Monday, April 14, 2014

Consider A North Dakota Vacation

By Anita Ortega


Say 'vacation destination' to family or friends and the chances are they won't respond "North Dakota". However, more and more people are discovering that this northwestern state offers unlimited outdoor activities and many enjoyable indoor ones, as well. Even better, the cost of a North Dakota vacation is very, very attractive. Many of the most exciting 'things to do' are free, while others are reasonably priced.

Although many people don't know much about ND, a little research will let you in on the secret. This large state has awesome scenery, exciting cities, absorbing museums, 63 wildlife refuges, renowned hunting and fishing areas, and many historic sites from earlier days - which are not all that far distant. You can visit a Las Vegas style casino with bright lights and live entertainment or wander through a ghost town. Talk about variety.

For those who like shopping and indoor activities, ND cities have great downtown amenities. Real North American jewelry, rugs, and blankets can be found in downtown and casino gift shops. You can visit a Vegas-style gaming resort with fine dining, concerts, and live entertainment. The Dakota Zoo in Bismark is great, and there are many museums based on history that happened not that long ago.

Before the arrival of the white man the Badlands awed people with their barren beauty, dramatic gorges, and colored rock formations. Today photographers and hikers explore hidden trails and more than sixty ghost towns. Scenic overlooks make welcome pauses in the heart-stopping drive along the Theodore Roosevelt National Park North Unit, a fourteen-mile drive of curves, drop-offs, and spectacular scenery.

Photography is a thrill for visitors to ND. There's another reason besides the scenery. ND is right in the middle of the Central Flyway used by millions of migratory birds. June in ND is considered a must for serious birders. There are specially-marked drives and trails that give great opportunities to see many species that stop off in the wetlands of central ND. Some refuges have blinds so photographers can get close to feeding and mating birds.

Cabin rentals offer accommodations for groups or families. Resort lodges have more luxurious cabins for overnight stays, and there are plenty of motels. Camping is available almost anywhere; you'll be on the spot if you want to hike, cycle, fish, hunt, canoe, or kayak.

If you don't know your way around ND, you might want to select a vacation package that covers the activities you like best and the sights you want to see. There are many fine golf courses, ski slopes, historical tours, and museums. The state is well-supplied with airports, which makes getting where you want to go easy.

If you've done the cruise ships and the beaches and want a change of pace, consider heading to ND, where the wild west is still to be found, history is close enough to touch, and you can have all the modern conveniences anytime you want. The 39th (or maybe 40th;the records are not clear) state is a wonderful destination.




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