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.
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 city was named after the area's Native American inhabitants, a Dakota tribe known as the Wakhpetonwan. European settlement began in the mid-1800s, with the first settler arriving in 1869. The village slowly grew until 1872, when the railroad came and brought with it rapid growth. In the early days, flatboat building provided employment to many of the local inhabitants and the Red River was an important trade and transport route.
Today agriculture is a major industry, as is manufacturing. The early German, Bohemian and Scandinavian settlers were the ancestors of many of the city's white inhabitants. However, there are also people of Native American, African American and Hispanic descent. The small city is currently home to almost 8,000 people.
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.
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 plenty to do in the countryside and towns nearby too. Hankinson, for instance, has a casino where you can try and hit the jackpot. Outdoor pursuits such as hunting and camping are popular and the lakes and rivers offer fantastic bird-watching and fishing. During the cold months, rent a snowmobile and go exploring.
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 city was named after the area's Native American inhabitants, a Dakota tribe known as the Wakhpetonwan. European settlement began in the mid-1800s, with the first settler arriving in 1869. The village slowly grew until 1872, when the railroad came and brought with it rapid growth. In the early days, flatboat building provided employment to many of the local inhabitants and the Red River was an important trade and transport route.
Today agriculture is a major industry, as is manufacturing. The early German, Bohemian and Scandinavian settlers were the ancestors of many of the city's white inhabitants. However, there are also people of Native American, African American and Hispanic descent. The small city is currently home to almost 8,000 people.
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.
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 plenty to do in the countryside and towns nearby too. Hankinson, for instance, has a casino where you can try and hit the jackpot. Outdoor pursuits such as hunting and camping are popular and the lakes and rivers offer fantastic bird-watching and fishing. During the cold months, rent a snowmobile and go exploring.
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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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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