6 Photos You’ll Only Understand if You Hail From North Dakota

You know, living in North Dakota is kind of a weird privilege. As one of the least-populated and most-seldom-visited states in the U.S., our little corner of the world is a place where there's never any rush, and honestly, we love it that way. We've got our own way of life around here, and we're pretty proud of it. So, I've gone ahead and, just for fun, collected six photos that you'll definitely understand if you're from around these parts. I think you'll know what I mean when I say these ar six photos of North Dakota life that depict things only North Dakotans understand.

1. It's pronounced "bizon." Not “bison.” Not “buffalo.” BiZon. With a Z.

Nobody here really knows why we say it like this. We just do, you know? It's definitely one of those telltale signs that someone grew up here... or has lived here long enough to adopt the dialect. Oh, and we don't say "yah" after every sentence... that's a myth. Like the "s" in bizon. (We're not from Canada, eh.)

2. This photo fills you with a sense of irrational rage.

Seriously? SERIOUSLY? Who just gave them all those championship rings? Talk about getting something for nothing. Fun fact: The Packers are the single most hated team in not just one, but in six states. The five other states that get it right are Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Iowa, and South Dakota. Solidarity. P.S. Go Vikings! (or Denver).

3. Summer? More like sunflower season.

Kansas may be called the "Sunflower State," but everyone here knows that there are actually WAY more sunflowers in North Dakota than in Kansas—we're the top producer in the country. Every summer, usually in August, the fields are ablaze with stunning golds and yellows and, in some cases, oranges, as millions of sunflowers burst into bloom. It's a truly incredible time and, in North Dakota, anyway, I think it should be a season all its own.

4. This photo either makes you roll your eyes or smirk to yourself. There is no in-between.

Yeah. Fargo. Wood chipper foot. We get it. Hilarious. Ninety-something percent of us don't even have a wood chipper, so no, you can't borrow it. Besides, most of the movie took place—and was filmed—in Minnesota. Go and bother them.

5. 40 degrees? You mean shorts weather?

Winter in North Dakota is particularly brutal... if you're not from here. January is the coldest month of the year by far, with daytime highs ranging anywhere from six to 19 degrees. This can only mean one thing: once it hits 40, summer's here. Bust out the shorts. Sure, everyone else looks at us like we're insane, but maybe we're into that.

6. What kind of monster puts lettuce in salad?

Everyone in North Dakota knows that the ingredients list for the perfect salad is something like whipped cream, candy, sprinkles, and the occasional fruit bit. Jello and pasta are acceptable bases for your salad. You'll just have to take my word when I tell you that it's way better than that lettuce-covered junk the rest of the world calls a salad.

So, what do you think, do these images accurately depict what it means to be living in North Dakota? What North Dakota photos would you add to this list? We'd love to hear what you think, so drop your suggestions on our Nomination page. If you happen to be visiting North Dakota for the first time and need somewhere to stay, you'll find plenty of killer deals on on vacation rentals from our friends at VRBO.