What is your favorite part of North Dakota to explore?
EXPLORE CEMETERIES
There are over 1,100 cemeteries in North Dakota. I like to explore them, because of the history, genealogy, art and peacefulness.
Some grave markers indicate the names of veterans of war. Some may have graves exclusively of children. This often indicates a flu outbreak when there was no vaccination available.
Some grave markers are unique pieces, such as many of those in the Old Saints Peter and Paul Cemetery near Karlsruhe. This cemetery has lovely statues, wrought-iron crosses and homemade grave markers decorated with hundreds of tiny stones.
The Assyrian Muslim Cemetery near Ross is at the site of the first mosque in the United States and was the only Muslim cemetery in North Dakota for 90 years.
The 117-year-old Norway Lutheran Church, rural Denbigh, has a cemetery close to the church. Norwegian skier Sondre Norheim was buried in the cemetery in 1897. People usually visit the grave each year during the annual Norsk Høstfest in September.
Did you know the Ashley Jewish Homesteaders Cemetery is the only permanent physical reminder of the McIntosh County Jewish farming community? Some 1,200 Jewish farmers farmed on 250 homesteads over 50 North Dakota settlements in the late 1870s.
As a starting point in your desire to explore cemeteries, use the website, www.expertgps.com/data/nd/cemeteries.asp, to find names and places of the more than 1,100 cemeteries in North Dakota. Even the names of the cemeteries are intriguing. Go visit, and get the rest of the story.
Sharon St. Aubin
Mountrail-Williams Electric Cooperative
EXPLORE LOCAL AREA
Moving back home from out of state, I’ve come to adore the rediscovery of small-town North Dakota. Just an hour’s radius from my hobby farm is a treasure trove of “goodness” waiting to be experienced!
Down the road is Kenmare’s town square, showcasing the picturesque Danish windmill, White Buffalo Soda Fountain, unique shops and the treasure-filled Kenmare Closet thrift store. West of town is the Canada Goose Nature Trail, offering a feast of autumn colors or a wildlife sighting for a snowshoe enthusiast or summer hiker.
Thirty minutes west is Powers Lake’s iconic Country Store, with the motto, “If we don’t have it, you don’t need it!” Almost across the street is the charming Hygge Hotel with a specialty coffeeshop, full bakery case and mouthwatering food creations. Overnight guests enjoy refurbished comfortable rooms.
Prairie Bistro and Gardens, near Mohall, is famous for “all homemade” soups, sandwiches, salads and desserts savored in surroundings abundant with antiques and gorgeous plants, flowers and gifts galore.
Bottineau is a grand destination. Well-stocked shops line Main Street, offering unique finds from sporting goods to home accessories. “Must-stop visits” include Fifth and Main Bakery and a serving of ice cream at Pride Dairy, the only remaining creamery in North Dakota. North of downtown, prepare for spectacular vistas at Mystic Horizons. Pack a picnic to explore the scenic timbered hills surrounding Lake Metigoshe or take a weekend to enjoy Bottineau Winter Park, the International Peace Garden or retreat at Metigoshe Ministries.
Jim Langager
Burke-Divide Electric Cooperative
INSPIRING CHURCHES
The first to visit in North Dakota is Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Hague. Also, visit the Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Strasburg, along with Lawrence Welk’s birthplace, the Welk Homestead State Historic Site near Strasburg.
Bonnie Eberle
KEM Electric Cooperative
FAMILY MEMORIES
As a family, we like to travel and explore a lot of different places in North Dakota. If I had to choose one place I love to visit the most, I would choose the Theodore Roosevelt National Park in Medora. I love this place the most, because it has the most beautiful scenery, flowers, trees, rocks and hills. I also love going to the Theodore Roosevelt National Park, because it brings us closer as a family.
Paige Ahmann, 11 years old
Capital Electric Cooperative
MOMENTS IN MEDORA
There are many great places in North Dakota I love to explore, but my personal favorite is Medora. Every year, my family and I go there and it is so much fun. We love to go to Theodore Roosevelt National Park, where we have a picnic in the park, and then we get ice cream (we all love it). After that, we go to the Medora Musical, my favorite.
Piper Ahmann, 11 years old
Capital Electric Cooperative
UPCOMING READER REPLY QUESTIONS
JUNE: As we wrap up our celebration of 70 years of North Dakota Living, what has been your favorite part of the magazine and why?
Deadline for submission: May 13
JULY: What part of North Dakota’s culture do you love to experience the most?
Deadline for submission: June 12
We want to hear FROM you: Submissions should be no more than 250 words, typewritten or in legible handwriting. Include your name, complete address, daytime phone number and name of your electric cooperative. Note: Magazine staff reserves the right to make edits and cuts. We pay $25 for each letter we print. Email to ndliving@ndarec.com or mail to READER REPLY, North Dakota Living, P.O. Box 727, Mandan, ND 58554-0727
