North Dakota information
North Dakota may span some 44,000,000 acres but about 40,000,000 of these are farmlands. While miles of farms are covered with wheat, barley, and sunflowers, the state also has 60 wildlife refuges, 18 state parks, and 56 state historic sites. Not even the cities encroach on the open feel--the tallest structure in the state is a 19-story capitol building built in 1934. Throughout North Dakota, there is no shortage of wide-open space to explore, abundant wildlife to photograph, and historical landmarks to visit.
North Dakota can be broken up into four distinct regions: the West, the Lakes and Gardens, the Coteaus and Prairies, and the Valley.
The West shares many of the characteristics of South Dakota, including a strong Native American heritage, the Badlands, and historic sights dating back to the adventures of Lewis and Clark.
The Lakes and Gardens region is as lovely as its name implies, with gorgeous waterways and lakes with forested shores. The InterUS Peace Garden is an extravaganza of botanic gardens that cross the border and celebrate the peaceful alliance between Canada and the United States.
The Coteaus and Prairies encompass the northern reaches of the Great Plains but there are also many wetlands in the area. Here, large gorges left by retreating glaciers are now nesting grounds for more duck and pelicans than anywhere else in America. Huge expanses of grassy plains and rolling green hills provide gorgeous recreational areas.
The eastern portion of the state is known as the Valley. Here in the Red River Valley, retreating continental glaciers became part of a glacier lake called Lake Agassiz. Eventually, the lake evaporated leaving sediment that became rich, fertile soil ideal for cultivation--North Dakota currently produces 80 percent of all durum wheat in the United States. The natural wonders of the area include the Pembina Gorge, the historic charm of Bonanzavile, USA, and the nature preserves in Icelandic State Park.
Wherever you wander in North Dakota, you are sure to encounter more natural beauty than manmade constrictions. With a small population and so much open space, North Dakota is sure to entice your pioneer spirit and need for adventure.
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