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 original Native Americans who lived in the area were known as the Wakhpetonwan, a Dakota tribe. They inspired the name of the town. In 1872 the first settler of European descent moved in and three years later a railway link was built to connect the new community to the outside world. This led to rapid growth. However, the rivers, especially the Red River, were important transport links too and a vibrant local industry was the building of flatboats.
The modern-day city is home to nearly eight thousand people. Many of these are descendants of the Germans Scandinavians and Bohemians that moved into the area in the late 19th century. There are also people of Native American, Hispanic and African American heritage. The local economy depends on manufacturing, with several large plants providing jobs.
The Richland County Historical Museum is a great place to learn more about local history, especially that of the Native American population and the pioneers. Children will love the Bagg Bonanza Farm to the west of town while history buffs shouldn't miss Fort Abercrombie to the north. In Riverside Cemetery just south of town you'll find the Circus Monument, erected in memory of circus workers who died when thunder struck as they were raising the circus tent in 1897. Circus performers still hold memorial services here.
The sister cities on the Red River are home to an unusual golf course, the Boix de Sioux Golf Course. It's the only one that lies in two different states, North Dakota and neighboring Minnesota. Close by is Chahinkapa Park, which offers sports and camping facilities. It's also home to the very popular Chahinkapa Zoo. Another popular sight is located in the vicinity of City Hall. It's called Wahpper and it's a statue of a huge catfish.
The surrounding area is a paradise for lovers of the great outdoors. There are plenty of places to go camping, bird-watching and hunting in the county. The rivers and lakes offer great fishing and water sports too and in winter, snowmobiling is a popular pastime. For a great night out, nearby Hankinson is home to a casino.
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 original Native Americans who lived in the area were known as the Wakhpetonwan, a Dakota tribe. They inspired the name of the town. In 1872 the first settler of European descent moved in and three years later a railway link was built to connect the new community to the outside world. This led to rapid growth. However, the rivers, especially the Red River, were important transport links too and a vibrant local industry was the building of flatboats.
The modern-day city is home to nearly eight thousand people. Many of these are descendants of the Germans Scandinavians and Bohemians that moved into the area in the late 19th century. There are also people of Native American, Hispanic and African American heritage. The local economy depends on manufacturing, with several large plants providing jobs.
The Richland County Historical Museum is a great place to learn more about local history, especially that of the Native American population and the pioneers. Children will love the Bagg Bonanza Farm to the west of town while history buffs shouldn't miss Fort Abercrombie to the north. In Riverside Cemetery just south of town you'll find the Circus Monument, erected in memory of circus workers who died when thunder struck as they were raising the circus tent in 1897. Circus performers still hold memorial services here.
The sister cities on the Red River are home to an unusual golf course, the Boix de Sioux Golf Course. It's the only one that lies in two different states, North Dakota and neighboring Minnesota. Close by is Chahinkapa Park, which offers sports and camping facilities. It's also home to the very popular Chahinkapa Zoo. Another popular sight is located in the vicinity of City Hall. It's called Wahpper and it's a statue of a huge catfish.
The surrounding area is a paradise for lovers of the great outdoors. There are plenty of places to go camping, bird-watching and hunting in the county. The rivers and lakes offer great fishing and water sports too and in winter, snowmobiling is a popular pastime. For a great night out, nearby Hankinson is home to a casino.
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.
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