Driving long distances can be dangerous and you need to take regular breaks to prevent driver's fatigue. This is especially important in a landscape where roads are straight and the landscape doesn't have many features, such as in the Dakotas. Luckily there are many great towns where you can stop over and recharge your batteries. In some you may even want to spend a few days. One such a community 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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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