North Dakota Facts and Folks...

As we get ready to say good bye to North Dakota, I have a few finishing thoughts. I have observed every where we have been that the people here are very friendly and accomodating. The pace here is a little slower and we have had a good time exploring this state from one end to the other.
I think this state has gotten a bad rap in that it isn't nearly as flat as people say. The Native American History is very abundant here, and people here are hard workers. Much of their tourism is based on Pioneer Days,
The legendary White(Albino)Buffalo,several Native American Tribes, The lakes and Golf Courses.I feel very fortunate that we got to see the whole herd and all three white buffalos in one place close to the museum the first day we went. The folks at the Museum and some at the Village said lots of folks come and are disappointed because the buffalo roam all over the pastures in the area and some days they are not out where they can be seen. They stay in the bottom of the draw in the trees because their eyes are sensitive to bright sunlight. People have asked me why we want to spend so much time here? Well there's a few reasons, I have learned some more about the Native American Culture and my husband has caught the most and the biggest Walleye in his entire life here! Thanks to the folks in Hazen N.D for making us feel welcome and including us in activities. We have enjoyed the beauty of Wheat Harvest close up and met some more friends! It's all good. Medora has a lot more going on than I gave it time or credit for. Jamestown in the middle of the state has everything you could want and more, history, crafts and products made right here in N.D. I went back to the Village today and bought a hand carved shoe!(picture later!) I love shoes and wanted something made in North Dakota. I got to visit with the artist and he signed my little shoe!
Jamestown is also the notorious home town of Loius L'Amour, the famous Western Artist. He wrote 120 books, including the "Sacketts" series of 18. Some of his books were made into wonderful movies with actors like John Wayne and Tom Selleck. Even though he passed away in 1988, the town keeps his memory and his stories alive!
As we will go down the road in the morning, headed for Minnesota....I'm really glad we spent this time here and hope you all get here some day. It's worth it! Some more facts:

Population of the state is 641,481

Bismarck is the Capital City The Capital is known as the "Skyscraper on the Prairie"
State Tree: American Elm
State Bird: Western Meadowlark
State Drink: Milk
State Fruit: Chokecherry

AAA deemed a ND vacation the most affordable in the U.S.
N.D. is one of only twelve states with a growing economy

N.D. has the highest number of millionaires per capita of any state, and not a yuppie to be found anywhere!

Agriculture is N.D. top industry, the leader in the flaxseed, canola, pinto beans, and wheat to name a few.

N.D is the 4th now the most producing oil state in the U.S.
having a huge exploration going on in the Northeastern part of the state.

The explorers Lewis and Clark spent more time in ND than any other place on their journey.