Have you ever wondered about pioneer life in North Dakota? Before there were the cities, towns, and infrastructure of today in North Dakota, there were eager pioneers settling across the land. They had big dreams of making a life for themselves and their families, and with the vast prairies full of possibilities before them, they began making those dreams a reality. It wasn’t easy – the grasslands were lacking in trees so houses made of wood weren’t very viable. Instead, they used sod blocks made of earth.

Though we are generations away from the “sodbuster days” now, we can still go back in time to the days of the settlers and experience pioneer life through a fun annual event. This state park hosts Sodbuster Days every year, and you won’t want to miss it.

Travel back in time and see what the lives of North Dakota's pioneers and settlers were like at the annual Sodbuster Days event.
Fort Ransom State Park/Facebook
Every year at North Dakota's beautiful Fort Ransom State Park, located south of Valley City, there is a weekend full of demonstrations and experiences of yesteryear.
Fort Ransom State Park/Facebook
In 2020, the Sodbuster Days will take place on July 11th and July 12th. Throughout that time you can see up-close and personal what life was like in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
NDPRD/Flickr
There is a historic farm at Fort Ransom State Park that serves as the backdrop for this event. Watch as horses and farmhands haul hay, load it into the barn, plow fields, and more.
NDPRD/Flickr

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Along with all the fieldwork, there are demonstrations of many other aspects of life at the turn of the century.
Fort Ransom State Park/Facebook
This is a fun and fantastic way to learn about how North Dakota got to where it is today and it's only $10 for the whole weekend, and free for kids 12 and under.
Fort Ransom State Park/Facebook
The event also includes old-time music, tasty food (including amazing traditionally-made pies), and so many ways to enjoy a few beautiful summer days out.
NDPRD/Flickr
Plus, it gives you a great excuse to visit the stunning valleys of Fort Ransom State Park. What are you waiting for? Add this event to your calendar!
NDPRD/Flickr

The Sodbuster Days will take place July 11-12, 2020, at Fort Ransom State Park. The event begins on Saturday at 10:00 AM and concludes at 5:00 PM, then again on Sunday from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Learn more about this event and the park by clicking here.

Though we’ll never be able to truly go back in time and see the lives of the pioneers with our own eyes, we can see them through the lens of a camera. Check out these historic photos of North Dakota from the turn of the century.

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Featured Addresses
Fort Ransom State Park, Walt Hjelle Parkway, Fort Ransom, ND, USA