Driving long distances can be dangerous and you need to take regular breaks to prevent driver's fatigue. This is especially important in a landscape where roads are straight and the landscape doesn't have many features, such as in the Dakotas. Luckily there are many great towns where you can stop over and recharge your batteries. In some you may even want to spend a few days. One such a community is Wahpeton.
The county seat of Richland County in North Dakota is called a city, like all other communities in the county. In reality it's a charming small town. The Red River of the North separates it from its sister city, Breckenridge, which lies in Minnesota. The Red River Valley starts here, formed by the Otter Tail and Boix de Sioux Rivers flowing together. Fargo lies 47 miles or so to the north.
The city got its name from the first people who lived here, the Wakhpetonwan Dakota people. The first European settler moved in in 1869 and when the railroad came to town in 1872, the little village quickly became a bustling town. The rivers that meet here also provided many economic opportunities and flatboat building was a specialty in the communities on both banks of the Red River.
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.
A popular local attraction is Wahpper, the 'world's largest catfish'. It's a statue of a catfish and stands not far from City Hall. Kids will love Chahinkapa Zoo, which is located in Chahinkapa Park, a great place for a picnic, camping or some informal ball games. For a more formal ball game, visit the Boix de Sioux Golf Course, which has the distinction that it lies in both North Dakota and Minnesota.
There is plenty to do in the countryside and towns nearby too. Hankinson, for instance, has a casino where you can try and hit the jackpot. Outdoor pursuits such as hunting and camping are popular and the lakes and rivers offer fantastic bird-watching and fishing. During the cold months, rent a snowmobile and go exploring.
There are wonderful restaurants and shops in town to help you enjoy the good life. Moreover, it's easy to stay over. The area has a great selection of accommodation options, including camp grounds, lodges, cabins, motels and hotels.
The county seat of Richland County in North Dakota is called a city, like all other communities in the county. In reality it's a charming small town. The Red River of the North separates it from its sister city, Breckenridge, which lies in Minnesota. The Red River Valley starts here, formed by the Otter Tail and Boix de Sioux Rivers flowing together. Fargo lies 47 miles or so to the north.
The city got its name from the first people who lived here, the Wakhpetonwan Dakota people. The first European settler moved in in 1869 and when the railroad came to town in 1872, the little village quickly became a bustling town. The rivers that meet here also provided many economic opportunities and flatboat building was a specialty in the communities on both banks of the Red River.
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.
A popular local attraction is Wahpper, the 'world's largest catfish'. It's a statue of a catfish and stands not far from City Hall. Kids will love Chahinkapa Zoo, which is located in Chahinkapa Park, a great place for a picnic, camping or some informal ball games. For a more formal ball game, visit the Boix de Sioux Golf Course, which has the distinction that it lies in both North Dakota and Minnesota.
There is plenty to do in the countryside and towns nearby too. Hankinson, for instance, has a casino where you can try and hit the jackpot. Outdoor pursuits such as hunting and camping are popular and the lakes and rivers offer fantastic bird-watching and fishing. During the cold months, rent a snowmobile and go exploring.
There are wonderful restaurants and shops in town to help you enjoy the good life. Moreover, it's easy to stay over. The area has a great selection of accommodation options, including camp grounds, lodges, cabins, motels and hotels.
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