10 Educational Vacations in North Dakota

I’ll be honest.  When I’m thinking about the places that I want to go on vacation, North Dakota doesn’t really show up at the top of my list.  In fact, even more brutal honesty, it probably doesn’t show up at all.

But North Dakota Tourism is trying to convince me, and everyone else, that North Dakota is a darn good place to spend a family vacation.  Perhaps one of these educational activities will tempt you:

1. Agriculture – Learn about flowers, farming, spinning wool and and making wool products, and how to run a cold climate winery.
   

   North Almont, North Dakota

2. American Indian Studies – Learn about the tribes in North Dakota and how their histories and language differ.  Some great tours and museums are available.
3. Art – See the landscapes that have been the inspiration for so many artists, or learn stain glass, glass fusing, or Ukrainian egg painting.  Lots more great ways to get artistically involved, depending on talent and interests.
4. Birding – With over 400 species spotted in a single year, it’s no wonder that birding packages are a popular option.  Lake Sakakawea, Cross Ranch State Park, and along the Missouri River are just a couple of the hot birding spots.
5. Culinary – Learn the cuisine of the diverse immigrant cultures found in North Dakota, or enjoy the technique of organic farming.  And don’t forget, there’s wineries to boot.
6. History – Discover and learn about the earth lodges in Mandaree, as well as other living history programs available throughout the state.  There are plenty of forts and historic sites, and don’t pass up the opportunity to learn about how things were done i the “olden days.”
7. Paleontology – Long believed to be the playground of prehistoric creatures, there are fossil digs near Marmarth, Rhame, and Medora.
8. Photography – Beautiful scenery will make find a subject easy.  Click away on your own, or consider a class.
9. Crafts – Needlework, quilting, scrapbooking, spinning, weaving, and more.  You can learn something new, or add on a new dimension to your favorite craft or hobby.
10. Cultural – With large immigrant populations from the Ukraine and Norway, you can get a taste of the exotic side of North Dakota.  Discover how ethnic art, food, and culture thrive on the prairie.

All these options, plus a 2008 most affordable option from AAA, and a 2008 friendliest designation from Cambridge University!  And, with a goal to eventually visit all 50 states, I need to put North Dakota on my list!

Have you been to North Dakota?

Photo credit: afiler @flickr