North Dakota

North Dakota, the 39th state, is named after the Sioux Indian word for 'friend.' Known for its friendly people and simple pleasures, the name fits perfectly. North Dakota is the most rural of all the US states, leading the rest of the nation in production of many crops and livestock including wheat, beans, barley, oats and cattle. In fact, the Red River Valley in northeastern North Dakota is one of the most fertile places in the world and is known as the "Breadbasket of the World." But the state's biggest draw is the serenity of such wide open space. One of the most popular places is Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Over 70,000 acres of prairies, badlands and the Little Missouri River are dedicated to the 26th US president for his work in nature conservation. Far from the bright lights of the city, the park has been named one of the darkest places in North America and one of the best places to view the Northern Lights. There is an abundance of state parks in North Dakota encouraging outdoor pastimes such as biking, ice-fishing, backpacking, canoeing and bird-watching. To delve into the region's rich history visit the Knife River Indian Villages to view the remains of three American Indian villages. The capital city of Bismarck played an important role in the Wild West. The city was considered the second wildest town in the West behind Dodge City, Kansas. Supposedly there were more saloons than houses, and gun-slinging shootouts weren't uncommon. Today Bismarck is the second most populous city in North Dakota with a number of good museums, historic sites and a zoo. Whether walking the streets of Bismarck, driving past a vast field of golden sunflowers, or fishing in the Missouri River, remember that the best of North Dakota can be found in the simple beauty of her wide open spaces.