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All United States North Dakota

The Atlas Obscura Guide To North Dakota

29 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in North Dakota

Updated May 5, 2023

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Jamestown
Stones from the foundation of Roosevelt's house on the site.
Medora
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Unusual Attractions in North Dakota

Giant Pyramid near Nekoma, North Dakota

Nekoma, North Dakota

The Pyramid of North Dakota

The remnants of an early American attempt at missile defense.
"Grasshopper's Delight" sculpture along the Enchanted Highway, approximately half-way to Regent, North Dakota.  Car included for scale.

Regent, North Dakota

Enchanted Highway Sculptures

One man's quest to save his town with a trail of record-breaking sculptures.

Jamestown, North Dakota

World's Largest Buffalo

A true roadside icon standing on the same plains that the herds once roamed.
White Cloud, as photographed by Carroll Wentland.

Jamestown, North Dakota

Legendary Albino Buffalo

Three legendary, living albino buffalo roaming their pastures for all to see.
The rock obelisk at Rugby, North Dakota.

Rugby, North Dakota

The Geographical Center of North America

A monument to the center of the North American continent may be off by a few miles.
Looking up from the bottom of the hill.

Minot, North Dakota

Gol Stave Church Museum

This museum is a full-size replica of an original church constructed during the 13th-century.
Ronald Reagan Minuteman Missile Site

Cooperstown, North Dakota

Ronald Reagan Minuteman Missile Site

These former Cold War launch sites have been preserved for tourists to see where the button might have been pushed.

New Salem, North Dakota

Salem Sue

The world's largest Holstein cow.
See All 29 Things To Do in North Dakota

Cool Places to Eat & Drink in North Dakota

A Whirla-Whip creation, flavored with with Nutella.

Stanley, North Dakota

Whirla-Whip Ice Cream

The pharmacy's retro ice cream mixer is one of the last of its kind.
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Unforgettable Experiences Nearby

Atlas Obscura Itineraries

7 Very Tall Things in Very Flat North Dakota

North Dakota is not quite the flattest state in the U.S., but it's pretty close. (In one analysis, it placed third, after Illinois and Florida.) During the last Ice Age, glaciers moving across the terrain had a planing effect on the land, dropping sediment that filled in any valleys, creating sprawling prairies and open, big skies. These large expanses are home to more than a few sky-high structures, both natural and human-made. From rocky peaks and multi-ton animal statues to one of the tallest buildings in the world, these are some of the most impressive structures that North Dakota has to offer. As the pandemic continues, we hope this virtual trip helps you explore America’s wonders. If you do choose to venture out, please follow all guidelines, maintain social distance, and wear a mask.

View Itinerary
Flat ground, big skies, huge cows.

Explore North Dakota

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Recent North Dakota Activity

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Stories About North Dakota

Miniwashitu is described as a frightening-looking creature with an important job: breaking up the ice on the Missouri River with its saw-like backbone.

In North Dakota, the Hideous Miniwashitu Ushers in Spring

The Madan people knew the Missouri River could bring both salvation and destruction.
by April White
May 5, 2023
Despite a wingspan of up to 70 feet and legends about them from coast to coast, thunderbirds are a particularly elusive cryptid in North America.

Beware the Thunderbird, Badass Cryptid of the Skies

The source of storms and an (occasional) kidnapper, the massive ancient beast has inspired muscle cars and jet fighters.
by J.W. Ocker
October 26, 2022
Using a surprise source of evidence, researchers believe an infamous dinosaur-killing asteroid slammed into Earth in the Northern Hemisphere spring.

Did the Dinosaurs Die on a Pleasant North Dakota Spring Day?

Fish fossils may put "the single worst day for multicellular life on Earth" on the calendar.
by Gemma Tarlach
February 23, 2022
The patchwork shows expanses of snow, interspersed with fields of corn that are toughing out the winter weather.

Endless Fields of Unharvested Corn, As Seen From Space

North Dakota's corn fields will spend the winter under a snowy blanket.
by Jessica Leigh Hester
December 11, 2019

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