pumpkin patch

7 Ways to Harvest a North Dakota Adventure

For those hunting for birds, fish, ghosts, good times, or the Great Pumpkin, North Dakota is the place to be. Do a little hunting early, then experience some of the state's many haunted Halloween activities in the evening. And who knows, you may actually succeed where Linus fails every year in his quest to find the Great Pumpkin. Be sincere in your search and try these spine-tingling activities.

1. Harvest moon
The chill in the fall air is nothing compared to that tickling in your spine as you work your way through a haunted fort, a haunted cemetery or a haunted house. 'Tis the season for a full moon and the ghostly haunts that follow as we head toward Halloween. Get your thrills and chills at Fort Abraham Lincoln's Haunted Fort, Dark Acres in Williston, and Fort Buford's Haunted Cemetery Walk.

2. AMAZEing fun and pumpkins
A few things that are synonymous with Halloween: ghosts, pumpkins and corn mazes. Find that perfect pumpkin or meander your way through a corn maze at Papa's Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze in Mandan, Coleman Corn Maze in Bismarck, Berry Acres in Minot, or Nelson's Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze in Grand Forks. If you've ever been lost in a cornfield, you know that can be frightening and challenging, but always fun.

3. Bountiful arts
Take your sense of adventure around the state and discover hidden gems like the Prairie Fire Pottery in Beach or the James Memorial Art Center in Williston. Many of North Dakota's art galleries are close to home, so find one near you. 

4. So many fests
September and October are months for celebrating, and North Dakota's small towns and large cities know how to do it right. Fargo brews up a celebration with Oktoberfest. Minot is home to North America’s largest Scandinavian festival, the Norsk Høstfest, and Bowdon celebrates waterfowl season with Duckfest

5. Fall fishing frenzy
While hunters eagerly await their seasons to start, anglers have no such worries as their season never ends in North Dakota. For years, fishing in the state has picked up in the fall and every indication is that the bite will continue. 

6. Harvest your favorite game
North Dakota is a waterfowler's paradise. There's nothing "daffy" about duck hunting here, as large fall flights of ducks are expected to make its way through the state, and the Central Flyway through the middle and eastern parts of the state routes vast flights of geese through the area on their trek south. Pheasant hunters from far and wide enjoy bountiful hunts throughout the state.

7. Harvest adventure
Take in the natural splendor of fall by going camping, biking or hiking. North Dakota's national park and 13 state parks are open year-round, and autumn activities abound in all of them. Whether you choose to pedal, hike it or hoof it on a horse, you're guaranteed to see nature at its best from the various trails intertwined across the state. And, the crisp nights are ideal for sleeping under the stars.