Top 15 Most Interesting Facts About North Dakota

1. State Motto: "Liberty and Union, Now and Forever, One and Inseparable."
2. State Bird: Western Meadowlark.
3. State Flower: Wild Prairie Rose.
4. Theodore Roosevelt National Park honors the 26th president, who credited his time in North Dakota with shaping his conservation policies.
5. North Dakota has more registered vehicles than it has residents!
6. The International Peace Garden, located on the U.S.-Canada border, is a symbol of friendship between the two countries.
7. North Dakota is the nation’s leading producer of sunflowers and durum wheat, used to make pasta.
8. The Enchanted Highway features a collection of the world’s largest scrap metal sculptures.
9. Fargo, the state’s largest city, was named after William Fargo, co-founder of Wells Fargo.
10. Lake Sakakawea, created by the Garrison Dam, is one of the largest man-made lakes in the U.S.
11. North Dakota is home to the sacred Knife River Indian Villages, a historic site for the Hidatsa people.
12. Medora is known for its summer Medora Musical, celebrating the Old West and Theodore Roosevelt.
13. In 2012, North Dakota had the fastest-growing economy in the U.S. due to its oil boom.
14. North Dakota has no major professional sports teams but is home to the popular North Dakota State University Bison football team.
15. North Dakota is known for its dark skies, making it a prime spot for stargazing and seeing the Northern Lights.

Geography of North Dakota

North Dakota’s geography is characterized by rolling plains, rugged Badlands, and expansive prairies. Key features include:

• Highest Point: White Butte (3,506 feet).
• Lowest Point: Red River (750 feet).
• Major Rivers: Missouri River, Red River, and James River.

A Brief History of North Dakota

North Dakota’s history is tied to its Native American heritage and its role in U.S. westward expansion:

• Originally inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Lakota Sioux.
• Visited by Lewis and Clark during their expedition in 1804-1805.
• North Dakota became the 39th state on November 2, 1889.
• Known for its role in agriculture, North Dakota is one of the top wheat and sunflower producers in the U.S.

Top 10 Things to Do in North Dakota

1. Explore Theodore Roosevelt National Park and hike its scenic trails.
2. Visit the International Peace Garden on the U.S.-Canada border.
3. See the Medora Musical and enjoy the Old West atmosphere of Medora.
4. Tour the North Dakota State Capitol in Bismarck.
5. Drive the Enchanted Highway to see unique scrap metal sculptures.
6. Learn about Native American history at Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site.
7. Enjoy the Fargo Air Museum and vibrant downtown Fargo.
8. Fish or boat on Lake Sakakawea.
9. Take in breathtaking views of the Badlands.
10. Stargaze and, if you're lucky, catch the Northern Lights.

Top 10 Destinations in North Dakota

1. Theodore Roosevelt National Park
2. Fargo
3. Bismarck
4. International Peace Garden
5. Medora

Plan Your Visit

For more information about North Dakota, visit the state’s official tourism site: North Dakota Tourism