Away from the Crowds in North Dakota

North Dakota is known as “The Peace Garden State” and is among the top five most sparsely populated states in the US.

Fort Ransom is home to the Fort Ransom National State Park. The park has picturesque valleys that have been formed by the Sheyenne River. The forest at one time was home to some of the earliest homesteads in the state. One dwelling has been preserved so visitors can step back into history. For outdoor adventures there are hiking trails and a camping area for overnight stays.

The Viking Statue stands in Fort Ransom. The jet-black statue was erected in 1972 to reflect that there are people in North Dakota that are descended from the Vikings. This brave Viking wears a warrior’s outfit with a helmet with horns and sports a large mustache. One foot rests on a rock, and one arm is raised threateningly. Those who want a challenge can climb up to the Viking for a closer look.

Gunlogson Nature Preserve in Cavalier is home to several wildlife species. Such rare animals, as the northern waterthrush, the common loon, the pileated woodpecker, and the mourning warbler.

Walking trails lead through the nature preserve.

Walk along the Tongue River to catch a glimpse of wildlife.

Visit the unusual and popular Hotel Donaldson in Fargo. (pictured above) It is also called HoDo. Inside the lobby is a lovely mosaic mural that covers an entire wall.

There is an interesting contrast with the decorative wall features with colors, designs, shapes, and patterns that were created by the artist James Adam Kemp. Throughout the historic building are many decorative things.

A beautiful place to visit is the Japanese Gardens in Grand Forks. The gardens are within Sertoma Park and are a gift to the city from the Japanese city of Awano, making Grand Forks and Awano sister cities. The gardens feature hills, trees, flowers, rocks, and water features. The surrounding park has walking and biking trails, a children’s playground, picnic tables, and an arboretum.

Jud is known as the Village of Murals. It is a small town with 75 residents. Here visitors can see paintings on walls, doors, shutters, and even buildings all over the city. You can see a floral design on a postage stamp on the side of the Post Office, a snowy night scene on the front of the Dog House Bar and Rodeo, a Coca-Cola design on Dagen’s Grocery, and so much more.

Scenes of rural and countryside life decorate some structures, with fields, hills, flowers, pheasants, and rivers.

Minot features the Knife River Indian Village National Historic Site. It was established in 1974, and its archaeological remains are scattered about the grasslands and forests. Here the wetlands are home to different bird species and sandbars that add to the diverse landscape. Visitors can learn about the agricultural practices of the Plains Indians and explore the villages along the Knife River.

Located in Dunseith, the International Peace Garden represents the ties the bind the friendship between the US and Canada. Its location was chosen because the garden is at the place of the longest north-south road in the world. The scenic garden has different species of flowers and plants and beautiful cascading fountains. Visitors enjoy strolling here and bonding with nature.

A hiking trail stretches along Lake Stormon. Since this location is on the 49th parallel, you can have one foot in the US and one in Canada.

Visitors can also enjoy swimming in Lake Metigoshe.

Enjoy the huge turtle statue, known as Tommy, at nearby Bottineau. The turtle has a big grin, wears a crash helmet, and is on a snowmobile.

The Rainbow Garden in Mayville is the place for art lovers, fans of poetry, and nature lovers. The garden has seven themed areas—the Herb Garden, the Children’s Garden, the Cottage Garden, the White Garden, the English Garden, the Labyrinths, and the Rock Garden. Visitors can enjoy flowers, plants, trees, and fountains.

For poetic inspiration, take a walk along the Sculpture Walk.

Turtle River State Park is located in Arvilla. It sits in a lush valley. The Civilian Conservation Corps built the park in the 1930s. Visitors can stay here in cabins, go picnicking, and enjoy the natural surroundings. The woodlands are full of diverse flora and fauna. There are hiking trails and biking routes. In the winter, visitors enjoy cross-country skiing.

The Turtle River offers fishing.