Major city · United States
Dickinson
Use Dickinson as a 1‑night Badlands gateway; fly in, see Theodore Roosevelt National Park, return same day or stay one night.
Dickinson is a small western North Dakota town that serves as the main entry point to the Badlands and Theodore Roosevelt National Park. The town has limited attractions itself, so most visitors spend a night here to access the park and return the next day. One to two days is enough.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- May–Sep
- avoid Nov–Mar (cold, snow may close roads)
- Airport
- DIK
- Nights
- 1–2
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Dickinson911 ▾
- Police/Fire/Ambulance911
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Dickinson, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).United States-wide
- SIM or eSIMAT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their stores and Walmart/Target (passport required), or an eSIM before you fly.United States-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable nearly everywhere; boil or treat water from streams in parks.United States-wide
- TippingSit-down restaurant: 18–22% of the pre-tax bill.United States-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United States-wide
- SafetyDickinson has low violent‑crime rates; keep an eye on personal belongings in public areas and watch road conditions in winter.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets are scarce in big cities; use cafés, department stores, libraries, stations.United States-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police/fire/ambulance
- Sundays & holidaysFederal holidays close offices, banks and post offices; national parks stay open.United States-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportcheckDIK Dickinson Theodore Roosevelt Regional Airport (United Express nonstop to Denver (check schedule).).
- Getting aroundCar is essential; rent at the airport (Dollar, U‑Save) or local taxis (Dakota Cab).
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee$2–$4
- BeerBeer (draft)$4–$6
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi (5 km (3.1 mi))Taxi (3.1 mi (5 km))$15–$20
- Museum or sight ticketTheodore Roosevelt NP entrycheck$25
A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$50 · Mid US$90 · High US$130
Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- DIK Dickinson Theodore Roosevelt Regional Airport (United Express nonstop to Denver (check schedule).)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C)
Feb
Avoid
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
Mar
Avoid
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
Apr
not flagged
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
May
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Jun
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Jul
Best
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Aug
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Sep
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Oct
not flagged
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Nov
Avoid
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
Dec
Avoid
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
Best: May–Sep. Avoid: Nov–Mar. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)), coolest Jan (−15°C (5°F)5°F (−15°C) low), wettest Apr (7 rain days), driest Jul (4). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Dickinson: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
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Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C)
−15°C (5°F)5°F (−15°C)
5 rd
Feb
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
−13°C (9°F)9°F (−13°C)
5 rd
Mar
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
−6°C (21°F)21°F (−6°C)
6 rd
Apr
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
7 rd
May
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
6 rd
Jun
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
5 rd
Jul
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
4 rd
Aug
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
5 rd
Sep
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
6 rd
Oct
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
7 rd
Nov
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
−5°C (23°F)23°F (−5°C)
6 rd
Dec
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
−12°C (10°F)10°F (−12°C)
5 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Car is essential; rent at the airport (Dollar, U‑Save) or local taxis (Dakota Cab). No public transit.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Theodore Roosevelt National Park (North Unit)
goDoor to door: ≈1 h total
Rent a car, drive 30 km (19 mi) west on ND‑11 (≈30 min).Rent a car, drive 19 mi (30 km) west on ND‑11 (≈30 min).
Main visitor centre, scenic loop, wildlife spotting.
Badlands (South Unit) via Medora, ND
cautionDoor to door: ≈2 h total
Drive 120 km (75 mi) south on I‑94 then US‑85 (≈1 h 45 min).Drive 75 mi (120 km) south on I‑94 then US‑85 (≈1 h 45 min).
Longer drive; consider staying in Medora if you want more time.
Pioneer Machinery Building (Museum Center)
goDoor to door: 5 min
Walk 5 min from downtown.
Free entry, local history.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites
Central Dickinson, good for park trips.
Roosevelt Grand Dakota, SureStay Collection
Close to I‑94, mid‑range price.
Nodak Motel
Budget option, $55/night.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- $50–$80 excl. bed
- Mid
- $80–$120 excl. bed
- High
- $120+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Mid‑range hotel1 × 1 night × US$140 | US$140 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × US$90 | US$180 |
| Car rental (economy, 2 days)2 × US$120 · check | US$240 |
| Theodore Roosevelt NP entry fee2 × US$25 · check | US$50 |
| eSIM (7 days data)2 × US$30 · check | US$60 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | US$67 |
| Trip total≈ US$369 per person per day, bed included | US$737 |
2026 estimate in USD; flights, car‑rental and park fees excluded.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | $2–$4 |
| Burger meal | $8–$12 |
| Beer (draft) | $4–$6 |
| Taxi (5 km) | $15–$20 |
| Gas (1 gal) | $3.50–$4.00 |
| Theodore Roosevelt NP entrycheck | $25 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Winter storms can close I‑94; check road conditions.
- Public transport does not exist; plan a rental or shuttle.
- Airport flights are limited; verify United Express schedule.
Emergency numbers
- Police/Fire/Ambulance
- 911
Pocket card
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DickinsonDickinson
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police/Fire/Ambulance911
Embassy
US consulates are in Bismarck (ND) and Fargo (ND).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- DIK → Dickinson downtown (taxi): ≈ $15–$20 (check)
- Car rental (economy, 1 day): $60 (check)
Say or show
- Excuse me / Sorry — Excuse me / Sorry
- Thank you — Thank you
- How much is it? — How much is it?
- Where is the restroom? — Where is the restroom?
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Dickinson. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Sep · avoid Nov–Mar (cold, snow may close roads) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 3 day-trips, door to door
- 3 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Add car‑rental package to DIK airport.
- Include park‑entry pass for Theodore Roosevelt NP.
- Create a 1‑night itinerary with lodging and dinner at Camp On The Heart.
Sources
- officialDickinson official site
- officialDickinson Airport
- fieldWikidata – Dickinson
- secondaryWikivoyage: Dickinson, revision 5237412 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Ask about Dickinson
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