North Dakota is in outdoor lovers paradise year-round. But locals know there’s no better time to visit the state than in the spring, when the weather warms up and the state comes to life with outdoor activities and exciting festivals.

Here are just a few of the ways to enjoy North Dakota in the spring:

Fargo

No seasonal vacation to North Dakota is complete without stopping in Fargo, the state’s largest city. Fargo has all the cosmopolitan shopping, dining, and culture you could want on a spring weekend, but did you also know it has casinos? While not equipped with slot machines, you can still satisfy your gambling urge the legal way. Show off your skill at blackjack and ride the thrills of the roulette wheel, all with a country atmosphere at the Windbreak Saloon and Casino.

For family-friendly seasonal recreation, take everyone to Thunder Road Amusement Park or the Children’s Museum at Yunker Farm. No worries--the museum is not a stuffy place. Situated among open meadows with wildflowers and butterflies, it has dozens of hands-on activities, including a carousel, playground, Pippi Longstocking playhouse, and a miniature train.

Minot

If your vacations bring you to Minot during the first week of April, you can shop for crafty gifts at the Annual Minot Spring Show at the North Dakota State Fair Center. Over 150 exhibitors from all over are drawn to Minot to display their creations. With plenty of baked goods on hand, you won’t even have to leave the show to eat.

If you missed the show, don’t worry--Minot is still a worthy stop on vacations to North Dakota. Take your children to the Roosevelt Park Zoo, walk in the footsteps of the Vikings at the Scandinavian Heritage Park, or take in historic sights along the Riverwalk walking/biking trail. For shopping pleasure or taking in dinner and a movie, end your day at the Dakota Square Mall. The mall also has some fantastic slides for your children to burn off energy before bedtime!

Jamestown

If you travel through Jamestown around the second week of June, you are just in time for the annual kite festival, held at Meidinger Park Field. Admission is free and being an experienced kite flyer is not a requirement. But after watching the demonstrations, there’s no doubt you’ll be bitten by the kite bug. Luckily, you and your children will have the chance to make your own kite during kite-building class. Even the materials to build your kites are free. With music, contests, children’s activities, and door prizes, the day will be over before you know it.

Besides this spring festival, Jamestown offers all the outdoor activities you would expect from a rural state but with plenty of shopping as well. Deep blue waters at the Jamestown Reservoir and Pipestem Dam invite you for all water activities. If you prefer to get your adrenaline going, take in any of the Saturday short-track races at Jamestown Speedway.

Moffit’s Long Lake National Wildlife Refuge

A must for nature lovers, you will find Long Lake National Wildlife Refuge just two hours outside of Minot. Wear comfortable shoes to hike among the 20,000 acres, and bring your camera for some rare pictures--you won’t find many places anymore where you can see bald eagles, but the refuge offers you the chance to watch these majestic birds soar. You can also spot bison, antelope, turkeys, and many other bird species.

Carrington’s Potholes & Prairie Birding Festival

If you’re a die-hard birdwatcher, how do four days of guided tours among the world’s most remote birding destinations sound? At the annual Potholes & Prairie Birding Festival, held in early June in Carrington, visitors will have plenty of opportunities for bird sightings with well over a hundred species that call the open meadows and wetlands their home. Of course you don’t have to stay that long. Even newly initiated or simply bird curious family members will find the workshops, seminars, and other entertainment interesting. You won’t leave hungry, as on-site dining is part of the experience.