Richland County: History, Culture and Recreation

Richland County offers visitors several themes to explore: history and culture, landscapes, recreation, and regional cuisine. The county is mostly flat; the terrain becomes hillier in the southwest and along river areas. If you’re looking for a hotel for your stay here, you can start by deciding which of these interests will shape your plans.

History and Culture

Bagg Bonanza Farm covers 15 acres; the centerpiece of the farm is a fully restored main house with 21 bedrooms. It is one of the last remaining Bonanza farms in the United States and is designated a National Historic Landmark. For visitors interested in agricultural history, the scale of the site and its historical significance come together here.

The Richland County Historical Museum has more than 12,500 square feet of exhibit space in a building constructed in 1965. It displays Rosemeade pottery, originally made in Wahpeton. Local crafts are another way to connect with the history of the region.

The Lidgerwood Community Museum includes an old stone church with an ecumenical chapel, as well as an old schoolhouse. It also displays works by Ida Prokop. The North Dakota-born artist and sculptor is described as nationally known. The church, school, and art offer distinct cultural perspectives within the museum.

The Ringling Brothers Circus Memorial is an exact replica of the tent pole struck by lightning. It commemorates the lightning accident on June 10, 1897, during the setup of a circus tent in Wahpeton. The memorial thus links a tangible tribute with a precisely dated event in local history.

The Prairie Rose Carousel in Wahpeton also brings design and history together: it is a restored 1926 Spillman carousel. Its features include 20 handcrafted wooden horses, two carriages, and a calliope. The year and individual elements give the carousel a clearly defined historical and artisanal character.

Activities and Regional Highlights

The Bois de Sioux Public Golf Course has 18 holes in two states: the first nine are in Wahpeton, North Dakota, and the second nine in Breckenridge, Minnesota. From the championship tees, the course measures 6,675 yards and has a par of 71. The layout, length, and par provide specific details for golf enthusiasts considering adding the course to their travel plans.

Crooked Lane Farm offers farm tours along the scenic Wild Rice River between Colfax and Abercrombie. It is also a stop on the Red River Barn Quilt Trail. Maps are available for the trail, and barn quilt classes are offered. A guided farm tour and a creative introduction to barn quilts offer two different ways to explore.

Dakota Vines is described as the first winery in Richland County. The winery makes wine from cold-climate grapes and focuses on small-batch, artisanal production. Offerings include wine tastings, wine by the glass, appetizers, and made-to-order pizza. These details give you an idea of both the winemaking and the food and drinks on offer.

At Kidder Recreation Area in Wahpeton, you’ll find Wahpper, a catfish measuring 40 feet long and 12 feet tall and weighing 5,000 pounds. Visitors can take a selfie there. Its dimensions are a striking feature of the attraction.

Chahinkapa Zoo is home to more than 300 animals representing 100 species across six continents. They include orangutans, tigers, otters, leopards, monkeys, lemurs, apes, bison, kangaroos, camels, and zebras. Two white rhinoceroses arrived in May 2018. Animal populations may change.

Chahinkapa Park has a boat landing and a fishing pier. Since details about facilities like these can change, check the current information before your visit.

Dakota Magic Casino and Hotel is located off Interstate 29 at Exit 1, on the border between North Dakota and South Dakota. Gaming options include slot machines, blackjack, roulette, craps, and poker; the gaming options may change.

Discover more destinations: Abercrombie, Wahpeton, Lamoure County, Eddy County, Bowman County, Billings County, Barnes County, Bottineau County.

For the main travel overview: North Dakota.