North Dakota

Basic Information

North Dakota, located in the Upper Midwest region of the United States, is characterized by its vast plains, agriculture, energy production, and low population density.

Capital

• Bismarck

Largest City

• Fargo

Area

• 70,762 sq mi

Population

• 779,094 (2020)

Demographics

North Dakota has one of the lowest population densities in the United States, with recent growth driven by energy development in the western part of the state.

Ethnic Composition

• White:84.4%
• Native American:5.6%
• Hispanic:4.1%
• African American:3.4%
• Asian:1.7%

Languages

• English:94.86%
• Spanish:1.39%
• Native American Languages:0.6%
• German:0.43%
• Other Languages:2.72%

Age Distribution

• Under 18:23.6%
• 18-64:61.2%
• 65+:15.2%

Population Growth

• Annual Rate:0.4%
• Natural Increase:Positive
• Migration:Mixed (gains during energy boom, some outmigration from rural areas)

Economy

North Dakota's economy is built on agriculture, energy production, and manufacturing, with significant growth in the oil sector since the early 2000s.

GDP

• $55.5 billion (2022)

Major Industries

• Agriculture (wheat, barley, soybeans, cattle)
• Energy (oil, natural gas, coal, wind)
• Manufacturing
• Healthcare
• Tourism

Employment Rate

• Employed:97.4%
• Unemployment:2.6%

Major Companies

• Bobcat Company
• MDU Resources Group
• Scheels
• Nodak Mutual Insurance
• Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota

Climate

North Dakota has a continental climate with extreme temperature variations, characterized by cold winters, warm summers, and moderate precipitation.

Western Region

• Avg. Summer:82°F
• Avg. Winter:17°F
• Rainfall:15-17 inches/year
• Semi-arid conditions

Eastern Region

• Avg. Summer:80°F
• Avg. Winter:12°F
• Rainfall:19-22 inches/year
• More humidity than western areas

Seasonal Extremes

• Record High:121°F (Steele, 1936)
• Record Low:-60°F (Parshall, 1936)
• Average Snowfall:30-50 inches/year
• Growing Season:120-130 days

Weather Patterns

• Blizzards and severe winter conditions
• Thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes in summer
• Frequent wind
• Drought cycles

Visiting North Dakota

North Dakota offers visitors open spaces, outdoor recreation, cultural experiences, and historical sites without the crowds found in more touristy destinations.

Best Time to Visit

• Summer:June-August (warm weather, outdoor activities)
• Fall:September-October (harvest season, mild weather)
• Winter:December-February (winter sports, northern lights)
• Spring:May-June (wildlife, prairie flowers)

Transportation

• Airports:Hector International (Fargo), Bismarck Airport, Minot International
• Interstate Highways:I-29 (north-south), I-94 (east-west)
• Rail:Amtrak Empire Builder route
• Car Rental:Recommended for exploring rural areas

Accommodation

• Hotels:Major chains in larger cities
• Bed & Breakfasts:Available in historical areas
• Camping:State parks and recreation areas
• Vacation Rentals:Limited but growing
• RV Parks:Throughout the state

Tourist Information

• Visitor Centers:Located along major highways
• Tourism Website:North Dakota Tourism Division
• Lewis & Clark Interpretive Centers
• State and National Park Information Centers

Popular Attractions

North Dakota features diverse attractions from rugged badlands to cultural sites and outdoor recreation areas.

Natural Wonders

• Theodore Roosevelt National Park
• Lake Sakakawea
• Pembina Gorge
• Maah Daah Hey Trail
• Little Missouri National Grassland

Historical Sites

• Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park
• Knife River Indian Villages
• Chateau de Mores State Historic Site
• Ronald Reagan Minuteman Missile State Historic Site
• Frontier Village & World's Largest Buffalo (Jamestown)

Cultural Destinations

• North Dakota Heritage Center
• Plains Art Museum
• International Peace Garden
• National Buffalo Museum
• Scandinavian Heritage Park

Outdoor Recreation

• Hunting and Fishing
• Hiking and Mountain Biking
• Water Sports on Lakes
• Birding (especially at wildlife refuges)
• Winter Activities (snowmobiling, cross-country skiing)

History

North Dakota's history spans from ancient indigenous cultures through European exploration, settlement, and eventual statehood.

