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Overview
McKenzie County is located in the state of North Dakota, USA. It is situated in the western part of the state and is known for its vast open spaces, scenic beauty, and rich history. The county is primarily rural with a thriving agricultural community and several small towns.
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When to visit
The best time to visit McKenzie County is during the summer months from June to August when the weather is pleasant and conducive to outdoor activities. Spring and fall can also be great times to visit, especially for enjoying the changing colors of the badlands and taking in the peaceful atmosphere of the countryside.
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Reasons to Visit
McKenzie County offers a range of attractions and activities for visitors to enjoy. One of the main reasons to visit is its stunning natural beauty, with rolling prairies, picturesque badlands, and the majestic Missouri River. Outdoor enthusiasts can indulge in hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife watching in the county's numerous parks and recreational areas. The area also has excellent opportunities for hunting and birding. Another reason to visit McKenzie County is its rich history, with several museums and historic sites that showcase the area's Native American heritage and pioneering past. The county is also home to an annual rodeo and county fair, which are popular events for both locals and visitors.
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Nearby Attractions
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Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Theodore Roosevelt National Park is a must-visit attraction in McKenzie County. This expansive park is named after the 26th President of the United States, who had a deep appreciation for the area's natural beauty. The park offers scenic drives, hiking trails, and opportunities to spot wildlife such as bison, elk, deer, and prairie dogs.
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Maah Daah Hey Trail
The Maah Daah Hey Trail is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers. This 144-mile long trail winds through the badlands of McKenzie County, offering breathtaking views and challenging terrain for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding.
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Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site
Located near the confluence of the Yellowstone and Missouri Rivers, the Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site provides a glimpse into the region's fur trade era. Visitors can explore reconstructed trading posts, learn about Native American cultures, and attend interpretive programs and events.
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Hotels
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Comfort Inn & Suites
- Make yourself at home in one of the 89 air-conditioned rooms featuring microwaves. Complimentary wireless internet access is available to keep you connected. Conveniences include coffee/tea makers and Next available price is 84.82 on Sept. 18, 2025.
Comfort Inn & Suites
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Inn at Hunters Run
- Make yourself at home in one of the 90 air-conditioned rooms featuring kitchenettes with refrigerators and stovetops. Flat-screen televisions with cable programming provide entertainment, while compli Next available price is on .
Inn at Hunters Run
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MainStay Suites Watford City - Event Center
- Make yourself at home in one of the 89 air-conditioned rooms featuring kitchens with full-sized refrigerators/freezers and stovetops. LCD televisions with cable programming provide entertainment, whil Next available price is 113.05 on Sept. 18, 2025.
MainStay Suites Watford City - Event Center
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Mountain Ridge
- Make yourself at home in one of the 22 guestrooms, featuring kitchens with full-sized refrigerators/freezers and stovetops. Your bed comes with premium bedding, and all rooms are furnished with sofa b Next available price is on .
Mountain Ridge
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Target Hospitality-Watford City Lodge
- Make yourself at home in one of the 334 air-conditioned rooms featuring DVD players and flat-screen televisions. Your Select Comfort bed comes with premium bedding. Complimentary wireless internet acc Next available price is on .
Target Hospitality-Watford City Lodge