Driving across the Great Plains can be a challenge. The roads tend to be straight and stretching on for what seems like forever and the landscape does not have many features. However, there are lovely towns and small cities where you can take a break and stretch your legs. One of these 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 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.
The modern-day city is home to nearly eight thousand people. Many of these are descendants of the Germans Scandinavians and Bohemians that moved into the area in the late 19th century. There are also people of Native American, Hispanic and African American heritage. The local economy depends on manufacturing, with several large plants providing jobs.
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.
The sister cities on the Red River are home to an unusual golf course, the Boix de Sioux Golf Course. It's the only one that lies in two different states, North Dakota and neighboring Minnesota. Close by is Chahinkapa Park, which offers sports and camping facilities. It's also home to the very popular Chahinkapa Zoo. Another popular sight is located in the vicinity of City Hall. It's called Wahpper and it's a statue of a huge catfish.
The surrounding area is a paradise for lovers of the great outdoors. There are plenty of places to go camping, bird-watching and hunting in the county. The rivers and lakes offer great fishing and water sports too and in winter, snowmobiling is a popular pastime. For a great night out, nearby Hankinson is home to a casino.
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 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.
The modern-day city is home to nearly eight thousand people. Many of these are descendants of the Germans Scandinavians and Bohemians that moved into the area in the late 19th century. There are also people of Native American, Hispanic and African American heritage. The local economy depends on manufacturing, with several large plants providing jobs.
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.
The sister cities on the Red River are home to an unusual golf course, the Boix de Sioux Golf Course. It's the only one that lies in two different states, North Dakota and neighboring Minnesota. Close by is Chahinkapa Park, which offers sports and camping facilities. It's also home to the very popular Chahinkapa Zoo. Another popular sight is located in the vicinity of City Hall. It's called Wahpper and it's a statue of a huge catfish.
The surrounding area is a paradise for lovers of the great outdoors. There are plenty of places to go camping, bird-watching and hunting in the county. The rivers and lakes offer great fishing and water sports too and in winter, snowmobiling is a popular pastime. For a great night out, nearby Hankinson is home to a casino.
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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