitors should bring any necessary medications with them, as obtaining prescriptions locally may be difficult.

Getting to Cavalier: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Cavalier

The nearest airport is in Grand Forks, approximately 75 miles away. From there, visitors can rent a car to drive to Cavalier.

Bus Stations Near Cavalier

The closest bus stations are in Grand Forks and Fargo, both of which are approximately 75-100 miles from Cavalier.

Other Options

Visitors can also drive to Cavalier or take a train to nearby cities.

How to Get Around in Cavalier

The best way to get around Cavalier is by car. Visitors can rent a car at the airport or make use of local taxi services.

Where to Go Next from Cavalier: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Some nearby destinations and excursions to consider include:

  • Grand Forks: Located just 75 miles from Cavalier, Grand Forks is a bustling college town with plenty of shopping, dining, and entertainment options.

  • Fargo: This city is approximately 120 miles from Cavalier and is home to a number of cultural attractions and events, including the famous Fargo Film Festival.

  • Canada: The Canadian border is just a short drive from Cavalier, making it easy to cross over and explore our northern neighbor.

Conclusion

Cavalier may be a small town, but it offers big adventures for travelers looking to escape to a peaceful and natural setting. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or outdoor adventures, Cavalier has something for everyone. With its picturesque scenery and friendly locals, it’s no wonder that so many visitors fall in love with this hidden gem in the Great Plains.