Posted in North Dakota Fun Facts, History April 20, 2023 by

Here Are 10 Things To See In North Dakota That Make Our State Unique

You would be forgiven for wondering, “What is North Dakota known for?” It’s unfortunate that there are a lot of people who think there is not much to see or fun things to do in North Dakota. They have no idea that there are many unique things about North Dakota around every corner, things you will never find anywhere else. Here are 10 of those things that set North Dakota apart from everyone else. If you haven’t visited them yet, you definitely should.

1. There are a lot of 'the world's largest...' in North Dakota, like Salem Sue, the world's largest holstein cow.
Bill Walsh/Flickr
Salem Sue is located in New Salem, North Dakota. The town's website has more information about Sue.
Salem Sue, New Salem, ND 58563, USA
2. Out of all the golf courses in the world, Bully Pulpit Golf Course in North Dakota is pretty unique... and gorgeous!
Roderick Eime/Flickr
Who wouldn't love golfing in the badlands? The beautiful views around these greens are impressive, and Bully Pulpit Golf Course is even ranked among the top 100 courses in the country.
Bully Pulpit Golf Course, 3731 Bible Camp Rd, Medora, ND 58645, USA
3. The Lewis and Clark Riverboat is one of a kind and still taking daily trips along the Missouri River during the summer.
SnoShuu/Flickr
See when it's headed off on its next voyage and buy tickets on the riverboat's website.
Lewis and Clark Riverboat, River Road, Bismarck, ND, USA
4. There is a giant turtle made entirely out of tire rims in Dunseith called the W'eel Turtle.
Jimmy Emerson/Flickr
If you visit Dunseith, North Dakota, you'll be greeted by this unusual and massive turtle. Dunseith is also home to the International Peace Garden and other cool attractions.
W'eel Turtle, 550 Main St, Dunseith, ND 58329, USA
5. A sporting goods store with a ferris wheel inside of it? There are a few places you'll find that, but the Scheels in Fargo - where the company is headquartered - is one of them.
Fargo-Moorhead CVB/Flickr
Scheels in Fargo, a massive sporting goods store, has an operating ferris wheel inside of it, plus tons of great shopping.
SCHEELS, 1551 45th St S, Fargo, ND 58103, USA
6. An outdoor theater with the badlands as a background in Medora - now that's pretty awesome.
Roderick Eime/Flickr
The famous Medora Musical has staged performances in this arena for millions of people. You can learn more or purchase tickets at Medora Musical's website.
Medora Musical, Chateau Road, Medora, ND, USA
7. The Hi-Line Bridge in Valley City was the longest suspended railroad bridge in North America.
Kurt Haubrich/Flickr
This massively long bridge was once considered so important, that during wartime, it had guards protecting it 24/7. Valley City, where it's located, is actually known as the "city of bridges" because of the many historic bridges, including this one, in the area.
Hi-Line Railroad Bridge, Valley City, ND 58072, USA
8. The geographical center of North America and the monument dedicated to it is in Rugby, North Dakota - the entire rest of the continent doesn't hold that honor.
bjorn1101/Flickr
The geographical center of Canada, the United States, and Mexico combined lies right in North Dakota. There's an obelisk dedicated to the spot. Visit the Rugby Chamber of Commerce website to learn more about the monument.
Geographical Center of North America, 107 U.S. Rte 2, Rugby, ND 58368, USA
9. The pyramid-shaped Safeguard Complex near Nekoma is the only one of its kind.
Library of Congress/Wikimedia
This eerie "pyramid on the prairie" looks like something from another world, but it is actually an abandoned military complex. You can take a virtual tour of it and find out more on the complex's website.
Stanley R. Mickelsen Safeguard Complex, Nekoma, SD
10. We had the only true albino bison in the entire world, White Cloud and White Miracle.
National Buffalo Museum via Facebook
Though neither are with us any longer, their legacy certainly remains at the National Buffalo Museum in Jamestown, North Dakota. Visit the museum or its website to learn more about these amazing creatures.
National Buffalo Museum, 500 17th St SE, Jamestown, ND 58401, USA

So, next time someone asks you, “What is North Dakota known for?” you can simply show them this Only In Your State North Dakota article! There are a ton of other things that could go on this list of stuff that you can only find in our state – what are your favorite fun things to do in North Dakota? Let us know in the comments!

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The OIYS Visitor Center

Unique Things About North Dakota

March 18, 2020
Leah

What are the best little known attractions in North Dakota?

There are plenty of things to see and do only in North Dakota, including spots that not many people know about. While Theodore Roosevelt National Park is well-known for its views of the badlands, there is a state park not far from the South Unit with equally impressive views called Sully Creek State Park. North Dakota is also home to a "modern-day Stonehenge," called Mystical Horizons, located near Carbury. This array of pillars is more than just interesting to look at - it is also an accurate astrological calendar working only with the sun and the earth's position.

What are the most beautiful places in North Dakota?

There are certain views you'll find only in North Dakota, and these spots should be on your bucket list. Of course, we must mention the rugged terrain and painted canyons of the west. These amazing buttes and geological formations are jaw-dropping to see in person. In central North Dakota, you'll find gorgeous views over Lake Sakakawea, the largest lake in the state and the second-largest manmade lake in the entire country. With miles of stunning shoreline, it's hard to beat. In the northeast, the Pembina Gorge is popular with outdoor enthusiasts and photographers alike, especially in the fall when the tree-filled gorge turns into an array of colors.

What is North Dakota known for?

Beyond things like these roadside attractions in North Dakota, there are certainly plenty of things the state is known for. For one, it's known for its impressive agricultural industry, producing millions of crops each year. It's also considered one of the top states for hunting and fishing, and going hand-in-hand with that, wildlife conservation. It has more wildlife refuges than any other state. The wide-open spaces in the state are not just a stereotype - huge expanses of prairie cover the state, with big blue skies and impressive views of the stars.