North Dakota was part of the Louisiana Territory and was considered the wild, wild west for many years. Thanks to historic figures like Sitting Bull, George Custer and Teddy Roosevelt, North Dakota retained its reputation as a rough and wild place even after becoming a state in December 1889. However, this reputation was far from the truth. Most of the residents of North Dakota were farmers and ranchers. Many were emigrants from European and Scandinavian countries. These cultures as well as many Native American cultures live on in today's North Dakota.

This diverse heritage has created a wonderland of adventures and activities for visitors to North Dakota to experience.

The European and Scandinavian cultures have left a legacy of Folk Art and festivals throughout North Dakota. Floral shops, arts and crafts boutiques and even an "Enchanted Highway" are filled with fascinating hand crafted objects that come from a long heritage of family traditions.

Be sure to put a trip to North Dakota's largest piece of folk art on your traveling agenda. It's the world's largest buffalo is standing at the Frontier Village.

The cowboy in all of us can find for the several "western" experiences waiting in today's North Dakota. Plan to stay at one of the many vacation ranches, attend a rodeo, participate in a pow wow, visit historic forts or go to one of the many rendezvous held each year.