What are the final states that most people travel to on a 50 state quest? By far the most common “last” states that our members visit are either Alaska or Hawaii, likely because both typically requires a separate trip and can be costly endeavors. Despite this, many members mark traveling to Hawaii and Alaska as favorite states to visit and a great way to wrap-up the 50 state adventure.
The state located in the contiguous United States that is by far most often visited last is North Dakota. Plain and simple, North Dakota isn't on the way to most places. Like Hawaii and Alaska, a trip to North Dakota often requires special planning.
Our best advice? If you are within a half day's driving distance, spend the extra time and go the extra miles to visit North Dakota. Many of us kick ourselves for not going the additional miles when visiting nearby Mt. Rushmore. The North Dakota border is just a little over 2 hours drive from Mt. Rushmore and the Black Hills area. There isn't really anything specific to see on that two hour trek north except the beautiful South Dakota countryside. Cross the border, put your feet down, breathe the crisp North Dakota air and check ND off your list. For those who require some sightseeing to qualify as a state visit, there are some other options.
The state located in the contiguous United States that is by far most often visited last is North Dakota. Plain and simple, North Dakota isn't on the way to most places. Like Hawaii and Alaska, a trip to North Dakota often requires special planning.
Our best advice? If you are within a half day's driving distance, spend the extra time and go the extra miles to visit North Dakota. Many of us kick ourselves for not going the additional miles when visiting nearby Mt. Rushmore. The North Dakota border is just a little over 2 hours drive from Mt. Rushmore and the Black Hills area. There isn't really anything specific to see on that two hour trek north except the beautiful South Dakota countryside. Cross the border, put your feet down, breathe the crisp North Dakota air and check ND off your list. For those who require some sightseeing to qualify as a state visit, there are some other options.
Another option is to drive from Minneapolis to Fargo, ND, which is about a 3 hour 45 minute drive via I-94. While you don't get deep into the state, you have rightly been to North Dakota when you have been to Fargo. Have you seen the 1996 movie Fargo? It's guaranteed you will make a poor attempt to talk like Marge. A great picture opportunity is the Fargo sign in front of the theater on Broadway, the main drag of town. Additionally, several All Fifty Club members have mentioned visiting the Roger Maris Museum while in Fargo. Roger Maris was a professional baseball player best known for hitting 61 home runs in 1961 which broke Babe Ruth's record. The small museum is free and is located in a mall so even if you are not a baseball fan it might be worth a look. Maris grew up in Fargo and is buried in the city at Holy Cross Cemetery. Also, the Fargo Air Museum has a nice collection of vintage warplanes and other artifacts.
Our favorite sight in the area was actually across the border in Moorhead, MN but it is the same quasi-metropolitan area. The Hjemkomst Center houses a huge Viking Ship replica that actually sailed from Minnesota to Norway. The workmanship is truly incredible. On the grounds there is also a beautiful, detailed replica of a Scandanavian church. The Hopperstad Stave Church is unique from any other church we have visited in the USA.
For super road trippers who intend to fully
see the state, drive I-94 and visit the beautiful Theodore Roosevelt National Park and the state capitol city of Bismarck. You can also take a detour and drive on what has been claimed the "straightest stretch of highway in the US" as you approach Fargo from the west. State highway 46 runs 123 miles from Streeter, ND to Hickson (south of Fargo). You will have no problem balancing that 64-ounce soda between your legs on this straight stretch!
see the state, drive I-94 and visit the beautiful Theodore Roosevelt National Park and the state capitol city of Bismarck. You can also take a detour and drive on what has been claimed the "straightest stretch of highway in the US" as you approach Fargo from the west. State highway 46 runs 123 miles from Streeter, ND to Hickson (south of Fargo). You will have no problem balancing that 64-ounce soda between your legs on this straight stretch!
For that special trip to North Dakota (especially as the last state) most travelers fly into Fargo which is serviced by Allegiant Air, Delta, Frontier, American, and United Airlines. Or, in order to visit North Dakota's state capitol you can fly directly to Bismarck on all the same airlines, except for American. Other airports are located in Grand Forks, Minot, and Willison, although, as expected, there is considerably less flight selection. One unique reason to fly to Grand Forks is to attend Potato Bowl events at the University of North Dakota. The week-long festival includes an annual French Fry Feed. A world record was set last year of the most french fries served at a single event - 5,010 lbs! For those looking to run in every state there is a Potato Bowl 10K and a Tater Tot Trot. And you thought potatoes were only in Idaho!
North Dakota is full of many other unique places to visit and many times its isolation and sparse population is palpable. Perhaps this is what makes the state even more special to visit, even if you save it for last.
More at www.ndtourism.com
North Dakota is full of many other unique places to visit and many times its isolation and sparse population is palpable. Perhaps this is what makes the state even more special to visit, even if you save it for last.
More at www.ndtourism.com
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Fargo Theatre used under creative commons license by Mulad.
Hopperstad Stave Church used under creative commons license by Zach Heller Photography
Theodore Roosevelt National Park used under creative commons license by neighborhoods.org
Hopperstad Stave Church used under creative commons license by Zach Heller Photography
Theodore Roosevelt National Park used under creative commons license by neighborhoods.org
