Dinosaurs and culture in Dickinson, North Dakota

When you think of North Dakota, you might not immediately think of dinosaurs. But paleontologists have found a wealth of fossils in North Dakota's rich soil. At the

Dakota Dinosaur Museum

in Dickinson, you can examine dozens of full scale skeletal casts and thousands of fossils of these extinct beasts. Admission is $7, and the museum is open from May 1 through Labor Day.

If you've ever wondered what it's like to actually be a paleontologist, the

Pioneer Trails Regional Museum

(in nearby Bowman) lets you do just that. For $100 ($75 for students) you can spend the day digging for fossils in the rugged, rocky terrain. Pre-registration is required, and the day tours operate from May through August. Remember to bring sunscreen and lots of curiosity.

The

Oasis Inn

sits in the heart of Dickinson, and offers spacious rooms starting at just $51. Breakfast is included, and they even give you a complimentary bicycle for the duration of your stay.

North Dakota has a thriving Ukrainian community, and every year the

North Dakota Ukrainian Festival

is held in Dickinson. From July 18 through 20, you can experience Ukrainian art, music, history, culture, food, and dance. Concerts are $8, and the buffet is $10.

For more planning tips, go to the

Dickinson Convention & Visitors Bureau website

.

Read more of the

50 Affordable Stateside Escapes

.

Have a recommendation for Dickinson, or another great getaway in North Dakota? Post your comment below.