North Dakota
From Imakoopedia
North Dakota is a state in the Great Plains of the United States. It's bordered on the west by Montana, on the east by Minnesota, and on the north by the Canadian provinces of Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
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Cities
- Fargo - North Dakota's metropolis.
- Bismarck - State Capital and growing every day.
- Grand Forks - A College town atmosphere.
- Minot - The Magic City, the primary city in northwest North Dakota.
- Dickinson - The crown of the Southwest, gateway to the Badlands.
- Williston - The biggest city on the upper Missouri.
- Jamestown - The Buffalo City, pride of the Prairie.
- Devils Lake - The heart of North Dakota lake country.
Understand
North Dakota is a large, sparsely populated state. It was settled mainly by farmers of Scandinavian and German descent. North Dakota's population has scarcely changed since 1915, but its urban-to-rural ratio has changed dramatically over the years. One-sixth of the people in the state live in Fargo, and that figure is growing all the time.
North Dakota is the least-visited state in the union, not surprising given its location. But there is something to be found for those willing to venture into the unknown.
Get In
By air
Scheduled airline service is available in Bismarck, Devils Lake, Dickinson, Fargo, Grand Forks, Jamestown, Minot, and Williston.
Northwest Airlines (http://www.nwa.com/) offers daily flights to all destinations except Dickinson.
United Express (http://www.united.com) serves Williston, Dickinson, Bismarck, and Fargo.
By car
Interstate 94 runs east-west through the southern side of the state. Interstate 29 runs north-south on the eastern edge of the state.
US Highway 2 runs east-west through the northern side of the state. US Highways 85, 83, 281, and 81 run north-south through the state. US Highway 52 runs northwest-southeast through the state.
For those of you arriving from Canada, 24-hour customs stations are available at SK 39 (US 52) in Portal, MB 10 (US 281) at the Peace Gardens, and MB 75 (I-29) near Pembina.
By train
Amtrak (http://www.amtrak.com/)'s Empire Builder line serves Fargo, Grand Forks, Devils Lake, Rugby, Minot, Stanley, and Williston.
See
- The Geographical Center of North America in Rugby.
- Theodore Roosevelt National Park, in two units near Dickinson and Watford City, and the Little Missouri National Grasslands between them.
- The KVLY-TV tower near Blanchard, the tallest man-made structure on Earth at 629 meters.
- The International Peace Garden, a 930 hectare park located on the Manitoba border. Simply gorgeous in the summer.
- The State Capitol grounds in Bismarck, which feature the 28 story Capitol, the State Historical Society Museum, and plenty of open park.
Do
Scenic Drives
Turtle Mountains
Route:
- State Highway 5 between US 83 and Dunseith
- US 281 from Dunseith to the Peace Gardens
The Turtle Mountains are located along the border with Canada, in the central part of the state. It is one of only a few naturally forested places in the state, and provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities and just taking in the scenery.
From Minot, take US 83 to State Highway 5 near Westhope, go East to Dunseith, then turn North on US 281 towards the border. The scenery continues well past it but you'll want to stop at the Peace Garden for sure. Crossing the border, you'll be on Provincial Highway 10, which continues to Brandon and the Trans-Canada Highway.
Notable places along the way:
- Bottineau
- Dunseith
- International Peace Garden (http://www.peacegarden.com/)
The Badlands
Route:
The Badlands are located in the southwest portion of the state. The area is dry today, but in the past, rivers carved out stunning rock features that stand today. It must truly be seen to be believed.
The area is sparsely populated and in the summer months gets extremely hot. Fill up your gas tank, check your coolant levels, and pack plenty of water for yourself. I'd also recommend starting in Dickinson rather than Williston so the sun won't be in your eyes as well.
Watford City is the only town of any size along the way. If you do forget something along the way, it's pretty much the only resupply point.
Notable Places along the way:
- Theodore Roosevelt National Park
- Little Missouri National Grasslands
- Watford City
- Missouri River
Missouri River
Routes:
- Lewis and Clark Trail from Bismarck to Williston
- Lewis and Clark Trail from Mandan to Watford City
North Dakota, like many other states along the Missouri, has designated a "Lewis and Clark Trail" following the river on both sides. Also common to these states is the naming of the state highways running alongside the rivers; 1804 on the east side and 1806 on the west. In North Dakota the 1804/1806 signage can be spotty, but the "Lewis and Clark Trail" signs are always there.
From Bismarck, go north on 1804 and follow the Lewis and Clark Trail signs. From Mandan, go north on 1806 and follow the Lewis and Clark Trail Signs.
You'll see the Cottonwood forests of the Missouri Valley, and depending on how close you stay to the river, you'll come across plenty of interesting things.
Notable Places along the East Bank
Notable Places along the West Bank
- Cross Ranch State Park near Stanton
- Lake Sakakawea State Park near the Garrison Dam
River crossings are located at
- Buford, on State Highway 58.
- Williston, on US 85 southwest of town.
- New Town, on State Highway 23 west of town.
- Garrison Dam, on State Highway 200.
- Washburn, on State Highway 200A.
- and of course Bismarck/Mandan.
External links
- North Dakota Tourism (http://www.ndtourism.com/)
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