On November 2nd, 2019, North Dakota turned 130 years old. Though it’s far from one of the oldest states in America, it is the one that North Dakotans love and proudly call home. Throughout its history, ND has made many reasons for it to be considered one of the best – if not the greatest – state in the country. Here are just a few of the many things that make it the state that we love:

North Dakota has a wide variety of beautiful landscapes, from the vast prairie and river valleys…

Justin Meissen/Flickr

…To the rugged, unique terrain of the badlands.

Sean Kimmel/Flickr

North Dakota has broken multiple world records, from the most snow angels made simultaneously to the largest hamburger ever cooked and eaten.

Salix thuja/Wikimedia

The rest of the country can thank North Dakota for most of its pasta noodles. The durum wheat grown in ND is responsible for a majority of them.

SnoShuu/Flickr

The Peace Garden State is also responsible for producing top numbers of sunflowers, canola, soybeans, and other crops. There’s a reason it sometimes is called America’s breadbasket.

Scott Archer/Flickr

Former President Theodore Roosevelt loved North Dakota more than anywhere else. He was quoted as saying that if it weren’t for his time spent in the state, he would have never gone on to be president. He also said that North Dakotans are the truest Americans of them all.

Jasperdo/Flickr

Other historic figures such as the famous exploring duo Lewis and Clark spent a lot of time in ND. In fact, they spent the most time in the state during their travels. It was here that they also met Sakakawea, or Sacagawea, who was an integral part of the rest of their journey.

limey52/Tripadvisor

North Dakota’s cities and towns often have some of the lowest crime rates compared to those in the rest of the country. There have been multiple rankings out there where ND places are named the very best spots to live.

Jasperdo/Flickr

The geographical center of the entire North American continent is in North Dakota. I guess you could say we’re the center of attention!

Jimmy Emerson/Flickr

ND has more wildlife refuges than any other state, protecting and helping create future generations of hundreds of species of animals.

USFWS/Flickr

North Dakota is often considered one of the happiest states, beating out other states like Hawaii. We North Dakotans would agree - we love it here!

Jimmy Emerson/Flickr

What are some of your favorite things about the state? Here are more mind-blowing facts about North Dakota.

Justin Meissen/Flickr

Sean Kimmel/Flickr

Salix thuja/Wikimedia

SnoShuu/Flickr

Scott Archer/Flickr

Jasperdo/Flickr

limey52/Tripadvisor

Jimmy Emerson/Flickr

USFWS/Flickr

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Address: North Dakota, USA