North Dakota

5-4-3-2-1. Pam Emmil didn’t count on a pain medication prescription plummeting her into addiction. But those five numbers helped count her steps back to sobriety. And to a thriving, therapeutic business.

Wrapped around Emmil’s wrists are the bracelets that not only helped her overcome her addiction, but which are now part of her business, 5 Second Rule Bracelet.

She now shares her personal journey of opioid addiction – and recovery – through her business, as she sells bracelets and other jewelry with a message.

Art can bring life to so many things. It can brighten an alleyway, bring excitement to a road trip and inspire your creativity. October is Arts and Humanities Month, making it the perfect time to celebrate all forms of art in communities large and small.

Local creators, such as Badman Design in Grand Forks, create beautiful one-of-a-kind pieces, using mixed metals and terracotta clay. Choose from custom jewelry to accent your wardrobe, or home décor and sculptures to accent your home or business.

Visitors to the 42nd annual Big Iron Farm Show presented by the Cass County Farm Bureau will immerse themselves in three days of hands-on agricultural advancements. The three-day celebration of agriculture includes informational exhibit booths, innovative field demonstrations and opportunities to see the latest in agriculture unveiled. And admission and parking are free!

Severe drought conditions that impacted wildlife across North Dakota last year are, thankfully, in the rearview mirror. While remaining wildlife habitat across the state’s landscape is looking good as we head into fall, fallout from hot, dry conditions in 2021 are still being felt, as the N.D. Game and Fish Department, for the first time in six years, reduced the number of deer gun licenses made available to hunters for the November season.

On the banks of the river that has sustained the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara (MHA) people for generations, the MHA Nation Interpretive Center stands. Contained within its walls are the stories, language, heritage and culture of these peaceful, resilient river people. It is their story – told by their people.

“We wanted to be able to make sure that our culture was alive, and that we continue studying and keeping our culture alive,” says Delphine Baker, MHA Nation Interpretive Center director. “And this is us telling our story – it’s not somebody who came in and studied us.”

Craving wide-open spaces? Lucky for you, North Dakota has hundreds of miles of wide-open space, and the most stunning outdoor attractions are free of traffic jams and crowded trails. Take in the sounds of a bison’s hooves slowly crossing the road at Theodore Roosevelt National Park or an elk’s antlers brushing through leaves at the White Horse National Game Preserve.

In election years, North Dakota Living offers its platform as the state’s largest circulated publication to familiarize voters with the candidates seeking statewide office.

North Dakota voters will decide victors in the Nov. 8 general election for the offices of U.S. senator, representative in Congress, secretary of state, attorney general, agriculture commissioner, tax commissioner and two public service commissioners. Political party endorsements are indicated for statewide political party offices.

Did you know that being outdoors can reduce blood pressure, lessen stress and make you feel better emotionally? It’s true! So why not reap the benefits, while exploring endless outdoor activities in North Dakota?