Early History

• Indigenous Peoples:Mandan, Hidatsa, Lakota, Dakota, Ojibwe
• Lewis and Clark Expedition:1804-1806
• Fur Trading Era:1800s
• Fort Union Trading Post:1828-1867

19th Century

• Dakota Territory Formed:1861
• Northern Pacific Railroad:1870s-1880s
• Great Dakota Boom:1878-1886
• Statehood:November 2, 1889 (39th state)

Early 20th Century

• Nonpartisan League Formation:1915
• Agricultural Development
• Great Depression and Dust Bowl
• Construction of Garrison Dam:1947-1953

Recent History

• Missile Installations during Cold War
• Agricultural Technology Revolution
• Bakken Oil Boom:2006-2015
• Energy and Technology Development
• Population Growth in Urban Centers

State Symbols

North Dakota has designated various official state symbols representing its natural heritage and cultural identity.

State Animals

• State Animal:

  American Bison
• State Bird:

  Western Meadowlark
• State Fish:

  Northern Pike
• State Horse:

  Nokota Horse
• State Insect:

  Convergent Lady Beetle

State Plants

• State Flower:

  Wild Prairie Rose
• State Grass:

  Western Wheatgrass
• State Tree:

  American Elm
• State Fruit:

  Chokecherry
• State Honey:

  Clover Honey

Cultural Symbols

• State Flag:

  Bald Eagle with "E Pluribus Unum" on blue field
• State Song:

  "North Dakota Hymn"
• State Dance:

  Square Dance
• State Beverage:

  Milk
• State Motto:

  "Liberty and Union, Now and Forever, One and Inseparable"

Other Symbols

• State Fossil:

  Teredo Petrified Wood
• State Gemstone:

  Thomsonite
• State Soil:

  Williams Soil
• State Art Museum:

  North Dakota Museum of Art
• State Railroad Museum:

  North Dakota State Railroad Museum

State Facts

North Dakota holds numerous distinct records and facts that highlight its unique character and contributions.

Geographic Facts

• Highest Point:

  White Butte (3,506 ft)
• Lowest Point:

  Red River (750 ft)
• Geographic Center of North America:

  Rugby, ND (disputed)
• International Border:

  310 miles with Canada
• Land Area:

  96% farmland or rangeland

Records & Rankings

• 4th Smallest State by Population
• 19th Largest State by Area
• Lowest Unemployment Rate (frequently)
• One of Highest Per Capita Income Growth Rates (during oil boom)
• Leading Producer of Spring Wheat, Durum Wheat, Canola, Flaxseed

Notable Firsts

• First Rural Electric Cooperative in U.S. (1937)
• First Enclosed Shopping Mall in U.S. (Grand Forks, 1950)
• First UAS (Drone) Integration Test Site
• First Peace Park between Nations (International Peace Garden)
• First State to Include "Right to Hunt" in Constitution

Unique Features

• Home to the World's Largest Buffalo Monument
• Enchanted Highway:

  World's Largest Metal Sculptures
• State-Owned Bank and Mill (Bank of North Dakota, North Dakota Mill)
• Geographical Center of North America (disputed)
• Highest Percentage of Churches Per Capita

Government & Politics

North Dakota operates under a state constitution with three branches of government and has a unique political history including prairie populism.

Governor

• Doug Burgum (as of 2023)

Legislature

• Bicameral:State Senate (47 members) and House of Representatives (94 members)

Political Trends

• Republican-leaning in recent decades with history of independent voting

Unique Political Features

• State-Owned Bank of North Dakota (only state-owned bank in US)
• State Mill and Elevator (only state-owned mill in US)
• Nonpartisan League History
• Initiative and Referendum Process
• No Voter Registration Requirement

Time Zones

North Dakota spans two time zones, with most of the state in the Central Time Zone.

Central Time

• Most of North Dakota (Central Time, UTC -6)

Mountain Time

• Southwest corner (Mountain Time, UTC -7)

Daylight Saving

• Central Daylight Time (CDT, UTC -5)
• Mountain Daylight Time (MDT, UTC -6)

Time Zone Division

• Mountain Time Counties:Divide, Williams, McKenzie, Golden Valley, Billings, Stark, Slope, Bowman, Adams

Education

North Dakota maintains a strong educational system despite its rural nature, with high graduation rates and accessible higher education.

