North Dakota?

Question

The only state I've never traveled through is North Dakota. Is that common or uncommon? I'd like to go there, but it seems out of the way. What's a good reason to go there?

Answer 1

I recently moved here from Los Angeles, so let me give you my perspective.

Like any other travel destination, it depends upon what you're after. If you want to chill, hunt, ride trails and hike this could be the place for you. If you're from a major city and expect to find entertainment, museums and fine dining, you'll be disappointed.

One thing you'll note is that everyone is very friendly and well mannered. You won't encounter traffic of any kind unless there's an accident on the interstate. Teddy Roosevelt National Park is nice. They have walking trails through Prairie Dog Towns, and it's interesting to see them close up and in action. The north unit is less crowded than the south unit. There's a town in the area called Medora, and they have a musical that runs through the summer season. Dakotans are also big on hunting, and my husband's home town, Grassy Butte, seems to be a favored destination. There are ranchers who've built cabins on their land, which are pretty nice.

We live in Bismarck, the state capitol. There are some nicer restaurants opening in the area but most of the restaurants are family oriented and meat and potatoes kind of food. I'd recommend Famous Dave's for bar-be-cue (I was surprised at how good it was); you should also keep in mind that there are smoking and non-smoking areas and smoking in the bars. There's no smoking in any public place in CA, so it's taken a moment to get used to it again.

I'd say complete your trek through the U. S. and visit ND. If you live a high octane life and need to relax "cold turkey," this is definitely the place.

Answer 2

I am from Fargo, ND and it breaks my heart everytime someone stomps on my poor state or portrays the residents as hicks or "country".
While ND my lack the lure of big cites, it certainly does have its charms, and is definitely worth a visit. If you do go though, visit either Fargo or the far western side of the state, where the badlands and Roosevelt national park are located.
I now am in college in Tennessee at Vanderbilt, and being away has made me more aware of how cool my state really was.
Plus, you have visited all the other states, so check ND out! You might actually *gasp* enjoy it!
Also, living in Fargo has taught me that the movie is nothing like life in Fargo. Fargo has a metro area of over 120,000... so it is definitely not a tiny cow town.

Answer 3

My brother lived in South Dakota for most of his life, but he never visited North Dakota. I asked him why, and his reply was "I never had to."

Many people bypass North Dakota and go through South Dakota to see the Black Hills or go through Manitoba and Saskatchewan on their way to the the Canadian Rockies.

North Dakota has many fine attractions well worth seeing.

Answer 4

Don't bother going to North Dakota unless you HAVE to have all 50 states under your belt. I lived in South Dakota for 3 LONG years, so have first hand experience.

If you are considering making the trek to North Dakota anyways, rent the movie "Fargo" first. In addition to being a hoot---it represents the state VERY well. The scene where they go to dig up the loot in the middle of nowhere is an accurate representation of the countryside.\

Oh--and if you would like to enjoy a glass of Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc or even Pinot Grigio while there, do be sure to bring your own! If you order a glass of "white wine" at a bar or restaurant, they will bring you a glass of something pink that does not pass the shudder test!

"Windsor Coke" seems to be the state drink

Answer 5

Two things I can think of are the International Peace Gardens on the US / Canadian border. There are some other randomly interesting things like Hostfest, which is the largest Scandinavian festival in North America

Answer 6

That is very common, most school kids think North Dakota is a myth. My kids were surprised to learn that is where Lewis and Clark spent most of their time. I think it would be cool to do a major road trip & trace their route. It would be educational and a challenge.

Answer 7

Um I don't think most people pick here as a vacation spot.. so that would probably be common I guess? Well, lets see... we have the World's largest Holstein cow in New Salem...lol But seriously.. theres a lot of historic sites with Lewis and Clark, Indian Villages, they're kinda interesting to see I guess. Contrary to popular belief we do have plumbing so you don't need to worry about that :). Its peaceful here... thats why I like it.

Answer 8

a good reason is that like i've benn there and i had a awsome time dude! And anyways you traveled through every other state

Answer 9

why would you ask that!JUST GO THERE.GOD,DO WE NEED A PRAYER,OR SOMETHIN!?