6 Cool Things You Didn’t Know About North Dakota
From cactuses to an enchanted highway, explore the Peace Garden State’s hidden gems.
Those who don’t live in North Dakota often associate the Peace Garden State with being cold, blizzard-like and remote. And while one of its four seasons does come with snow and chilly temperatures, North Dakota is a fun, vibrant state that’s flush with adventure – you just have to ignore the misconceptions and come see for yourself.
“When I lived out of state and people found out I was from North Dakota, first of all, they’d ask, ‘Do you guys have electricity?’” says Anna Nelson, president of the Williston Area Chamber of Commerce. “Which is funny because not only do we have electricity, but we power theirs. I’ve also been asked if I lived in an igloo, so there are definitely some common misconceptions.”
To kickstart your exploration, check out these six cool things you didn’t know about North Dakota.
In This Article
1. Be in two places at once in North Dakota.
The International Peace Garden straddles the North Dakota-Manitoba border in the Turtle Mountains, allowing you to set foot in the U.S. and Canada at the same time. Dedicated in 1932, the International Peace Garden spans 2,400+ acres, offering forests, trails, lakes and gardens.
Surprisingly, it houses the Vitko Collection, one of the world’s largest and most diverse collections of cactuses and succulents. The collection includes 5,000+ species from all over the world, many of which are rare and endangered.
“Cactuses in the middle of the North Dakota and Canadian border – who would have thought?” Nelson says. “It’s a really cool sight to see.”
2. Visit the North Dakota city where Teddy Roosevelt found healing.
Though a tiny city with just over 100 residents, Medora has a big heart and welcomes thousands of visitors each year.
Theodore Roosevelt visited Medora in 1883 and fell in love with the Badlands. After losing his wife and mother just hours apart in 1884, he returned to the area to reflect and heal. During this visit, he established the Elkhorn Ranch, which he referred to as his home ranch.
Theodore Roosevelt famously said, “I never would have been president if it had not been for my experiences in North Dakota.”
Today, the area honors his legacy. Medora is home to the South Unit entrance to Theodore Roosevelt National Park, the only national park named after a person.
From hiking and biking to camping and visiting the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame, Medora offers something for everyone. And if you’re here during the summer, you can’t miss the Medora Musical, a country music revue held at Burning Hills Amphitheater.
3. See where the buffalo roam in North Dakota.
Jamestown is well known for its buffalo. Catch a live herd from the viewing area located at the back of the National Buffalo Museum or take a picture with the world’s largest buffalo monument found at the end of Louis L’Amour Lane. On display within the museum is White Cloud, a rare (one in 10 million) albino buffalo, who lived in Jamestown and died in 2016. While buffalo are a big draw, the area also offers plenty of family-friendly fun, from shopping and parks to scenic drives and delicious dining options.
4. Drive the Enchanted Highway in North Dakota.
Located off I-94 at Exit 72, the Enchanted Highway is a 32-mile stretch that features seven large scrap metal sculptures. The first sculpture, “Geese in Flight” holds a world record for being the largest scrap metal sculpture. While this 110-foot-tall, 154-foot-wide sculpture can only be viewed from the interstate, the other six sculptures include parking areas to get a closer look.
Along the highway, which starts near Gladstone and ends in Regent, enjoy views of “Grasshoppers in the Field,” “Theodore Roosevelt Rides Again” and “World’s Largest Tin Family,” among others. Once you make it to Regent, check out miniature statues in the gift shop or stay the night at the Enchanted Castle for a truly magical experience.
5. Snag a paddlefish in North Dakota.
Anglers travel from all over the U.S. for paddlefish season every May. The area near the confluence of the Missouri and Yellowstone rivers resembles an outdoor festival during this time – think campers, coolers, grills and tents scattered about. To give more people a chance to snag a more than 100-pound paddlefish, only one tag is granted per individual.
“It becomes a little village out there with people camping,” Nelson says. “And with the harvest limit, sometimes they’re done in a couple days, sometimes it lasts a whole week. It’s fascinating.”
6. Enjoy history and pretty scenery in North Dakota.
Beauty and charm can be found everywhere in North Dakota. Immerse yourself in rich histories at historic sites like Fort Union or Fort Buford in Williston and admire the gorgeous scenery at Lake Sakakawea in central and western North Dakota or Little Missouri National Grassland in western North Dakota.
“There’s some beauty in those prairielands,” Nelson says. “When the canola and flax fields are together, they bloom beautiful bright yellow and periwinkle blue against the endless blue sky. We can see our sunsets for miles.”
This article was sponsored by the North Dakota Department of Commerce.