Higher Education

• North Dakota University System (11 public institutions)
• University of North Dakota (Grand Forks)
• North Dakota State University (Fargo)
• Private Colleges (University of Jamestown, Minot University, etc.)
• Tribal Colleges (5 institutions)

K-12 Education

• Public School Districts:175+
• High School Graduation Rate:Above national average
• Many small, rural schools
• Consolidation trend in rural areas
• Strong emphasis on STEM education

Educational Initiatives

• Career and Technical Education Programs
• Distance Learning for Rural Areas
• Innovative Education Program
• North Dakota Academic and CTE Scholarships
• Operation Intern

Educational Challenges

• Rural School Sustainability
• Teacher Recruitment and Retention
• Educational Equity for Native American Students
• Transportation in Rural Areas
• Energy Boom Impact on Schools

Culture & Festivals

North Dakota's cultural identity is shaped by its indigenous heritage, European immigrant influences, and agricultural traditions.

Major Festivals

• North Dakota State Fair (Minot)
• United Tribes International Powwow (Bismarck)
• Norsk Høstfest (Minot) - Largest Scandinavian festival in North America
• Medora Musical (summer season)
• Downtown Fargo Street Fair

Cultural Events

• Northern Plains Indian Culture Fest
• Art in the Park (Minot)
• Dickens Village Festival (Garrison)
• Fargo Film Festival
• North Dakota Winter Show (Valley City)

Ethnic Celebrations

• Ukrainian Festival (Dickinson)
• Germans from Russia Heritage Celebrations
• Scandinavian Heritage Festivals
• Czech Festival (Prague)
• Native American Celebrations and Powwows

Local Traditions

• Threshing Bees and Farm Shows
• Small-Town Independence Day Celebrations
• County Fairs
• Hockey Tournaments
• Church Suppers and Community Events

Sports & Teams

North Dakota has a strong sports culture centered on collegiate and high school athletics, particularly hockey and football.

Collegiate Athletics

• University of North Dakota Fighting Hawks
• North Dakota State University Bison
• NCAA Division I Ice Hockey (UND)
• NCAA Football Championship Subdivision (NDSU)
• North Dakota Collegiate Athletic Conference

Professional & Semi-Pro

• Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks (Independent Baseball)
• Bismarck Larks (Northwoods League Baseball)
• Dakota Fusion FC (Soccer)
• FM Derby Girls (Roller Derby)
• Minor League Hockey Teams

Popular Sports

• Ice Hockey (widespread youth and amateur programs)
• Football (high school and college)
• Basketball
• Wrestling
• Baseball and Softball

Sporting Events

• North Dakota State High School Tournaments
• NCAA Frozen Four Appearances (UND Hockey)
• FCS Championship Games (NDSU Football)
• Golf Tournaments
• Rodeos and Horse Racing Events

Cuisine & Local Specialties

North Dakota cuisine reflects its agricultural heritage and the cultural influences of European immigrants and Native American traditions.

Signature Dishes

• Knoephla Soup (German dumpling soup)
• Fleischkuekle (meat-filled pastry)
• Kuchen (German cake, official state dessert)
• Lefse (Norwegian flatbread)
• Bison/Buffalo Dishes

Ethnic Influences

• German and German-Russian Cuisine
• Norwegian and Scandinavian Dishes
• Ukrainian Specialties (pyrohy/pierogi)
• Native American Traditional Foods
• Czech Pastries and Breads

Agricultural Products

• Spring Wheat and Durum (pasta production)
• Barley (malting quality)
• Sunflower Seeds and Oil
• Honey Production
• Bison and Beef

Food Traditions

• Church Potlucks and Suppers
• Holiday Ethnic Foods
• Summer Cookouts and Fish Fries
• Fall Harvest Meals
• Homemade Preserves and Canning

Infrastructure

North Dakota's infrastructure supports its agricultural and energy sectors, with ongoing development to handle growth and modernization.

Transportation

• Highways:Interstates 29 and 94, US Highways
• Airports:8 commercial service airports
• Railways:BNSF and Canadian Pacific, Amtrak service
• Pipelines:Oil, natural gas, and refined products
• Rural Roads:Extensive county and township road system

Energy Infrastructure

• Oil Production:Wells, gathering systems, processing
• Electrical Grid:Coal-fired plants, wind farms, transmission
• Natural Gas:Processing plants, pipelines
• Coal Mining:Surface mines, transportation
• Renewable Energy:Growing wind power capacity

Water Systems

• Missouri River Reservoirs (Garrison Dam/Lake Sakakawea)
• Rural Water Systems
• Devils Lake Flood Management
• Irrigation Systems
• River Management

Communications

• Broadband Expansion in Rural Areas
• Cellular Coverage (improving but with rural gaps)
• Public Television and Radio Networks
• Rural Electric Cooperative Communications
• First Responder Networks

Notable Historical Figures

North Dakota has been home to influential individuals who shaped state and national history across many fields.

