North Dakota, “The Flickertail State,” stretches from the rugged Badlands and verdant prairies to Missouri River waterways and farmlands, gardens and gentle valleys.

In this state’s southwestern Badlands, Theodore Roosevelt National Park was established to honor Roosevelt’s significant conservation efforts and his high personal regard for the area. His namesake national park has two portions accessible from either Medora or Watford City. The northern side contains forested lands punctuated with towering buttes; the South section displays a more weathered, layered look that reflects millions of years of wind, rain, and the gradual effects of the Little Missouri River. Both areas are promising destinations for backcountry explorers, auto tourists and wildlife watchers. Deer, prairie dogs, buffalo, and grouse are commonly seen from the scenic roadways. Observant travelers sometimes encounter elk, antelope and wild horses. You can choose more active pursuits like hiking, canoeing, kayaking, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing.

Lake Sakakawea State Park is in the central west portion of the “Flickertail State,” just outside Pick City. Named for the Shoshone woman who assisted Lewis and Clark’s Corps of Discovery, this park is on Lake Sakakawea’s southern shore next to Garrison Dam. The lake is the largest man-made reservoir in the United States, measuring 178 miles in length. Known for its top-notch salmon fishing, Sakakawea State Park provides angling necessities at a marina complete with fishing guide services. Angling derbies and sailing regattas are scheduled during summer months. For visitors who want to stay high and dry, hiking is another popular activity.

In North Dakota’s north central region, near the town of Devils Lake, the Devils Lake Parks System includes State Recreation Areas at Black Tiger Bay and Shelvers Grove as well as Grahams Island State Park. Set in one of North Dakota’s most picturesque areas, Devils Lake is also the largest natural waterway in the state. Fishing and boating are the chief activities, with anglers catching white bass, pike and walleye on a regular basis. Whopper yellow perch are favorite winter prizes for the lakes’ ice fisherman. More fun can be had by hikers who negotiate the paths through hardwood forests of oak, elm and aspen that fringe Devils Lake.

Arrowwood National Wildlife Refuge is in the southeastern prairie region of North Dakota in Carrington. Nature photographers and birdwatchers discover lots of worthy subjects in this refuge and its several small lakes, woodlands, and prairies; a home to more than 250 species of birds. A nice summer bonus is the natural crop of fresh juneberries, chokecherries and other tasty fruits. A self-guided auto tour takes refuge visitors on a five-mile interpretive route through the home ranges of deer, fox, ring-necked pheasants, sharp-tailed grouse, and Hungarian partridges.

There are some surprising finds near Fargo that will really get you interested, especially if you’re an avid watcher of ghost hunting shows or the History Channel. The ghost towns near Fargo will keep you occupied and on your toes for days!

I’m sure you probably thought ghost towns were only way down south in Arizona or Texas, but they are actually scattered all over the United States. North Dakota has its share of ghost towns with 66 ghost towns and 10 near Fargo. Some have more abandoned buildings still standing than others, and some still have a few residents.

Arena, North Dakota was abandoned actually not too long ago. It looks like a nice small town, but no one is living there. The remains of a falling down school, elevator, church and some residences are left. The white church with grayed wood is especially photogenic. Arena is 180 miles from Fargo.

Havana is 109 miles south of Fargo right near the South Dakota border. The entire town is full of abandoned buildings.

Kidville has only some foundations and blocks left, but has a very interesting history. It is 1.5 miles southwest of Fort Ransom and is 88 miles from Fargo. The heyday of the city was between 1897 and 1923. It was the first city in the county to have telephones. From 1917 to 1919 an insane asylum escapee hid around the town and threatened residents killing one.

Sherbrooke is 84 miles from Fargo and has several overgrown vacant homes and a stone foundation from a large building. It once was the county seat of Steele county.

Garfield is 71 miles from Fargo. The town was moved in 1884 to Park River but the oxcart tracks of Kittson Trail, cemetery and church foundations still remain.

North Almont is 229 miles from Fargo. The town has a grain elevator and a shack remaining.

Omemee is 258 miles from Fargo and all that remains are streets, sidewalks and about eight buildings. The city was founded at the intersection of two railroads. The last residents left in the 1980s.

Hamberg is 178 miles from Fargo with dirt streets, deteriorating wood structures and old masonry buildings. There is an abandoned bank, post office, school and church.

When you go driving to ghost towns, make sure to bring your camera and get out and walk around. Imagine what life was like and what the last few years of the towns were like.