10 fun and interesting North Dakota facts

1. Rugby, North Dakota is home to the North American Center

The town of Rugby, North Dakota is home to the exact center of North America, marked by a 15 foot structure that proudly displays both an American Flag and a Canadian Flag. This unique monument serves as a reminder of the close relationship between the two countries, and is a popular tourist destination for those looking to explore the history and culture of the region.

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2. North Dakota declares milk its state beverage

North Dakota has officially declared milk as its state beverage, a fitting choice for the state known for its dairy production. In fact, North Dakota is the third-largest producer of milk in the United States, with over 1.2 billion pounds of milk produced in 2018 alone. This makes milk an important part of the state's economy, and a fitting choice for its official beverage.

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3. North Dakota's Historic Opera House

The historic Opera House in North Dakota is a must-see attraction for any visitor. Built in 1909, it is the oldest standing attraction in the state and can accommodate up to 1,000 patrons. The Opera House is a beautiful example of early 20th century architecture, and its grandeur is sure to impress. Whether you're looking for a unique place to take in a show or simply want to explore the history of the state, the Opera House is a great place to start.

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4. North Dakota's Oldest Rodeo

North Dakota is home to the oldest rodeo in the state, the Killdeer Mountain Roundup Rodeo. Established in 1948, this rodeo has been a staple of the North Dakota rodeo scene for over 70 years. It features a variety of events, including bull riding, barrel racing, and team roping. The rodeo also features a parade, a carnival, and a variety of other activities. The Killdeer Mountain Roundup Rodeo is a great way to experience the culture and history of North Dakota.

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5. North Dakota - The 17th Largest State in the United States

North Dakota is the 17th largest state in the United States, covering an impressive 70,665 square miles of land. Spanning 212 miles from north to south and 360 miles from east to west, this expansive state is home to a variety of landscapes, from the rolling hills of the Red River Valley to the rugged Badlands of the western part of the state.

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6. The State Named After the Dakota Indian Tribe

The state of North Dakota was named after the Dakota Indian Tribe, whose name translates to "friends" or "allies" in the Sioux language. This tribe had been living on the land since 1861, when the state was established. The name was chosen to honor the tribe's long-standing presence in the area and to recognize the friendship between the tribe and the settlers.

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7. North Dakota's grizzly bears

In 1804, the Lewis and Clark expedition encountered their first grizzly bears in North Dakota. This was a momentous occasion for the expedition, as grizzly bears are one of the most iconic and feared animals in the United States. The expedition was able to observe the bears in their natural habitat, and the encounter was documented in the journals of the expedition. This event was a significant milestone in the exploration of the American West, and it is a reminder of the importance of preserving the natural beauty of North Dakota.

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8. North Dakota's Wild Prairie Rose: Official State Flower

North Dakota is home to the beautiful wild prairie rose, which has been designated as the official state flower. This delicate flower is a member of the rose family and is known for its five-petaled pink blossoms and its sweet, fragrant scent. It is a hardy flower that can survive in the harsh climate of North Dakota, and it is a symbol of the state's beauty and resilience.

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9. North Dakota's 50-foot tall pyramid made out of empty oil cans

North Dakota is home to the world's largest pyramid made entirely out of empty oil cans, standing at an impressive 50 feet tall. Constructed by Max G. Taubert, this remarkable structure is a testament to the ingenuity and creativity of the people of North Dakota. The pyramid is a unique and iconic symbol of the state, and a reminder of the importance of the oil industry in the region.

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10. North Dakota is the sunflower capital of the United States

North Dakota is the sunflower capital of the United States, producing more of the vibrant yellow flowers than any other state. The state's ideal climate and soil conditions make it the perfect place for sunflower cultivation, and its farmers have taken full advantage of this, harvesting over 1.2 million acres of sunflowers each year. This is more than double the amount of sunflowers grown in the second-highest producing state, South Dakota.