Political Leaders

• William Guy (Governor who modernized state)
• John Burke (Governor, US Treasurer)
• William Langer (Governor, Senator)
• Arthur Townley (Nonpartisan League founder)
• Quentin Burdick (longtime US Senator)

Cultural Figures

• Louis L'Amour (Western novelist)
• Era Bell Thompson (journalist, author)
• Eric Sevareid (journalist)
• Lawrence Welk (musician, TV personality)
• Peggy Lee (singer)

Military & Explorers

• Sitting Bull (Hunkpapa Lakota leader)
• Sakakawea (Lewis & Clark expedition guide)
• Richard Bong (WWII flying ace)
• Meriwether Lewis & William Clark (explorers, 1804-1806)
• Theodore Roosevelt (ranched in Dakota Territory)

Business & Innovation

• Harold Schafer (Gold Seal Company, Medora restoration)
• Herman Stern (businessman, humanitarian)
• Oscar Will (seedsman, conserved Native American crop varieties)
• Earl Strinden (community leader)
• Sister Thomas Welder (educational leader)

State Government Services

North Dakota's state government provides various services to residents through different departments and agencies.

Social Services

• Department of Human Services
• Department of Health
• Indian Affairs Commission
• Aging Services Division
• Children and Family Services

Economic Development

• Department of Commerce
• Bank of North Dakota
• North Dakota Mill and Elevator
• Workforce Safety & Insurance
• Agricultural Products Utilization Commission

Natural Resources

• Game and Fish Department
• Department of Environmental Quality
• Water Commission
• Department of Agriculture
• Parks and Recreation Department

Public Safety & Transportation

• Highway Patrol
• Department of Transportation
• Department of Emergency Services
• Department of Corrections
• National Guard

Key Historical Documents & Landmarks

North Dakota's history is preserved through significant documents and historic sites throughout the state.

State Constitution

• North Dakota Constitution (1889)
• Constitutional Conventions Documentation
• Constitutional Amendments
• Debates on Statehood

Historical Sites

• Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site
• Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site
• Former Governors' Mansion
• North Dakota Heritage Center
• Double Ditch Indian Village

Archival Collections

• State Historical Society of North Dakota Archives
• University of North Dakota Special Collections
• North Dakota State University Archives
• Regional County Historical Societies
• Theodore Roosevelt Digital Library

Historic Legislation

• Homestead Act Documentation (impact on settlement)
• North Dakota Mill and Elevator Association Establishment (1919)
• Bank of North Dakota Charter (1919)
• Anti-Corporate Farming Laws
• Documents from Nonpartisan League Era

Environmental Initiatives

North Dakota balances resource development with conservation efforts through various environmental programs.

Conservation Programs

• North Dakota Outdoor Heritage Fund
• Conservation Reserve Program
• Wetland Reserve Program
• Private Land Open to Sportsmen (PLOTS)
• North Dakota Natural Resources Trust

Wildlife Management

• Game and Fish Department Programs
• Wildlife Management Areas
• Prairie Pothole Conservation
• Fisheries Management
• Endangered Species Protection

Energy & Environment

• Carbon Capture and Storage Research
• Renewable Energy Development
• Reclamation of Surface-Mined Lands
• Oil Field Environmental Compliance
• EmPower North Dakota Commission

Water Quality & Management

• Missouri River Management
• Red River Basin Commission
• Devils Lake Management
• Groundwater Protection Programs
• Watershed Restoration Projects

Major Events & Conferences

North Dakota hosts various conferences, trade shows, and events focused on its key industries and cultural interests.

Agriculture Events

• Big Iron Farm Show (West Fargo)
• Northern Ag Expo (Fargo)
• KMOT Ag Expo (Minot)
• North Dakota Grain Growers Association Annual Meeting
• Precision Agriculture Summit

Energy Conferences

• Williston Basin Petroleum Conference
• North Dakota Energy Conference and Expo
• Great Plains & EmPower ND Energy Conference
• Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute Conference
• Bakken Conference and Expo

Cultural & Academic

• Northern Plains Ethics Institute Conferences
• University of North Dakota Writers Conference
• Northern Great Plains History Conference
• North Dakota Council on the Arts Events
• UAS Summit and Expo

Business & Technology

• North Dakota Technology Conference
• Greater North Dakota Chamber Events
• Small Business Development Conferences
• Healthcare Workforce Summit
• Tourism Conference