Tag Archive for: north dakota
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.
As the air begins to cool and acres of colorful leaves blanket the valleys, rivers and lakes, autumn is a magical time to visit North Dakota. In addition to the picturesque colors, visitors are invited to explore the scenic landscapes, breathtaking outdoor adventures and enchanting fall festivals.
With thousands of miles of trails to explore, you can stroll or pedal along the recreational paced routes or turn it up a notch and climb the steep grades in the Badlands on the Maah Daah Hey Trail. There are also 63 national wildlife refuges, each with unique opportunities for wildlife observation on interpretive foot trails.
Open roads, pristine backdrops, wildlife and waterways in their most natural environments, and one-of-a-kind cultural and historic attractions are all found along North Dakota’s scenic byways and backways. Step out and explore the wonders that beckon from each route.
Attend lively fall festivals and events such as Norsk Høstfest, the largest celebration of Scandinavian culture in the United States, or experience the many pumpkin patches, corn mazes and haunted good times.
There are endless opportunities to explore and experience the extraordinary. See for yourself why North Dakota is a destination where you can truly Be Legendary!
Fall brings festivals, corn mazes, pumpkin patches and good times to North Dakota. Photo courtesy of North Dakota Tourism
For more information on North Dakota, visit NDTourism.com.
While there’s never a bad time to visit Fargo, we realize there are preferred times to come this far north. But even during the slower (and colder) times, there are lots of good activities and events to participate in.
There are multiple passport programs in Fargo. The first is the Crafts and Drafts Passport; this free digital passport goes straight to your mobile device so you can visit any of the 13 breweries with ease.
The Caffeine Card will get you to some off-the-beaten-path coffee stops to try their take on your favorite caffeinated drinks. Finally, grab an Adventure Passport to point you to local attractions like the Hjemkomst Center and Bonanzaville. Each of these can be redeemed at the Fargo-Moorhead Visitors Center for prizes for the perfect beer, coffee or culture-buff traveler in you.
If you’re visiting in the winter in Fargo, dress for the temperatures and get outdoors. Broadway Square comes alive with ice skating and twinkly lights with ice skate rentals available. At Edgewood and Viking Ship Park, cross country ski and snowshoe rentals are available to get on the wooded trails along the river.
Bundle up and enjoy Fargo’s outdoors with ice skating, cross country skiing and snowshoeing in and around town. Photo courtesy of Visit Fargo-Moorhead
For more information on Fargo-Moorhead, visit www.VisitFargoMoorhead.org.
North Dakota offers many opportunities for a close-up look at the state’s beauty and diversity. Outdoor activities like hiking, biking, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, horseback riding and assorted educational opportunities provide fun and memorable ways to explore and take in the stunning scenery in the majestic Badlands and Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
Take a scenic drive and get back to nature. Open roads, gorgeous scenery, wildlife, waterways in their most natural environments and one-of-a-kind cultural and historic attractions are all found along North Dakota’s scenic byways and backways. Visitors are encouraged to get out and explore the wonders that beckon from each route. By car, motorcycle or even bicycle, these designated routes are your key to the state’s best vistas and experiences.
Surging waters carved the Pembina Gorge out of soft marine shales, creating one of the deepest, steepest and unaltered river valleys in North Dakota, as well as the largest uninterrupted blocks of woodlands. At least 65 different natural diversity features have been documented here, including 30 plant species and 21 animal species, which are categorized as “rare” in the state.
Open roads, gorgeous scenery, wildlife, waterways in their most natural environments and one-of-a-kind cultural and historic attractions are all found along North Dakota’s scenic byways and backways. Photo courtesy of North Dakota Tourism
For more information on North Dakota, visit NDTourism.com.
Cow Mural: Created by local artist @lesleydidthat, this mural is the perfect backdrop to show pride for North Dakota’s agricultural roots.
Broadway Square: No matter the season, Broadway Square is a gorgeous backdrop for photos. The city’s Christmas tree can be found here in the winter, as well as water spouts that are beautifully lit up during summer evenings.
Lights Tunnel: During winter festival Frostival, Mary’s Light Tunnel is a gorgeous space for a picturesque walk. The tunnel goes right along the Red River and is perfect for snowshoeing, hiking or cross-country skiing.
Lindenwood Park Bridge & Red River: This lift bridge crosses over the Red River and brings you from North Dakota into Minnesota. It’s a great place for a fun photo while you are in two states at once. Or hop on a kayak on the river for a different view.
Fargo Theatre Marquee: The most iconic spot in Downtown Fargo, the Fargo Theatre has fantastic performances and movie showings but also makes for a great photo op.
Created by local artist @lesleydidthat, this mural is the perfect backdrop to show pride for North Dakota’s agricultural roots. Photo courtesy of @mkennajoe
For more information on Fargo-Moorhead, visit www.VisitFargoMoorhead.org.
On the culinary and entertainment spectrum, North Dakota leaves no point untouched! Microbreweries are getting more and more popular around the country, and North Dakota is no exception. At Drekker Brewing in Fargo, they believe in creating community, experiences and good times with brewery tours, live music, craft fairs, movie nights and more. Try a flight – with so many “Best of Craft Beer Awards,” you’re sure to find your new favorite brew.
At the Pitchfork Steak Fondue in Medora, chefs load up pitchforks with 12-ounce steaks and fondue them Western-style. These delicious steaks come with your favorite sides served buffet-style, and your favorite drinks await at the Tjaden Terrace Bar. Enjoy the unbelievable views of the Badlands and the can’t-miss Medora Musical performed just steps away in the Burning Hills Amphitheatre.
Ebeneezer’s Eatery & Irish Pub in Minot has been serving authentic Irish cuisine for over 20 years with live music six times a week. Enjoy hearty breakfasts, sandwiches, drinks and more. A few of their signature dishes include Bangers & Mash, Shepherd’s Pie and Big Bob’s Breaded Fish & Chips, a local favorite.
Chefs load up pitchforks with steaks and cook them Western-style at the Pitchfork Steak Fondue in Medora. CREDIT North Dakota Tourism
For more information on North Dakota, visit NDTourism.com.
