After sitting in at the North Dakota 2012 Tourism Conference on Monday, April 23, 2012, I decided that I don’t know my state very well. I love it here, wouldn’t want to be anywhere else, but how well do I really know my home? You hear about New Yorkers who have never been to Times Square or the Statue of Liberty? Well I’ve never been to the badlands (GASP!) or even Lake Sakakwea (OH NO!). So I declare, that today, on this day, 4/26/2012, I will make a list of places to see, things to do, and foods to eat, in my own state. Because if I claim that this is the best state to live in, I’d better know what the heck I am talking about.
I compiled a list of places thanks to my coworker Kim and her vast array of knowledge when it comes to No. Dak. I have no deadline for this. I just hope to mark a few off this list every now and then. I did list a few on here that I have already done because I was really young and don’t remember it or because they are in my hometown. So I’d like to experience these again, as an adult, and document my progress with my camera.
- Visit the North Dakota Badlands
- Experience the Medora Musical (again!)
- Drive through Teddy Roosevelt National Park to pet the buffalo
- Bike or Hike “part” of the 100 mile Maah Daah Hey Trail
- Go sailing on Lake Sakakawea
- Kayaking or canoeing on the Pembina River
- Catch a walleye in Devils Lake
- Go to a UND Hockey Game at the Ralph Engelstad
- Take a picture with the Worlds Largest Buffalo (again!)
- Drive down the Enchanted Highway
- Visit the Rock Museum in Parshall
- Visit the Wood Chipper in Fargo
- Walk across the Fairview Bridge
- Visit Prairie Fire Pottery in Beach
- Eat at the Pitchfork Fondue in Medora
- Eat Juneberry Pie at Lunds Landing in Ray
- Sample a dessert from Nicole’s Fine Pastry in Fargo
- Eat Chippers from Widmans in Grand Forks (again!)
- Visit the Albino Buffalo in Jamestown (sorta again!)
- Ride a sled being pulled by an ATV at Papa’s Polar Patch
- Stay at the Hotel Donaldson in Fargo
- Experience Norsk Hostfest in Minot
- Participate in a grape stomp at the Red Trail Vineyard in Buffalo
So please, follow me on this journey. And I hope through my travels and experiences, you too can get a small taste of what North Dakota life is really like.
To see updates to the list, I have created a North Dakota Bucket List page. Is there anything else I should add to this list? Have you been to any of these places?
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Looks like a great list Brianna!
I love reading your blog! Your fitness ideas and accomplishments are inspiring. Keep sharing your ideas!
thank you Allison!
Great blog and idea!! Makes me want to do this for Ontario .. but some of the parts of ON are a 17 hour drive away so I am not sure how well that would go over.
Good luck accomplishing your goal of visiting/doing everything on this list!
On a sidenote, when I was younger my cousins spent a 15 hour car ride trying to convince me North Dakota didn’t exist. Jokes on them!! ha ha.
Yes North Dakota is a pretty stretched out state as well, but I do some traveling for work. So I should be able to get to some of these places no problem. others might take a mini vacation. Yes Joke is on them! We are the #1 state for job growth, #2 for happiniess I think, lowest unemployment rate, and we have a 1 billion dollar surplus.
A state bucket list is such a good idea! I should do one for Massachusetts.
Yes you should! We all need to experience home a little more.
That’s such a good idea! I should do it for Massachusetts.
This is a fantastic North Dakota bucket list! I’ll be following. Can I add Sauerkraut Day in Wishek the second Wednesday in October and the World’s Largest Turkey BBQ the third Saturday of June in Aneta? Both are my favorite North Dakota events!
Thanks! I’ll definetly add those to my list.
What a fun list! And a great idea! Medora is a favorite family vacation spot for our crew! And we’re going to totally crash on Katie’s party next Sauerkraut day!
YOU GO FOR IT!! I am excited to tackle some of these this summer in between races and weddings!