"Dog reads"

Known for its friendly locals, North Dakota is an affordable vacation spot with plenty of offbeat attractions and natural beauty. To see the most of the Flickertail State (a woof-worthy reference to its many ground squirrels), plan a road trip for two.

Start With a Scenic Route

And don't forget to roll down the windows! Try the Sakakawea Scenic Byway, which hugs the Missouri River and spans 23 tourism-rich miles from Stanton to Washburn; the Chan SanSan Scenic Backway, which begins on Highway 46 and winds through wildflowers and prairie grasses along the James River; or the Old Ten Scenic Byway, which sails through buttes and valleys from Dickinson to Mandan.

Get a Nose For History

At Fort Mandan in Washburn, dog-friendly trails give way to a grassy mall that's perfect for stretching legs or tossing a Frisbee, and visitors can carry small dogs into the visitor center and other buildings. You're in for a perfect photo op, too, thanks to a 1,400-pound statue of the Newfoundland who joined Lewis and Clark on their famous expedition. Seaman rests on his burly haunches near the Missouri River, where the Corps of Discovery wintered in the early 1800s.

‘Tour' Northern Europe

The Scandinavian Heritage Park in Minot is a 14-acre space boasting distinctive art, historic building replicas, manicured slopes, andscenic paths open to four-legged tourists. Visit a statue of Leif Eriksson, trot across a huge granite map of Scandinavia, and enjoy a picnic for two at the Nordic Pavilion for the Arts.

Lounge on a Patio

Not only is Serendipity Coffee House in Dickinson just across the street from a popular walking trail, it also offers a pooch-friendly patio and free treats from the drive-through window. “All the dogs know they're going to get a treat when they come to Serendipity,” says co-owner Nicole Geiszler, who estimates that about one-third of her customers arrive with dogs. “They get so excited!”

Follow in Famous Footsteps

Feet and paws can beat a quirky path to the Celebrity Walk of Fame, a short diversion with the cement prints of everyone from Bill Gates to Sesame Street's Bert and Ernie. Made famous after the release of the film Fargo, the walk is located by the Fargo-Moorehead Convention and Visitors Bureau, where dogs are welcome inside.

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