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.
The town, which is officially called a city, is the county seat for Richland County. This county covers the southeastern corner of North Dakota. The city itself lies on the western bank of the Red River of the North, with its sister city Breckenridge lying on the opposite bank, in Minnesota. The Red River actually starts here, formed by the confluence of the Boix de Sioux River and the Otter Tail River. The former flows from the south while the latter meets it from the east.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The town, which is officially called a city, is the county seat for Richland County. This county covers the southeastern corner of North Dakota. The city itself lies on the western bank of the Red River of the North, with its sister city Breckenridge lying on the opposite bank, in Minnesota. The Red River actually starts here, formed by the confluence of the Boix de Sioux River and the Otter Tail River. The former flows from the south while the latter meets it from the east.
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.
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.
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.
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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