Belcourt Travel Guide

Discover the best attractions, food, culture, safety tips, and logistics of Belcourt in North Dakota, USA. Plan your itinerary with this comprehensive travel guide.


Belcourt Travel Guide

Located in the scenic Turtle Mountains of North Dakota, Belcourt offers a remarkable blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and modern amenities. This charming town boasts a thriving food scene, diverse array of attractions, and endless outdoor adventures, making it a top choice for travelers seeking an offbeat destination. Whether you’re an avid hiker, history buff, foodie, or culture enthusiast, Belcourt has something to offer. In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll take a closer look at the best things to see and do, where to stay, what to eat, and how to get around in Belcourt.

List of Places to Visit in Belcourt

Belcourt is home to various attractions that cater to different interests and age groups. Below are some of the top places to visit:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Turtle Mountain Chippewa Heritage Center: This museum showcases the history, arts, crafts, and cultural heritage of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians. Exhibits include traditional clothing, beadwork, quillwork, photographs, and artifacts from the tribe’s past.

  • Dakota College at Bottineau Historical Museum: Located on the campus of Dakota College, this museum offers a glimpse into the history and culture of Bottineau County. Exhibits include Native American artifacts, antique farm machinery, and photographs of early settlers.

  • St. Ann’s Historical Marker: This landmark commemorates the site of the former St. Ann’s Mission School, a boarding school for Native American children established in 1890 by Catholic missionaries. The school was closed in 1951, and the building was demolished in 1974. The marker includes a brief history and photos of the school.

Natural Attractions of Belcourt: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • International Peace Garden: Located 47 miles north of Belcourt, this 2,339-acre botanical garden straddles the US-Canada border. It features a variety of gardens, a 9/11 memorial, a conservatory, and a peace chapel.

  • Lake Metigoshe State Park: This 1,554-acre park is situated at the south end of Lake Metigoshe, a natural glacial lake surrounded by forested hills. The park features hiking trails, fishing, camping, picnicking, swimming, and boating.

  • Tongue River Wildlife Management Area: This 7,480-acre protected area is home to various wildlife species, including elk, deer, black bear, and coyote. Visitors can enjoy hiking, bird-watching, hunting, and fishing.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Belcourt

Belcourt offers several hiking and biking trails that wind through the Turtle Mountains and offer spectacular views of the landscape. Some of the top trails include:

  • Turtle Mountains Wilderness Trail: This 6.5-mile trail winds through the heart of the Turtle Mountains, offering stunning views of forests, lakes, and wildlife.

  • Trottier Trail: This 4.3-mile trail follows the Trottier Road and offers scenic views of Lake Metigoshe.

  • Oak Creek Trail: This 1.7-mile trail starts at the Oak Creek picnic area and leads to a waterfall and a historic cabin.

Best Things to Do in Belcourt: Activities and Tours

Belcourt offers a wide range of activities and tours that cater to different interests and age groups. Below are some of the top things to do:

  • Horseback Riding: Belcourt is home to several ranches and stables that offer guided horseback riding tours through the scenic Turtle Mountains.

  • Fishing: With over 400 lakes in the Turtle Mountains, fishing is a popular activity in Belcourt. Visitors can fish for walleye, pike, crappie, and bass.

  • Golfing: Belcourt offers several golf courses that offer lush greens and stunning views of the North Dakota countryside.

Week-Long Itinerary for Belcourt

To make the most of your trip to Belcourt, we’ve created a week-long itinerary that covers the top attractions and activities in the area:

Day Activity
Day 1 Visit Turtle Mountain Chippewa Heritage Center and St. Ann’s Historical Marker
Day 2 Hike the Turtle Mountains Wilderness Trail or Oak Creek Trail
Day 3 Explore the International Peace Garden
Day 4 Go fishing at Lake Metigoshe State Park
Day 5 Horseback riding tour at a local ranch
Day 6 Play a round of golf at a local course
Day 7 Visit Dakota College at Bottineau Historical Museum and Tongue River Wildlife Management Area

Food and Drink Scene of Belcourt

Belcourt offers a delightful food scene that showcases the local cuisine and flavors. Below are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Fry bread: A traditional Native American dish made from dough that is flattened and fried until crispy.

