7 Quirky Facts About North Dakota That Sound Made Up, But Are 100% True

Let’s be honest: North Dakota doesn’t always get the spotlight it deserves. But if you ever need to impress someone with a few surprising facts about the Peace Garden State, we’ve got you covered. These seven pieces of trivia might sound made up, but they’re absolutely true.

1. None of the Scenes in the Movie Fargo Were Actually Filmed There

The good news is, you can still check out the infamous woodchipper at the Fargo-Moorhead Visitors Center. This is probably one of the downright weirdest things to do in North Dakota, but boy does it make a fun picture. Don't judge us.

2. North Dakota is Considered the 39th State, but That May Not Be Accurate Exactly

President Benjamin Harrison kept it a secret as to which he signed first: North or South Dakota, so we just kinda decided collectively that we’ll go with alphabetical order on that one rather than numerical order. Thanks, Ben, very funny.

3. There Are Only Four Tower-Style Capitols in the United States. One of those is in Bismarck

Well, don't we feel special! This imposing-looking building almost doesn't seem to fit in. I mean, it's a tower in the prairie, so it certainly makes a statement. You can literally see it for miles!

4. North Dakota Is the Nation’s Largest Producer of Honey

It might help that North Dakota produces enough sunflowers to fill 726 million bags of sunflower seeds per year, too, so just those fields alone likely attract bees! Summer is the best time of year to see incredible sunflowers in North Dakota.

5. North Dakota Produces Six Times More Energy Than It Consumes

The first wind farm to go up in North Dakota was the one built outside of Edgeley. In the years since, there have been many more to spring up - and we're a kind-hearted folk up here, so we're happy to share our surplus energy with neighbors.

6. North Dakota’s Official State Insect Is the Ladybug

Yep, this adorable insect is our official state bug thanks to a group of second graders (yes, really). We also have an official state fossil (yes, that’s a thing). It's teredo petrified wood.

7. The Coldest Temperature Recorded in North Dakota Was minus 60 degrees Fahrenheit on February 15, 1936

For context, according to the state's tourism division, the average winter temperature is 24 degrees Fahrenheit. This historic winter storm was just a part of the coldest winter on record, ever.

So, there you have it. Seven fun facts about North Dakota that you can give to save your life if it's ever necessary. You're welcome!

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