Tag Archive for: north dakota
January 6, 2024, marks the 105th anniversary of Theodore Roosevelt’s passing, a significant milestone in not just North Dakota’s history, but the whole nation’s. His robust conservation efforts, visionary policies and impact on the United States’ political landscapes are immeasurable and memorialized throughout North Dakota through Theodore Roosevelt National Park, Medora, and the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library, set to open in 2026.
In a different historical vein, 220 years ago in October 2024, explorers Lewis and Clark first stepped foot in North Dakota. Their journey took root in Fort Mandan, which you can still explore today. Here, they encountered the awe-inspiring beauty of the Missouri River, worked with local tribes and first met Sakakawea, who would become their guide. This exploration paved the way for westward expansion and shaped the course of American history.
2024 also marks the 120th anniversary of the White Horse Hill National Game Preserve. Today, this refuge continues to protect the natural habitat and wildlife of North Dakota, serving as a testament to the importance of conservation in preserving the state’s biodiversity and ecosystems. Here you can see bison, elk and beautiful overlooks of the area, including the nearby Devils Lake.
October 2024 will mark 220 years since explorers Lewis and Clark first stepped foot in North Dakota. This exploration paved the way for westward expansion and shaped the course of American history. Photo courtesy of North Dakota Tourism
For more information on North Dakota, visit NDTourism.com.
Mark your calendar for the 20th Anniversary of America’s Best Small-Town Race, bringing that charming Midwest spirit to life from May 28-June 1, 2024. This week-long celebration is anything but small, featuring 50-plus live bands and an entire city rallying to keep spirits soaring.
With a lineup of seven thrilling events, including the full and half-marathon, a Friday Night 5K, the Furgo Dog Run (woof-da) and the Cyclothon, there’s something for everyone. Cap it all off with our unforgettable 27th-mile Race Party, offering music, delicious food, cold beer and endless fun. Don’t forget, our marathon course is USATF-certified and an official Boston Marathon qualifier, ensuring you have the chance to reach new heights in your running journey.
Join us for this extraordinary 20th anniversary celebration and experience the North of Normal vibe of America’s Best Small-Town Race.
The 20th anniversary of America’s Best Small-Town Race brings a week-long celebration packed full of runs, music, delicious food and cold beer. Photo courtesy of Visit Fargo-Moorhead
For more information on Fargo-Moorhead, visit www.VisitFargoMoorhead.org.
Tucked away next to the Missouri River in northeastern North Dakota, the tranquil plains of the 1800s became home for the most iconic trading posts in the West. Fort Union Trading Post was a vital location for seven different Northern Plains Tribes and Westerners. Strategically situated at the confluence of the Missouri and Yellowstone rivers, Fort Union became a crucial hub for commerce and cultural exchange.
Trappers and traders from various backgrounds converged here, exchanging furs, goods and stories. The fort was renowned for its diverse workforce, with individuals from numerous ethnicities and cultures working side by side. Written records describe relations there as a “bastion of peaceful coexistence” where over 25,000 buffalo robes and $100,000 in merchandise traded hands. (That’s over $2.6 billion in present day standards.) Today, you can relive this activity with living history interpretations including blacksmithing, weaving and even teepee-building. Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site stands as a well-preserved reminder of the pivotal role played by trading posts in shaping the history of the American West.
Strategically situated at the confluence of the Missouri and Yellowstone rivers, Fort Union was a crucial hub for commerce and cultural exchange in the 1800s. Photo courtesy of North Dakota Tourism
For more information on North Dakota, visit NDTourism.com.
Less than 10,000 years ago, Fargo-Moorhead was 200 feet below the surface of Lake Agassiz, a vast inland sea formed at the end of the last ice age. Over centuries, the waters receded, leaving 2 meters of rich, black soil that today makes the Red River Valley one of the world’s most fertile farmlands, with Fargo and Moorhead as its center.
It may not have long ski runs or tall summits, but Fargo’s wide-open sky and flat prairie surroundings still make for some great outdoor adventures. You can kayak or fish on the Red River, or cross-country ski, golf, ice skate, bike, mountain bike or just hang out in one of Fargo’s many parks.
Dive into the history of the area by stopping by Bonanzaville USA. A history complex in West Fargo, the Cass County Historical Society Museum is made up of 40 buildings on 12 acres. Many of the buildings are historic structures from the region and have their own story. Explore the history of the Red River Valley, from Native Americans to the modernization of America.
The Cass County Historical Society Museum is made up of 40 historic buildings on 12 acres in West Fargo. Photo courtesy of Fargo-Moorhead CVB
For more information on Fargo-Moorhead, visit www.VisitFargoMoorhead.org.
