Little Missouri River
North Dakota

North Dakota is a bright spot in the American economy as oil production booms in the western regions of the state - cities like Bismarck and Mandan are filling with visitors and new residents. Minot, an hour south of the Canadian border is known as North Dakota’s Magic City as a result of its initial rapid growth. Dickinson, situated on Interstate 94 less than 100-miles west of Bismarck, is a hub for western North Dakota. Rock hounds enjoy the Dakota Dinosaur Museum exhibits and fossil digs, while outdoor recreation enthusiasts have endless winter terrain to enjoy in Roosevelt National Park and west in the Little Missouri National Grassland.

Minot, home of Roosevelt Park Zoo, the largest zoo in North Dakota and Minot Air Force Base, the town is an active and great small American city. Minot’s North Dakota State Fair Center hosts a variety of community events and activities including the North Dakota State Fair. December brings the Magic City Flea Market and Pride of Dakota Showcase to the center.

January the State Fair Center hosts the popular KMOT Ag Expo. The 2012 Expo is the 41st annual event, beginning January 25th and running through January 27th.The Minot Livestock Show overlaps and runs through the weekend January 26th through January 28th. Over 360 exhibitors fill the North Dakota State Fairgrounds with more than 950 booths. The KMOT Ag Expo is the upper Midwest’s largest agriculture show featuring the latest equipment and technology. Add the finest livestock in North Dakota and there is something for everyone – bulls, heifers and steers, the best of breeds are all at Minot’s Ag Expo.

Dickinson offers residents and visitors wonderful small town holiday events and activities. Dickinson State University hosts the Holiday Chorale Ensemble at Dorothy Stickney Auditorium and the Percussion Ensemble and Sax Quartet at the DSU Band Room. The DSU music department also presents Handel's Messiah, a don’t miss December event at Stickney Auditorium – check the DSU December calendar for schedule information.

Get outside for some fresh air and exercise at Dickinson’s West River Community Center. December 3rd, the Center hosts the Jingle Bell 5K Run/Walk. You will hear the participants and their jingle bell ankle bracelets as they run or walk the course through Dickinson. Hunters look forward to January in Dickinson for the 10th Annual North Dakota Coyote Classic. This is a 3-day coyote hunt requiring registration and entry fee.

Bismarck, the North Dakota State Capitol lags behind Fargo as the largest city, however its home to the tallest building - the state capital building. Winter and the holidays are a wonderful time in North Dakota’s capital city. Enjoy the tradition of The Nutcracker in Bismarck at Belle Mehus Auditorium December 9th through the 11th. Bring the family to see the North Plains Dance Company perform this classic holiday ballet.

January in Bismarck brings Winter Wonderland 2012. Hosted at the Gateway to Science, the 5th annual event features constellation viewing, astronaut training and stargazing all accompanied by hot chocolate and cookies. Bring the family and enjoy North Dakota’s only hands-on science center this winter.