Movie fans might know North Dakota more from the Coen brothers’ campy film classic “Fargo” than from actually visiting the Roughrider State. That would be a shame, says North Dakota Tourism Director Deanne Cunningham, who adds that she wants groups “to be legendary by experiencing our adventurous outdoors and vibrant communities, as well as our culture and history.”
At Theodore Roosevelt National Park, a 36-mile loop provides access for motorcoaches to pull over and let passengers take photographs of bison and prairie dogs or get out and hike the trails.
In Medora near the Badlands, visitors are likely to encounter a Theodore Roosevelt re-enactor, along with cowboys and cowgirls riding their horses through the streets, tipping their hats as they pass.
For the true meaning of friendship between nations, you’ll want to schedule a visit to the International Peace Garden, a beacon of harmony for 87 years. Celebrating the United States’ unique relationship with its Canadian neighbors, the garden has impressive attractions such as the Peace Chapel, the 9/11 Memorial, the Formal Garden and the Floral Clock, as well as an annual planting of 150,000 flowers.
“Fargo” fanatics won’t want to miss that quirky metropolis, whose young entrepreneurs have opened businesses offering craft beers and crafty cuisine. Groups will love Bonanzaville with its railroad, vintage cars and airplanes.
And for those who want to keep the spirit of Detective Marge Gunderson and hapless wannabe criminal Jerry Lundegaard alive, book tickets for the Fargo Film Festival, held annually in March.
For more information, connect with Deanne Cunningham or visit ndtourism.com.
Top photo: International Peace Garden
Photo by North Dakota Tourism
Support for Courier articles provided by:
Carbon County Visitors Council
Cody Country Visitors & Convention Council
History Colorado
National Museum of Wildlife Art of the United States
North Dakota Tourism Division
Visit Cheyenne
