Mark Fox

From Adams County to Williams County and the 51 in-between, Mark Fox sought to photograph every county in North Dakota. What started as a labor of love and homage to his home state slowly evolved into his photo book, “Dirt Roads to Downtown,” showcasing each county in North Dakota.

Fox was born and raised on a farm outside of Cando. He grew up as a typical farm kid, loved the outdoors and, as far back as he can recall, enjoyed taking photos of people and nature.

Hello North Dakota

song quoteJenee Munro said hello to North Dakota 10 years ago, and she has no plans to say goodbye.

The Plentywood, Mont., native appreciates the wide-open spaces, abundant outdoor opportunities and natural wonders North Dakota offers. What’s more, she’s found a community she loves in Rolla, and one she says cares about her family, too, including her husband, Josh, and their three children.

Tama Smith with Prairie Fire Pottery is just one of many talented potters in the state. Photo courtesy N.D. Tourism

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.

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.

Zip from south to north on the interstate and discover some great stops along the way!

Day 1  |  Hankinson/Wahpeton
The first day could start with breakfast at Dakota Magic Casino’s Twin Buffalo Grill, then it’s outside for 27 holes of golf at Dakota Winds Golf Course. Just up I-29, Wahpeton is home to “Wahpper,” the world’s largest catfish, and hundreds of live animals at Chahinkapa Zoo. Red Door Art Gallery feeds the inner artist, and the Boiler Room feeds the stomach before turning in for the night.