Dale & Debbie Part 50 - Bismarck, North Dakota

13th Sep 2024

More North Dakota Adventures

From the towering Bismarck Capitol building to the serene International Peace Garden, this email is packed with unique experiences. Ever wondered where the world record for the most snow angels was set or where the largest turtle made of wheel rims stands tall? Join us as we explore everything from historic landmarks to the tranquil beauty of Devil’s Lake and beyond. Buckle up for part two of our unforgettable journey through the Peace Garden State!

North Dakota’s capitol building is located in the city of Bismarck. It was built tall to save money and is one of four skyscraper capitols in the country. It can be seen from most parts of the surrounding area as it’s the only skyscraper in the city!

This is a blurry photo taken thru glass on the observation deck of the capitol building, but I want to show you where the world record was set for the most people (8962) making snow angels simultaneously.

Bismarck is where I finally had surgery to remove a large kidney stone that had been causing intermittent pain for quite some time.So that’s what I’ll always remember about Bismarck, ND!

Below are farmland photos throughout the state.

This region is known as the Coteau Rangeland ~ an area of glacial potholes (lakes and wetlands). It's located in the central flyway, making it a favorite spot for migratory nesting birds including the sandhill crane. The crane is the oldest species of birds and has existed unchanged for 2.5 million years (according to the sign). I think it may be one of the oldest. Sandy (how original) is the world’s largest sandhill crane at 40’ tall. She stands in the city of Steele to honor the cranes.

National Wildlife Refuges are great places to see birds. ND has more of them than any other state!

Below are white pelicans and some ducks.

W’eel Turtle in Dunseith, ND is made of wheel rims. And guess what? It’s the world’s largest turtle!

Devil’s Lake is the largest fresh water lake in ND. The city of Devil’s Lake has a population of 7,000 today with the first house being built in 1882 by an Euro-American settler.
Eventually, many farms were developed around this very fertile prairie lake. Beginning in the early 90’s an increased amount of rainfall caused the lake to rise as it has no natural outlet. The surface size quadrupled, which resulted in the moving or destruction of more than 400 structures. I read that one farmer burned down his house because he didn’t want to see the lake take it. We saw parts of stranded farm equipment in the lake and sitting very close to it, although I didn’t get any photos.

There is said to be much below the lake including lots of fish. Devil’s Lake is considered the “Perch Capital of the World” and is ranked as one of the top five fishing lakes in the US. As many farmers lost their livelihood they sold what land they had left to developers who made it into a recreational area creating hotels, campgrounds, marinas and so on. Many people now go there to vacation as all water sports are popular, including ice fishing.

There is so much more to be told about this lake, such as its history before the white man, the outlet that was built in 2006 that doesn’t work as effectively as expected and what the state went thru to build it. It’s a very interesting place!

We stayed at Graham Island State Park at Devil’s Lake and enjoyed our very large campsite.

The International Peace Garden is located between the province of Manitoba and the state of North Dakota. It was established in 1932. It hosts 2 youth camps every summer, the International Music Camp, and the Legion Athletic Camp. It has also hosted the International Hamfest (amateur radio aka ham radio) every year since 1964.

The central division divides the US (left) from Canada (right).

The Conservatory

The US side has a 911 Memorial site that includes iron remnants from the collapsed towers of the World Trade Center.

Across the way on the Canadian side is a Carillon Bell Tower that sounds ever so serene. It gave me mixed feelings standing by the memorial while listening to the peaceful bells. It’s a good place to reflect on this tragedy while remaining calm.

The Peace Chapel straddles the border and the chapel walls are inscribed with notable quotations about peace.

There are a few lakes at the Peace Garden.

We really liked our private campsite at the Peace Garden Campground.

We drove up to the community of Boissevain in Manitoba one day.

Tommy the Turtle and the aforementioned W’eel Turtle in Dunseith are both in the Turtle Mountains. These mountains are about 2000’ above sea level, but only rise 300-400’ above the surrounding prairies.