Buffalo River State Park, Minnesota

If you find yourself needing to visit Fargo, North Dakota (maybe you’re driving with Steve Buscemi?), skip the motels and head to Buffalo River State Park. One of Minnesota’s largest and most flourishing prairie ecosystems thrives here, where 250 secies of wildflowers blanket the sprawling grasslands and you can fall asleep to the most peaceful sounds of dozens of native songbirds. Just a quick drive from Fargo, it’s a great spot for a weekend away from the city life—you can catch some excellent swimming in the river, hiking the dense woods, or picnicking.