There's a saying in North Dakota: "Forty below keeps the riffraff out." It seems to be true, because the state has the lowest crime rate in the U.S. Cold temperatures—along with the state's rather remote location—keep out a lot of other people, too, including large numbers of vacationers.

Most people who do find their way to the state will be happy they did. Because it's sparse on people (residents and vacationers alike), North Dakota has a lot of wildlife. The creation of refuges and parks has kept the animal population strong, and travelers have plenty of good spots to view native species such as bison, mule deer, pronghorn antelope, elk and coyotes. North Dakota's appeal lies in its solitude and wide-open spaces, and it's rather enjoyable to be able to take a picture without having to ask someone else to move aside first.

The state has played a large role in the history of westward expansion in North America. An abundance of historic sites and museums gives visitors a better understanding of how North Dakota and the country evolved. North Dakota also provides a good introduction to the past and present culture of Sioux tribes.

Geography

History

The earliest North Dakotans were primarily nomadic bison (buffalo) hunters. Not all were nomadic, however. The Mandan, speaking a Siouan dialect, have an especially long history as farmers: They were the vanguard of the many tribes who came to the plains out of the eastern woodlands. By AD 700, these farmers had settled the middle Missouri Valley near the Heart River, relying on both agriculture and bison hunting. The Mandan lived in fortified villages that were relatively large, with streets and a central plaza. Primary crops raised along the Missouri River flood plain were maize, beans, squash, pumpkins, sunflowers and tobacco.

French Canadian fur trader Pierre La Verendrye first entered the territory in 1738. The French secured only two-thirds of what is now North Dakota—the English settled in the other third. The U.S. acquired the French territory as part of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. The purchase doubled the size of the U.S. and threatened England's ability to claim parts of the country. The English portion of North Dakota was ceded to the U.S. a short time later. Explorers Lewis and Clark passed through the state as they traveled to the west coast and back. They spent their first winter (1804-05) at a site they constructed in the central part of the state—Fort Mandan became the spot where the U.S. flag first flew over the territory. At Fort Mandan, Lewis and Clark recruited the Native American woman Sacagawea and her French husband, who was a fur trader, to their expedition. Sacagawea proved valuable to the party as she served as an interpreter in discussions with tribes farther west. Lake Sakakawea (the North Dakota spelling of Sacagawea) is named in her honor.

With the establishment of Fort Union by the American Fur Co. in 1829, the region began to attract people from the eastern U.S. During the next several decades, riverboats and railroads brought large numbers of settlers and farmers. By the time North Dakota joined the U.S. in 1889, the state had established itself as one of the nation's biggest grain producers.

Development brought some challenges. North Dakota faces many weather-related challenges, including serious droughts in some parts of the state and serious flooding in others. These weather changes greatly affect a US$3 billion agriculture industry. Fear of cattle diseases has also affected the state's economy. Although North Dakota remains an agricultural state, energy also plays a large role. North Dakota exports about 60% of its energy products, including electricity produced from coal, oil and natural gas. North Dakota is also a leader in renewable resources such as wind power, ethanol and biodiesel.

Snapshot

North Dakota's main attractions include Theodore Roosevelt National Park, gambling (slots, blackjack and horse racing), Lewis and Clark historic sites, camping, fishing, Devils Lake, the International Peace Garden, game and bird viewing (bison, elk, bald eagles), Bismarck, cowboys, the Old West, and Native American culture and history.

Travelers looking for an uncrowded area to fish, hunt, paddle or learn about the history of the western U.S. will enjoy their visit to North Dakota. Those who are looking for the fast pace of a big city or those who don't like cooler weather may find the state less to their liking.

Potpourri

Bizarre roadside sculptures in North Dakota include a four-story tin farmer's family, a giant grasshopper, a catfish and a Holstein cow. Check out Meriwether Lewis' dog, Seaman, in Washburn.

In 1947 and again in 1989, North Dakota legislators were asked to drop "North" from the state's name. The measure overwhelmingly failed.

The Bagg Bonanza Farm in Mooreton is one of the few remaining bonanza farms in the state. (A bonanza farm is a large, privately owned farm, usually consisting of at least 3,000 acres/1,220 hectares.) You can tour the farm Memorial Day-Labor Day.

Both North Dakota and South Dakota became states when U.S. President Benjamin Harrison signed two bills into law on 2 November 1889. Which of the two gets bragging rights as the older state? We'll never know, because the documents were covered so that it could never be determined which one was signed first.

"Dakota" is a word from the Sioux language meaning "allies," or "alliance of friends."

Famous North Dakotans include award-winning Western author Louis L'Amour, actress Angie Dickinson, actor Josh Duhamel, television commentator Eric Sevareid, musician Lawrence Welk and Lakota Sioux spiritual leader Sitting Bull.

There are more golf courses per capita in North Dakota than any other state in the U.S.