New, New, New in North Dakota - the 'Real America' - The Rocky Mountain States of America

 
New Country Farm Life program at Fort Ransom State Park

A new program is debuting at Fort Ransom State Park this year called "Country Farm Life: Portraits of North Dakota Living at the Turn of the Century" featuring aspects of pioneer living in North Dakota. The Sunne Demonstration Farm will showcase how the buildings and items in it were once used. See www.parkrec.nd.gov. Fort Ransom State Park, in the scenic Sheyenne River Valley provides camping, hiking trails, canoe rentals and corrals for horses.

Custer lives on

Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park is rich in both military and early Native American history: an important infantry and cavalry post from where Lt. Col. George Armstrong Custer and the Seventh cavalry rode to their ill-fated expedition at Little Big Horn. Visitors have a panoramic vista of the Missouri River from the park's nature and historic trails and access to the nearby the On-A-Slant Indian Village depicting the lifestyle of the Mandan Indians, who occupied this site from about 1575-1781. Helicopter rides are offered on some summer weekends and a modern campground is available adjacent to the Heart River.

Ranch and Hotel Update

Black Leg Ranch, a true working cattle ranch, has had a complete make-over.  Learn from the best; cowboys who have bloodlines dating back to the pioneers of the early 1600s. Other new hotels to stay in North Dakota are Microtel Inn & Suites, The Watford, Residence Inn by Marriott, Cobblestone Inn and Souris Valley Suites.

More fun for families in Medora

The Medora family fun centre includes a bungee jump, rock climbing wall and the world's largest inflatable wet slide. Or head down to the newly restored Von Hoffman House featuring original furniture and period furnishings for some history. The home was originally built in 1884 and is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places.

Rent a Harley in Jamestown

Stutsman Harley Davidson is now renting bikes to the public so anyone can enjoy the thrill of the open road.

Peeping Pipes

Fort Seward has recently completed the addition of its new Viewing Wall that shows visitors where the fort's original buildings were from 1872 to 1877. The wall uses "peeping pipes" that let visitors look at the exact sites where the original buildings stood.

Follow Lewis & Clark

Lewis and Clark did all of the hard work, charting and exploring the West, and now you can have all of the fun on the Lewis and Clark Trail. Take your own journey to a powwow, drape yourself in a buffalo robe or meander through remains of the home of Sakakawea, the Lewis & Clark Expedition's legendary Indian interpreter and guide.

For more information on North Dakota see the website www.ndtourism.com