The Great Plains of the USA have their own special magic. Vast expanses of grasslands and fertile soils have attracted people from all over to tame the West and live the good life, making a living from agriculture. Because of the flat topography, rivers tend to be winding and calm, perfect for relaxing. There are many interesting little communities here too, such as Wahpeton, North Dakota.
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.
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 a casino in nearby Hankinson where you can try your luck. If you prefer the quiet of nature, you're spoiled for choice with opportunities for fishing, hunting, bird-watching and camping. In winter, the snow-covered landscape simply begs to be explored by snowmobile.
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.
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 a casino in nearby Hankinson where you can try your luck. If you prefer the quiet of nature, you're spoiled for choice with opportunities for fishing, hunting, bird-watching and camping. In winter, the snow-covered landscape simply begs to be explored by snowmobile.
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.
About the Author:
Come and visit the stunning Wahpeton in North Dakota and discover all its wonderful sites. To learn more about this destination, click on http://www.visitwahpeton.com.
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