Some stories are too good for the big screen. They’re for the history books.
One icy morning, a ranch hand ran to the Billings County Sheriff claiming a boat had been stolen, a severed rope and a red mitten as proof. The idea of pursuing armed and dangerous thieves on a flooded and ice-filled river was a life-threatening task. However, this sheriff lived for rugged adventures. His name was Theodore Roosevelt.
In the 1888 book “Ranch Life and the Hunting Trail,” he recounts the tale of battling the Missouri River through rolling clay buttes and zero-degree weather. When they approached the camp, Roosevelt wrote, “For a moment, we felt a thrill of keen excitement and our veins tingled as we crept cautiously toward the fire.” Using the element of surprise, all three thieves were apprehended. The trip took 36 hours and 300 miles – all for a replaceable boat – and was only made possible with Roosevelt’s undying sense of justice and need for adventure.
Stories like these tested his resolve, and are part of the reason he said, “I would not have been president if it had not been for my experience in North Dakota.” Today, you can visit the area where this happened at the Elkhorn Ranch in Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
Former U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt once said, “I would not have been president if it had not been for my experience in North Dakota.” Today, you can visit his namesake national park in the state. Photo courtesy of the Library of Congress
For more information on North Dakota, visit NDTourism.com.
Fargo was absolutely put on the map by the 1996 namesake film “Fargo,” written and directed by the Coen Brothers. The dark comedy movie depicted a frozen tundra with a hilariously unprepared police department trying to solve a crime.
The “Fargo” woodchipper scene goes down as one of the most infamous murder scenes in cult classic cinema history. Although the film wasn’t actually shot in Fargo (you’ll notice it looks nothing like the movie), you can still visit this original movie prop (and its stunt double) at the Fargo-Moorhead Visitors Center.
You can still visit the infamous woodchipper of cult-movie fame in Fargo, North Dakota. Photo courtesy of Visit Fargo-Moorhead
For more information on Fargo-Moorhead, visit www.VisitFargoMoorhead.org.
North Dakota is home to several unique and beautifully entertaining events. The state’s largest event, the North Dakota State Fair, takes place July 21-29, 2023, and hosts over 300,000 people from across the U.S. and Canada. Fairgoers will enjoy food, rides, concerts, shopping and North Dakota culture on display. 4-H and FFA fill the center and livestock barns with exhibits and livestock, and commercial vendors showcase the hottest products out today. There are various daily events and free stage entertainment, and the 2023 Grandstand line-up includes Eric Church, Whiskey Myers, Jelly Roll and Five Finger Death Punch.
The United Tribes Technical College International Powwow takes place September 8-10, 2023, and is one of the top celebrations showcasing “champion” dancers and drums from across the U.S. and Canada competing for top honors.
Powwows are a celebration of life within Native American culture, beautiful events involving many different colors, styles, dances and songs. The celebrations often have religious significance, but are also a time for people to gather, sing, dance, feast, pray, renew old friendships and make new ones. These celebrations are still an important part of life for many Native Americans.
The United Tribes Technical College International Powwow takes place September 8-10, 2023, and is one of the top celebrations showcasing “champion” dancers and drums from across the U.S. and Canada competing for top honors. Photo courtesy of North Dakota Tourism
For more information on North Dakota, visit NDTourism.com.
There’s always a lot to do in Fargo-Moorhead. See some of our favorites below:
- Celebrate Midwest culture and sample hotdish from the best restaurants in town at the Fargo Hotdish Festival on February 5 at Drekker.
- Prepare for the 13th Annual Unglued Craft Fest March 10-11 at West Acres Mall.
- “America’s Best Small-Town Race” is back and bringing that sweet Midwestern charm for a week-long celebration of running at the Essentia Health Fargo Marathon, May 15-20. Don’t be fooled – there’s nothing small about it.
- Celebrate North Dakota and all our state offers on 701 Day, July 1, in Broadway Square! This event showcases the many reasons we are proud to be in the 701.
- Join us for the “10 Best Days of Summer” at the Red River Valley Fair! The family fun runs July 7-16.
- Every year, the Downtown Fargo Street Fair welcomes hundreds of vendors and over 150,000 visitors over three days. Full of food, shopping, entertainment and more! Join us in beautiful downtown Fargo July 13-15 to stroll the streets, browse vendors from all over the country, eat food from every region, and taste local wines and beers, all while enjoying music and entertainment.
The Red River Valley Fair is known as the “10 Best Days of Summer” in Fargo. You won’t want to miss it! Photo courtesy of Visit Fargo-Moorhead
For more information on Fargo-Moorhead, visit www.VisitFargoMoorhead.org.
