For most people who don’t actually live in North Dakota, the state is probably known only from the iconic movie “Fargo.” For others it may well be most well-known for its current oil boom.
Unfortunately, neither image is likely to entice visitors to a state that offers some beautiful natural areas (particularly in and around Theodore Roosevelt National Park, interesting small towns, and a great urban experience in Fargo.
Eastern North Dakota
The far eastern part of the state is defined by the Red River Valley (famous for being flat and ideal for growing sugar beets) and the northward-flowing Red River (famous for its spring floods) that mark the border between North Dakota and Minnesota to the east. This area is also home to two of the state’s largest cities, both of which are home to major colleges and/or universities.
Fargo (and Moorhead, Minnesota)
Fargo is the largest city in North Dakota. In combination with neighboring Moorhead, Minnesota, it is the educational and cultural capital of the region. The city is home to three four-year colleges; arts, music, and theater groups; museums (including the Plains Art Museum and the Hjemkomst Center); funky shops; out-door activities (including miles of biking along the Red River); historical sites; and a wide variety of excellent restaurants and bars.
Exploring the Fargo-Moorhead area
Grand Forks
Historically an important business and trading center and home to the sprawling the University of North Dakota, Grand Forks is the third largest city in the state. Despite a devastating flood and fire, the city retains a small historic core of buildings far grander than is expected in a city of this size. While there aren’t a lot of activities for visitors, it’s worth driving through the sprawl that fills the space between the freeway and downtown to get a feel for what this city might have been like early in the 20th century.
- Evening in East Grand Forks (2007)
Southeastern North Dakota
To the south of Valley City, we spent a pleasant long weekend in Fort Ransom, a very small town along the Sheyenne River south of Valley City. To the east, the larger city of Lisbon would also make a good base for exploring the area.
Ransom County and Around
- Nearly Closed Roads, Ransom County
- Fort Ransom (the fort), Ransom County
- Trees in Fort Ransom State Park, Ransom County
Western North Dakota
The western half of the state includes the capitol, as well as the rugged landscapes beloved by President Teddy Roosevelt.
