North Dakota has hidden treasure. Old Army forts, outlaw treasure, and ghost towns are known to be hiding places for large and small caches. I’ve known others who have located similar treasures in other States, and with the right knowledge and equipment, you can locate a lost treasure also. However, before you go searching, there are a few things you need. You should do more research, and you should have a metal detector.

The Internet has opened a whole new world of research. You can visit archives, museums, and historical societies regarding any subject. If you cannot get the information you are looking for through the Internet, then visit the historical societies of the area you are searching in. Ask questions, and follow up on any lead pertaining to your treasure search. You will be surprised at how much information you can gather.

If you do not own a detector, it’s a good idea to purchase one. Do not spend more than $450 for a metal detector. The more expensive models with all of the bells and whistles are most often very complicated for the new user. They may actually slow down your search results until you learn how to use it properly.

Just purchase a less expensive model, and study the owners manual. Learn how to use it properly, and you will be able to find as many items as the person using a more expensive model. Hidden treasures are out there, and there is no reason why you cannot locate one also. Here are seven areas to begin your search for lost treasures in North Dakota. Fort Abercrombie Ruins is located off route 81, just east of Abercrombie.

+ In 1858 the fort was constructed as the first Federal fort in North Dakota. Twice, the Sioux Indians attacked the fort and killed many of the troops. Knowing of an impending attack, the troops may have buried their belongings. If they were killed, the caches may still be there.

+ Fort Dilts is located on route 12, between Rhame and Marmarth. This fort was built in 1864. In that year Indians massacred everyone, and then burned down the fort. Like Fort Abercrombie above, the caches may still be there.

+ Bartlett is a ghost town located a mile north of State route 2, approximately four miles west of Lakota. This town was once a popular railroad town. It was known for it’s many saloons. Treasures large and small have been located in and around ghost towns.

+ Belmont was a river port, located approximately fourteen miles south of Grand Forks, on the west bank of the Red River. In 1897 it was destroyed by a flood.

+ Old Bottineau is another ghost town that is located on Oak Creek, near the Canadian Border, approximately one mile north of Bottineau, on State route 218. Treasure hunters have located buried treasures here.

+ Pleasant Lake Ghost Town is located forty-five miles northwest of Devil’s Lake, on route 2. In the 1880′s, bank robbers buried several chests of gold bullion in the town.

+ The Big Butte Treasure – Located near the town of Lignite on State route 52, it is a treasure worth approximately $40,000 in gold and silver coins. The treasure was buried during an Indian attack, by a paymaster who worked for the Hudson Bay Company, the paymaster was killed.

It is important that you always ask for permission when entering private property. If you are going on to State or Federal Land, in search for lost treasure, be sure to check with your State laws about any digging. Good luck in your search for hidden treasure.

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.