North Dakota is the land of George Custer, Sitting Bull, Lewis and Clark, Louis L’Amour and Theodore Roosevelt, the land of the Wild West, of wide open spaces and friendly faces. The northernmost of the Great Plains states, North Dakota was part of the Dakota Territory (after the Dakota tribe in this area) until 1889, when it was admitted as a state.
      The state belonged to native peoples for thousands of years, but the first European to reach the area was the French-Canadian trader La Vérendrye, who reached Mandan villages in about 1738. Lewis and Clark passed through on their expedition to the Pacific in the early 19th century, but the area remained sparsely settled by Europeans until later in the century, when the railroad was built.
      Today, North Dakota is ranked 47th for both state population and population density. Its sparse population means that many of its natural beauty is still intact, and still brings to mind much of the atmosphere of that romantic period, the Wild West. Farms and ranches are prevalent on the rolling plains, from the Red River Valley in the east to the Badlands, characterized by rugged canyons, gullies and ravines, in the west. North Dakota possesses what is known as a continental climate, meaning its distance from large bodies of water that generally moderate weather lead to everything from sweltering heat to bitter cold. The area also experiences violent thunderstorms in the summer and severe snowstorms in the fall and spring, although winters are typically stable.

Did You Know...

State Nickname: The Peace Garden State State Capital: Bismarck State Flower: Wild Prarie Rose State Bird: Western Meadowlark

      North Dakota’s neighbors to the north include the Canadian provinces of Saskatchewan and Manitoba, while it is bordered on the west by Montana, on the south by South Dakota and on the east, across the Red River of

the North and the Bois de Sioux River, by Minnesota. Many residents are of German or Norwegian ancestry and many people characterize North Dakotans similarly to Minnesotans in terms of culture. Native American culture is also strong in the area, with the large population still in the state, especially on reservation land. In addition to enjoying traditions unique to their individual cultures, North Dakotans also enjoy outdoor activities, such as hunting and fishing.
      North Dakota’s agricultural industry leads the nation in production of crops such as wheat, barley, flax, sugar beets, corn and soybeans. Honey is produced in central North Dakota and small amounts of juneberries and grapes contribute to a modest wine industry. Industrial output is relatively light, but includes electric power, food processing, machinery (such as Bobcat heavy equipment) and lignite mining. Tourism also plays an important role in the state’s economy.

Millions of tourists visit North Dakota each year to enjoy its still-wild landscapes and its unique place in history. Theodore Roosevelt National Park offers visitors plenty of breathtaking Badlands scenery, abundant wildlife and many opportunities for adventure. Additionally, the Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site, the Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site, the International Peace Garden, 17 state parks and recreational areas, also preserve North Dakota for visitors and residents, whether they are looking for adventure or just a little peace and quiet.
      Adventurers may come to think of North Dakota as paradise, with its abundance of recreational options. From hiking in the wilderness to bicycling (known as the number one participation sport in the state) to horseback riding to canoeing to boating, North Dakota has something to sate your craving for adrenalin. It also offers copious opportunities to view wildlife, including bird watching and wildlife viewing in one of its many National Wildlife Refuges, more than any other state. Surprisingly, golfers will also love this state, as North Dakota has the most golf courses per capita in the nation, and offers a variety of terrain to fit every level of player.
      Visitors and residents alike can take part in the many festivals, powwows, rodeos and fairs. From the Norsk Hostfest Celebration of Scandinavian Heritage to the Ukranian Festival to the Northern Plains Indians Culture Fest, there are always celebrations of culture and heritage that welcome everyone.
      From its stunning beauty to its festive, friendly communities, North Dakota remains one of the best kept secrets of the Great Plains.