Driving across the Great Plains can be a challenge. The roads tend to be straight and stretching on for what seems like forever and the landscape does not have many features. However, there are lovely towns and small cities where you can take a break and stretch your legs. One of these is Wahpeton.
Located in the southeastern corner of North Dakota and about 47 miles south of Fargo, the small city is the Richland County seat. It lies at the spot where the Otter Tail and Boix de Sioux Rivers flow into one another. This confluence is the start of the Red River of the North. This river flows north into Canada and forms the border between North Dakota and Minnesota. On the opposite bank lies the city of Breckenridge, Minnesota.
The city was named after the area's Native American inhabitants, a Dakota tribe known as the Wakhpetonwan. European settlement began in the mid-1800s, with the first settler arriving in 1869. The village slowly grew until 1872, when the railroad came and brought with it rapid growth. In the early days, flatboat building provided employment to many of the local inhabitants and the Red River was an important trade and transport route.
Today, a little less than eight thousand people call the county seat home. The majority are of European descent, with their ancestors moving here from places like Bohemia, Scandinavia and Germany over a century ago. Minorities include Native Americans, Latinos and African Americans. Today much of the economy is based on the manufacturing plants located here.
One of the fascinating historical attractions in town is the Richland County Historical Museum, which displays artifacts from pioneer days as well as from Native American life. A short drive out of town to the west lies Bagg Bonanza Farm, where you can see how these huge farms operate. Fort Abercrombie lies to the north, in the small village of Abercrombie. A poignant attraction is the Circus Monument in Riverside Cemetery. It honors the memory of some circus employees who were struck by lightning in 1897 as they were erecting the circus tent. If there is a circus in town, you may see them hold a memorial service at the monument.
If you've always wanted to tee off in two different states, be sure to play a round of golf at the Boix de Sioux Golf Course, which lies partially in North Dakota and partially in Minnesota. Chahinkapa Park, home to the Chahinkapa Zoo, is nearby and has several sports facilities. Near City Hall is a quirky but popular attraction in the form of a huge fiberglass statue of a catfish. Its name is Wahpper.
There is a casino in nearby Hankinson where you can try your luck. If you prefer the quiet of nature, you're spoiled for choice with opportunities for fishing, hunting, bird-watching and camping. In winter, the snow-covered landscape simply begs to be explored by snowmobile.
You'll find many interesting little shops in town. There are plenty of places to eat too, with different cuisines on offer. A range of hotels, motels, lodges, cabins and camp grounds offer accommodation.
Located in the southeastern corner of North Dakota and about 47 miles south of Fargo, the small city is the Richland County seat. It lies at the spot where the Otter Tail and Boix de Sioux Rivers flow into one another. This confluence is the start of the Red River of the North. This river flows north into Canada and forms the border between North Dakota and Minnesota. On the opposite bank lies the city of Breckenridge, Minnesota.
The city was named after the area's Native American inhabitants, a Dakota tribe known as the Wakhpetonwan. European settlement began in the mid-1800s, with the first settler arriving in 1869. The village slowly grew until 1872, when the railroad came and brought with it rapid growth. In the early days, flatboat building provided employment to many of the local inhabitants and the Red River was an important trade and transport route.
Today, a little less than eight thousand people call the county seat home. The majority are of European descent, with their ancestors moving here from places like Bohemia, Scandinavia and Germany over a century ago. Minorities include Native Americans, Latinos and African Americans. Today much of the economy is based on the manufacturing plants located here.
One of the fascinating historical attractions in town is the Richland County Historical Museum, which displays artifacts from pioneer days as well as from Native American life. A short drive out of town to the west lies Bagg Bonanza Farm, where you can see how these huge farms operate. Fort Abercrombie lies to the north, in the small village of Abercrombie. A poignant attraction is the Circus Monument in Riverside Cemetery. It honors the memory of some circus employees who were struck by lightning in 1897 as they were erecting the circus tent. If there is a circus in town, you may see them hold a memorial service at the monument.
If you've always wanted to tee off in two different states, be sure to play a round of golf at the Boix de Sioux Golf Course, which lies partially in North Dakota and partially in Minnesota. Chahinkapa Park, home to the Chahinkapa Zoo, is nearby and has several sports facilities. Near City Hall is a quirky but popular attraction in the form of a huge fiberglass statue of a catfish. Its name is Wahpper.
There is a casino in nearby Hankinson where you can try your luck. If you prefer the quiet of nature, you're spoiled for choice with opportunities for fishing, hunting, bird-watching and camping. In winter, the snow-covered landscape simply begs to be explored by snowmobile.
You'll find many interesting little shops in town. There are plenty of places to eat too, with different cuisines on offer. A range of hotels, motels, lodges, cabins and camp grounds offer accommodation.
About the Author:
You can visit www.visitwahpeton.com for more helpful information about Take A Break And Stretch Your Legs In Wahpeton.
0 comments:
Post a Comment