Take A Break In Wahpeton

Take A Break In Wahpeton

by Marci Glover

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 <A href="http://www.visitwahpeton.com">Wahpeton</A>.

The county seat of Richland County in North Dakota is called a city, like all other communities in the county. In reality it's a charming small town. The Red River of the North separates it from its sister city, Breckenridge, which lies in Minnesota. The Red River Valley starts here, formed by the Otter Tail and Boix de Sioux Rivers flowing together. Fargo lies 47 miles or so to the north.

The original Native Americans who lived in the area were known as the Wakhpetonwan, a Dakota tribe. They inspired the name of the town. In 1872 the first settler of European descent moved in and three years later a railway link was built to connect the new community to the outside world. This led to rapid growth. However, the rivers, especially the Red River, were important transport links too and a vibrant local industry was the building of flatboats.

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.

There are wonderful restaurants and shops in town to help you enjoy the good life. Moreover, it's easy to stay over. The area has a great selection of accommodation options, including camp grounds, lodges, cabins, motels and hotels.



You can visit <a href="http://www.visitwahpeton.com">www.visitwahpeton.com</a> for more helpful information about Take A Break And Stretch Your Legs In Wahpeton.

---------------------------------------------------
You are receiving this because you signed up for it on 2012-04-22 from IP 114.79.13.119
To fine-tune your selection of which articles to receive, just login here:

http://www.uniquearticlewizard.com/bloggers/

using your username:

To unsubscribe please use the following link:

http://www.uniquearticlewizard.com/unsubscribe.php?mail=wisatanusantara3.alankoesumah@blogger.com&code=d48035f43fb1db56998290ec5232b52c
---------------------------------------------------