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Leah Peretz

Leah Peretz has called North Dakota home since age 12 and has personally traveled the state from the Red River Valley to the badlands. Now living on a small farm on the ND prairie, she covers North Dakota's rural towns, small businesses, and overlooked destinations for Only In Your State — with a particular passion for shining a light on communities that deserve more visibility. Her articles have made a measurable difference in traffic for the rural businesses she features.

State Pride
History

Most People Have No Idea This Underwater City in South Dakota Even Exists

Sheridan Lake in South Dakota covers the submerged ghost town of Sheridan, once a prosperous gold rush city.

by Leah Peretz
on Jun 24
A person stands on a dock by a lake, gazing at the water under a cloudy sky with mountains in the background.
Nature
National & State Parks

There’s Something Incredibly Unique About This One Tunnel In South Dakota

Needles Eye Tunnel in South Dakota offers a unique and narrow driving experience with stunning rock formations and scenic views.

by Leah Peretz
on Jul 14
A narrow road passes through a tall rock formation with jagged peaks and pine trees in the background.
State Pride

These 9 Towns In North Dakota Have The Strangest Names You’ll Ever See

Discover nine bizarrely named towns in North Dakota, each with its own quirky backstory.

by Leah Peretz
on Jul 14
A rural landscape featuring silos and a barn beside a field under a clear blue sky.
Food
Bakeries & Dessert

Indulge In The Ultimate Chocolate Snack At The Very Place That Invented Them In North Dakota

Widman's Candy Company in North Dakota is the original creator of chocolate-covered potato chips, known as chippers, and continues to make them daily.

by Leah Peretz
on Jul 7
Exterior of Widman's, a candy store with blue and white signage, featuring "Home of the World's Finest Chocolates."
Nature
National & State Parks

The Magical Place In North Dakota Where You Can View A Wild Horse Herd

Discover the beauty and history of wild horses at Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota.

by Leah Peretz
on Jul 7
A group of horses stands in front of a rocky, layered cliff in a grassy landscape.
Experiences
Sights & Landmarks

The Hidden Castle In North Dakota That Almost No One Knows About

Coghlan Castle in North Dakota is a hidden, historic castle being restored and can be viewed from an interpretive site.

by Leah Peretz
on Jul 15
Abandoned stone house with a turret, surrounded by trees and a grassy field, featuring an old plow in the foreground.
Trips & Routes
Day Trips

The 9 Very Best Day Trips You Can Possibly Take In North Dakota

Discover nine must-visit day trip destinations in North Dakota, each offering unique natural beauty and charming experiences.

by Leah Peretz
on Jun 27
A scenic view of Medora, North Dakota, featuring the town's name on a hillside and surrounding green landscapes.
Nature
Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

The Clearest Lake in North Dakota Is Almost Too Beautiful To Be Real

Lake Audubon in North Dakota offers crystal clear waters, excellent fishing, and abundant wildlife, making it a perfect summer day trip destination.

by Leah Peretz
on Jun 19
A serene landscape featuring a calm water body, grassy banks, and a distant tree under a clear blue sky.
Trips & Routes
Day Trips

Experience North Dakota Year-Round With These 12 Day Trips

Discover a year-long guide to the best day trips in North Dakota, with unique activities for each month.

by Leah Peretz
on Feb 23
Theodore Roosevelt National Park Canyon Trail during the lush, green months.
Nature
Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

If You Didn’t Know About These 7 Swimming Holes In North Dakota, You’ve Been Missing Out

Discover the best swimming holes in North Dakota for a refreshing summer experience.

by Leah Peretz
on Jun 7
A serene view of a calm river surrounded by grassy banks and distant trees under a clear blue sky.
Experiences
Events
Festivals

There’s So Much To Love About This Undeniably Fun Fair In North Dakota

The Red River Valley Fair in West Fargo, North Dakota, offers a variety of fun activities, food, and entertainment from July 7-16, 2023.

by Leah Peretz
on Jun 5
Aerial view of a vibrant carnival at dusk, featuring rides, games, and colorful lights amidst a large parking area.
Trips & Routes
Day Trips

Here Are 5 Unique Day Trips In North Dakota That Are An Absolute Must-Do

Discover five unique day trips in North Dakota that offer history, adventure, and scenic beauty.

by Leah Peretz
on Jun 2
Aerial view of a tall government building surrounded by green spaces and parking lots in a suburban area.
Experiences
Activities

These 4 Waterparks In North Dakota Are Pure Bliss For Anyone Who Goes There

Discover the top four waterparks in North Dakota for family-friendly summer fun.

by Leah Peretz
on Jun 2
Aerial view of a water park with colorful slides, pools, and people enjoying the sun and water activities.
Experiences
Activities

These 5 Waterparks in South Dakota Are Pure Bliss For Anyone Who Goes There

Discover five exciting waterparks in South Dakota perfect for summer fun.

by Leah Peretz
on Jun 1
A water slide leads into a pool where people swim and relax in a brightly lit indoor aquatic center.
Nature
Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

Here Are 10 North Dakota Swimming Spots That Will Make Your Summer Epic

North Dakota offers numerous lakes and rivers perfect for summer swimming and water activities.

by Leah Peretz
on Jun 24
stones along the shore of devils lake in north dakota