Beat the Heat: Why North Dakota Is the Perfect Cool-Weather Summer Escape

The record-hot summer has sent Americans fleeing for cooler destinations. In general, heading north is the best bet for beating the heat. Enter North Dakota, a state known for its historically cooler summers with plenty of recreational activities and natural beauty to keep you busy. Here is a look at what this state has to offer.

Look No Further Than North Dakota for Your Next Summer Vacation

As the second-coldest state in the U.S. based on average annual temperatures, North Dakota is an ideal vacation spot if your goal is to escape the heat. While the summers are not cold in the Peace Garden State, visitors can count on mostly moderate temperatures outside of the occasional heat wave, less humidity, and comfortable evenings.

Complementing the weather is the state's impressive scenery and recreational options. The many lakes and rivers that dot the landscape of the state provide great opportunities for anglers. You can expect to find an array of yellow perch, walleye, bass, northern pike, catfish, and trout in these waterways.

Camping is another popular activity in North Dakota, thanks to the 14 state parks that boast a variety of accommodations ranging from modern campgrounds to more rustic facilities. Cyclists will appreciate the prairie tracks, wooded trails, and paved urban paths that traverse the Badlands. Most notably, the 140-mile Maah Daah Hey Trail is quite the trek for experienced cyclists looking for a challenge.

North Dakota also features a bevy of lakeside areas that provide access for swimmers, boaters, and kayakers looking for some fun in the sun. Good options include Lake Metigoshe, Lake Sakakawea, and Devils Lake. As a bonus, these lakes are typically less crowded and more affordable than what you might find in more popular summer vacation destinations.

The lack of light pollution makes North Dakota an ideal destination for stargazers. One of the best options for checking out the night skies includes the popular Theodore Roosevelt National Park, home to the Dakota Nights Astronomy Festival featuring family activities, evening telescope sessions led by experts, and a series of educational lectures. The Sheyenne National Grassland is another wide open space to gaze up at the stars.

North Dakota deserves consideration for your next travel spot. Between the cooler temperatures and wide variety of outdoor recreational adventures, you are sure to find something for everyone across the varied terrain.