People may not instantly think of North Dakota as a place that makes them miss home, but its unique mix of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and strange traditions can make people miss home. These 11 little things about North Dakota might make you feel sad in a way you didn’t expect:
Prairie skies that never end
North Dakota’s vast, open plains have some of the best views of the sun rising, setting, and the stars. The endless sky gives you a sense of peace and freedom that you can’t find anywhere else.
The State of Flickertail
The name “North Dakota” comes from the Richardson’s ground squirrel, also known as the “flickertail.” People who live in the area often see these cute little creatures darting across the fields.
Scandinavian Roots
In Minot, the Norsk Høstfest is held every year to honour the state’s deep Nordic roots. It is the biggest Scandinavian event in North America. It’s a colourful reminder of the cultural past of the area.
American Indian Culture
North Dakota has a lot of ways to connect with Native American traditions. There are five tribal nations and a lot of powwows, museums, and historic places. People will always remember events like the United Tribes International Powwow in Bismarck.
The Highway of Magic
Huge scrap metal statues, like the Guinness World Record-holding ‘Geese in Flight’, line this 32-mile stretch between Regent and Gladstone. Road trips are fun because of this odd and one-of-a-kind feature.
National Park of Theodore Roosevelt
The rough Badlands area of the park is home to prairie dog towns, wild horses, and bison. Many people love this place because of how peaceful it is and how it is linked to Roosevelt’s work to protect nature.
Winters that are cold and warm traditions
North Dakotans enjoy the cold, even though the winters are hard and the temperatures often drop below zero. They do things like ice fishing and go to events like Frostival in Fargo. In the winter, these customs keep us warm.
Lots of sunflower fields
People know North Dakota for its huge fields of sunflowers that bloom in late summer. Their golden tones cover miles and make scenes that are beautiful and stay with you.
Comfort Food
North Dakota’s food is warm and traditional, from hearty stews to Scandinavian desserts like lefse. A lot of people in the area eat these meals with their families when they’re together.
The Calm Sound of Prairie Winds
In North Dakota, the sound of the wind blowing across the fields is always there. For many, its soothing influence is like coming home.
Small-town charm
North Dakota’s small-town feel creates a sense of community that many people miss when they leave. It could be the friendly people who live nearby or the strange sights like huge buffalo statues.
All of these small things about life in North Dakota add up to make an experience that you’ll remember for a long time. These features are more than just features for people who have lived in this state; they are memories of a warm and welcoming home.
