North Dakota
"Liberty and union, now and forever"
Nickname
Peace Garden State
Capital
Bismarck
Statehood
November 2, 1889 (39th)
Motto
Liberty and union, now and forever
Explore North Dakota
18 of 18 articles available
Top mountains
Signature peaks and elevation highlights.
Best hikes
Trail ideas from day hikes to overnighters.
State parks
Must-see parks and natural areas.
Road trip loops
Weekend-friendly scenic drives.
Waterfronts
Lakes, rivers, and coastal stops to visit.
Waterfalls & springs
Cool-down spots and photogenic falls.
Scenic overlooks
Pull-offs and vistas for quick views.
Camping spots
Easy campgrounds and dispersed sites.
Historic towns
Main streets, museums, and landmarks.
Family weekends
Low-stress itineraries with kids in mind.
Top universities
Best-known universities and colleges.
Top biggest cities
Largest metros and fast-growing hubs.
Top places to visit
Must-see destinations and attractions.
Top high schools
High-performing public and private schools.
Top cities
Beloved cities for living and visiting.
Basic information
Quick facts, nickname, capital, and region.
Geography
Landscapes, neighbors, and natural regions.
Economy
Key industries, employers, and growth drivers.
About North Dakota
North Dakota's eastern Red River Valley is some of the flattest, most productive farmland in the country, while the Badlands in its far west — where a young Theodore Roosevelt once ranched — look almost nothing like the rest of the state. Oil development in the Bakken shale reshaped the western half of North Dakota within a single decade.
Below, the guides move from that flat farm country to the eroded canyon terrain in the west, covering the cities and economy in between.