Christina’s Journey Journal

Category: Fargo

  • The Best for Last — North Dakota!

    The Best for Last — North Dakota!

    We do a thing…

    When I married my husband, his mom handed me a paper map of the U.S.A. It is the kind of map you use to teach a kid the 50 states, letting them color in each one once they have memorized the name and location.

    I was told to color in any state I had been to and then continue doing so until I have all 50. I did exactly that, rejoicing each time the map became more and more colorful!

    We have rules—you cannot fly over a state to count it. You have to touch down AND step foot on the land in that state. There is some controversy whether you have to leave the airport to qualify or if you can stay in the airport. In my case, I’ve actually left the airport each time. What remains, as of August 30th, is one—North Dakota…the last colorless state on my map!

    This past Christmas, my son gave me a mother-son trip over a long weekend. We did something similar a few years back when we went to New York City. He said, “Mom, where do you want to go this time.” I knew where I wanted to go. After a little coaxing, he finally acquiesced. So here we are—Labor Day weekend, and I can soon OFFICIALLY color in North Dakota!

    Let the journey begin!

    We flew into Minneapolis, rented a car, and started our 4+ hour trek to Fargo, ND. And we saw some big things along the way!

    1st stop…

    Big Ole the Viking in Alexandria, MN. This giant can be found off Broadway St. in a beautiful area called Central Park.
    The 28 foot tall Viking is a symbol of the town’s pride as they believe Norsemen visited in 1362. Big Ole was built in 1965 for the New York Word’s Fair by sculptor Gordon Schumaker. After the fair closed, Big Ole made his way to his permanent home. 

    2nd stop…

    Otto the Big Otter, Fergus Falls, MN, the seat of Otter Tail County. Built in 1972 by local high schoolers to commemorate the town’s centennial, this large cutie pie can be found in Adam’s Park taking up 40 feet of space. He’s concrete covered in metal but cuddly all the same!

    3rd stop…

    The Booming Prairie Chicken in Rothsay, the Prairie Chicken capital of Minnesota. Right off I-94, it’s worth the stop to see this giant 13 foot chicken! He’s “booming” (and I had to look this up) because that’s what the males do when they mate—hop, strut, flap their wings, fill their orange air sacs, and make a low “booming” sound. This chicken looked the part but was harmless to visitors. FYI we met Benjamin from California who was on a Midwest geocaching hunt!

    4th stop…

    Dairy Queen, Moorhead, MN. And not just any DQ…this one has been serving up delicious soft serve treats since 1949. They still operate under the original franchise contract, paying the 1949 royalty rate on DQ treats.

    The best for last…

    August 31st, 2024
    Welcome to North Dakota!

    While I first stepped foot in North Dakota the evening of August 30th, we went to the Fargo-Moorhead Visitor Center on Saturday morning, August 31st. Today marks the completion of my map…#50! And when North Dakota is the last, you join their “Best for Last” Club 🇺🇸 and receive a certificate and a T-Shirt!

    The final coloring!🩶
    Thanks to my son for joining me on this journey!
    Fargo, you know how to make a girl feel special! 🇺🇸#50🇺🇸
    The Fargo wood chipper (one of two – the other one is inside the visitor’s center)
    Mission accomplished✅

    Btw we ran into Benjamin from California again—there’s a geocache by the visitor’s center!

    Aunie and me…one of many painted bison that are found around Fargo
    Buddy the painted bison on Broadway
    Red River Market in downtown Fargo. One of the best Farmer’s Markets! Saturday’s weather was perfect to stroll the streets, grab lunch, and shop.
    St. Mary’s Cathedral, dedicated in 1899 ⛪️
    1st Lutheran Church, founded in 1917 ⛪️
    The famous Fargo Theater (and sign) dates back to 1926. We saw a movie Saturday evening after eating at Brewhalla. We were transported back in time. No stadium seating here!
    All lit up at night

    Note about Fargo, ND – founded in 1871, its population is over 133,000 people today. Moorhead, MN is its twin city and together there are over 250,000 residents. Fargo sits on the western bank of the Red River of the North. Today you’ll find North Dakota State University and lots of references to Fargo, an Academy award-winning 1996 movie directed by the Coen brothers. A television show followed in 2014.