One of the best things about living in North Dakota is that on a clear night the sky is always full of stars. If you’ve ever been to the big cities and dense suburbs of other states, the effects of light pollution probably become perfectly clear. In those places, you can usually only see one or two stars. The sky always glows with an orange hue no matter what time of night it is. Luckily for us, not only can you experience some of the best stargazing in North Dakota, but you can also watch this time-lapse video of North Dakota, showcasing hours of the prairie night sky in only seconds.

This beautiful part of living here was captured perfectly by Joshua Eckl. It is simply mesmerizing and well worth a watch.

Just wow! The wide-open North Dakota night skies never fail to impress. There are not many other places in the world that can offer the same views, because here in the Peace Garden State, every night the sky is a masterpiece. Even the Milky Way is visible in most places thanks to what little light pollution there is. We are also privileged enough to often see the northern lights, adding to the dazzling show put on when stargazing. Regardless of where you live in North Dakota, even if it’s in one of the state’s biggest cities, it doesn’t take long to find a quiet, dark country road to lay back and see the stars.

Joshua Eckl creates many videos like this around the state. He showcases storms, stars, and other awesome subjects in sped-up videos spanning over hours. Check out his channel here.

What is your favorite thing about living here? Watch another mesmerizing time-lapse video of North Dakota for more reasons to love this state.

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Time Lapse Video Of North Dakota

What are the best outdoor activities in North Dakota?

Stargazing in North Dakota is just the start — there are so many other awesome activities you can do here. People flock to the state to go boating, fishing, and swimming in some of its most popular lakes, such as Devils Lake and Lake Sakakawea. Camping is abundant and ideal in places like the many state parks and recreation areas. Fort Ransom State Park even has luxurious "glamping" style yurts. In the winter, people ice fish or go skiing at places like Huff Hills or Frost Fire Park.

Is North Dakota a great place to live? 

Absolutely! Along with the impressive night sky in North Dakota, there are many reasons that make the Peace Garden State an ideal spot to settle down. With both rural and urban environments and everything in between, there is somewhere for everyone. Add on the fact that there are low crime and unemployment rates, plus the state often ranking among the top 5 in the entire country for being the happiest place to live, and you've got the perfect spot for a lifetime.

What are the best outdoor adventures in North Dakota?

Other than catching glimpses of the Milky Way in North Dakota, you've got lots of options to have incredible outdoor adventures in the state. During the day, you can explore places like the impressive badlands of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, split up into a North Unit near Watford City and a South Unit near Medora. More than 100 miles of rugged trails run through the area. In the fall and winter, places like the Pembina Gorge near Cavalier are full of recreational opportunities including skiing, hiking, horseback riding, kayaking, and more.