North Dakota

1. Theodore Roosevelt National Park (Medora): Named after the 26th U.S. president, this park is famous for its rugged Badlands, roaming bison, and prairie dog towns. It’s a stunning location for hiking, wildlife watching, and reflecting on the natural beauty that inspired Theodore Roosevelt’s conservation efforts.
2. North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum (Bismarck): As the state’s largest museum, it showcases North Dakota’s history from prehistoric times to modern-day, including exhibits on dinosaurs, Native American culture, and the state’s oil boom.
3. Maah Daah Hey Trail (Western North Dakota): This 144-mile-long trail is famous for being one of the best hiking and mountain biking paths in the U.S. It weaves through the stunning landscapes of the Badlands and provides outdoor enthusiasts with an unforgettable adventure.
4. Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park (Mandan): Known for its military and Native American history, this park features reconstructed military forts and Native earth lodges. It was once the home of Lt. Col. George Custer before his famous last stand at the Battle of Little Bighorn.
5. International Peace Garden (Dunseith): Located on the border of North Dakota and Canada, this garden symbolizes the lasting peace between the two countries. Visitors come to see the beautiful floral displays, monuments, and serene landscapes.
6. Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site (Stanton): This site preserves the history of the Northern Plains Native American tribes, particularly the Hidatsa people. It features reconstructed earth lodges and archaeological artifacts, providing a glimpse into the life of the Native people who lived along the Missouri River.
7. Plains Art Museum (Fargo): North Dakota’s largest art museum, it’s known for its collections of regional and Native American art, as well as contemporary pieces. The museum is a cultural hub in Fargo, hosting art exhibitions and educational programs.
8. Scandinavian Heritage Park (Minot): This unique park celebrates the heritage of Scandinavian countries with replicas of famous landmarks, such as a full-scale Norwegian Stave Church. It’s a tribute to the many Scandinavian immigrants who settled in North Dakota.
9. National Buffalo Museum (Jamestown): This museum is dedicated to the American bison, symbolizing the Great Plains. Visitors can see live buffalo, including the rare white bison, and learn about the history of the animal in Native American culture and U.S. conservation efforts.
10. Enchanted Highway (Regent): This 32-mile stretch of highway is famous for its collection of massive metal sculptures, including a giant grasshopper and a massive tin family. It’s a quirky roadside attraction that draws visitors for its unique and whimsical artwork.

1. North Dakota has no official mountains: Despite its vast landscapes and outdoor beauty, North Dakota doesn’t have any true mountains. The state is mostly made up of plains and rolling hills, though some areas in the Badlands resemble mountainous terrain.
2. North Dakota is one of the least-visited states: Even with its natural beauty, North Dakota ranks as one of the least-visited states in the U.S. This means you can explore its national parks and attractions without the crowds.
3. The Enchanted Highway has giant metal sculptures: The Enchanted Highway in North Dakota features massive metal sculptures along a 32-mile stretch. These quirky works of art, including a giant grasshopper and a huge pheasant, make it one of the strangest roadside attractions in the U.S.
4. North Dakota once had a pyramid: Near Nekoma, there’s a strange structure called the Stanley R. Mickelsen Safeguard Complex, which looks like a giant concrete pyramid. It was built during the Cold War as part of a missile defense system but was quickly abandoned.
5. North Dakota leads the U.S. in honey production: North Dakota produces more honey than any other state. The state’s vast farmlands and wildflowers make it an ideal location for honeybees, and its honey industry is a big part of the agricultural economy.
6. There’s a UFO sighting capital in North Dakota: The small town of Medina is known as a hotspot for UFO sightings. Over the years, multiple residents have reported mysterious objects in the sky, making it a popular spot for UFO enthusiasts.
7. The geographical center of North America is in North Dakota: Located in Rugby, North Dakota, there’s a monument marking the geographical center of North America. It’s a fun and odd spot for selfies and a quick history lesson.
8. It’s illegal to lie down and fall asleep with your shoes on: In North Dakota, there’s an old law that makes it illegal to lie down and fall asleep with your shoes on. It’s one of the many strange laws that still technically exist but is rarely enforced.
9. North Dakota once banned serving beer and pretzels together: Another weird law once made it illegal to serve beer and pretzels at the same time in bars. Although no longer in effect, it’s one of the many quirky regulations from the state’s past.
10. There’s a town named Zap, and it once hosted a “Zap-In”: In 1969, college students from all over North Dakota flocked to the tiny town of Zap for an impromptu party known as the “Zap-In.” It got so wild that the National Guard had to break it up!

Famous Women

1. Angie Dickinson (1931–): Born in Kulm, North Dakota, Angie Dickinson became a well-known Hollywood actress. She is famous for her roles in Rio Bravo and the television series Police Woman, earning acclaim for her acting versatility.
2. Peggy Lee (1920–2002): Born in Jamestown, North Dakota, Peggy Lee was a legendary jazz and pop singer, songwriter, and actress. She gained fame with hits like “Fever” and “Is That All There Is?” and was a major influence in American music.
3. Ann Sothern (1909–2001): Born in Valley City, North Dakota, Ann Sothern had a long career as an actress and singer. She starred in her own shows, The Ann Sothern Show and Private Secretary, and was nominated for an Academy Award later in life.
4. Kellan Lutz (1985–): Raised in Dickinson, North Dakota, Kellan Lutz is an actress known for her action-packed roles in Hollywood. While often remembered for her roles in the Twilight Saga, she has had a broad acting career across multiple genres.
5. Dorothy Stickney (1896–1998): Born in Dickinson, North Dakota, Dorothy Stickney was a celebrated actress on Broadway. She is best known for her long-running role in the Broadway hit Life With Father, becoming a beloved figure in theater.