  • Chokecherry jelly: A sweet and tart jelly made from chokecherries, a Native American fruit found in the Turtle Mountains.

  • Wild rice soup: A hearty soup made with wild rice, vegetables, and meat.

Local Beverages

  • Chokecherry juice: A refreshing and tart juice made from chokecherries.

  • Birch beer: A sweet and fizzy soda made from birch sap.

  • Tart cherry juice: A tangy and nutritious juice made from tart cherries.

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

Belcourt offers a variety of accommodations that cater to different budgets and preferences. Below are some of the top options:

  • Sky Dancer Hotel and Casino: This hotel and casino offers spacious rooms, a fitness center, a swimming pool, and a variety of gaming options.

  • Dakota College at Bottineau Dorms: Located on the campus of Dakota College, these dorm rooms offer affordable and convenient accommodations with easy access to the college’s facilities.

  • Northland Lodge: This rustic lodge is situated on the shores of Lake Metigoshe and offers cozy cabins, a restaurant, and a dock for fishing.

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

Belcourt offers a variety of souvenirs and local products that make for great gifts or keepsakes. Below are some of the top options:

  • Beadwork and quillwork: Handmade beadwork and quillwork items, such as earrings, necklaces, and bracelets, are popular souvenirs in Belcourt and showcase the local Indigenous culture.

  • Chokecherry jam and syrup: Made from chokecherries, these products make for a unique and flavorful gift.

  • Wild rice: A staple food of the Native American diet, wild rice is a nutritious and versatile ingredient that makes for a great gift.

Local Culture and Customs of Belcourt

Belcourt is located in the traditional homelands of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians, and the local culture is deeply rooted in Indigenous traditions and customs. Visitors are encouraged to respect the local culture and participate in cultural events, such as powwows and drum circles.

Best Time to Visit Belcourt

The best time to visit Belcourt is during the summer months, from June to August, when the weather is mild, and the outdoor activities are in full swing. Winter months, from December to February, can be harsh, with heavy snow and sub-zero temperatures, making it less desirable for outdoor activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Belcourt

Do:

  • Respect the local culture and customs.

  • Participate in cultural events and activities.

  • Try the local cuisine and products.

Don’t:

  • Disrespect sacred or sensitive sites.

  • Ignore local regulations and laws.

  • Leave trash or litter on trails or in public areas.

Safety and Health

Safety in Belcourt

Belcourt is a safe and welcoming town, but visitors are advised to take normal precautions, such as locking their cars and not leaving valuables in plain sight.

Health in Belcourt

Belcourt has a hospital and several clinics that provide basic medical services. Visitors are advised to bring any necessary medication and check their health insurance coverage before traveling.

Getting to Belcourt: Transportation Options and Logistics

Belcourt is located in rural North Dakota and has limited transportation options.

Airports Near Belcourt

  • Minot International Airport (MOT) - 90 miles
  • Grand Forks International Airport (GFK) - 125 miles

Bus Stations Near Belcourt

  • Bottineau (Amtrak Station) - 23 miles

Other Options

  • Car rental services are available at nearby airports and in the town.

How to Get Around in Belcourt

Belcourt has limited public transportation options, and visitors are advised to rent a car or use a taxi service to get around.

Where to Go Next from Belcourt: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Belcourt is situated in a scenic region of North Dakota, and visitors can explore other nearby attractions, such as:

  • Devils Lake: A popular fishing and boating destination located 60 miles south of Belcourt.

  • Theodore Roosevelt National Park: A sprawling national park located 200 miles west of Belcourt, featuring stunning badlands, wildlife, and hiking trails.

Conclusion

Belcourt is a hidden gem of North Dakota that offers a unique blend of culture, history, and nature. Visitors can explore museums and historical landmarks, go hiking or biking in the beautiful Turtle Mountains, taste the local cuisine, and immerse themselves in the Indigenous culture. With this comprehensive travel guide, you can plan your itinerary and make the most of your trip to Belcourt.