FOLLOW YOUR CURIOSITY, NOT THE CROWDS

North Dakota is the perfect place to enjoy the great outdoors. With 70,000 square miles of mostly wide-open spaces, you have room to move around and be inspired. 

For a fun mental health day, a me day, or a family day to recharge, consider the following: 

Larger than life: Take a day trip with the windows down to some of the state’s iconic “world’s largest” statues. They can be found along the Enchanted Highway, where a series of large metal sculptures dot the landscape. They’re along I-94 in Jamestown, New Salem and Steele.

Ride a byway: Spring is a time of rebirth and refreshment. Grasses are getting green and flowers and trees are blooming. North Dakota’s scenic byways give you a close-up look at the change. There are many areas in which to pull over to admire the scenery and have a picnic lunch. 

Go fishing: A lot of us enjoy fishing. Boat ramps are open and are the only place you might encounter others. A day on the water or shore fishing all alone under the sun can revive your spirits.

Look at the pretty birdie: Many places in North Dakota are considered top birding destinations in the country. You can look for your favorites like woodpeckers or blue jays and for rarer species Sprague’s pipit. Don’t know the difference? Now’s a good time to learn it.

Go camping. Campgrounds and facilities await. Get in the RV and find a nice, shady spot. But If you can’t get to the outdoors, bring the outdoors to you. Set up the family tent in the back yards or service the camper and spend a couple night in there, just as you would at the lake or park campground. S’mores are s’mores no matter where you cook them.