Weird Things to See in North Dakota (World’s Largest “fill in the blank” and a Famous Woodchipper)

North Dakota is not packed with traditional attractions.  There’s one national park, a bunch of recreation lakes and reservoirs, and historical sites from the time of the Lewis & Clark expedition and the western expansion.  To bring tourists, various towns created their own attractions and claims to fame.  Luckily for travelers of Interstate 94, all of these Weird Things to See in North Dakota are along Interstate I-94 and have been listed from west to east.

Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Nothing weird about this place, except for the unusual rock formations and unusually high concentration of wild animals.  Theo Roosevelt National Park is a must see.

 The Enchanted Highway

The Enchanted Highway is the world’s largest collection of scrap metal sculptures, stretched along a 32-mile stretch of road off exit 72 of I-94.  Read more about it here.

 World’s Largest Cow

The “world’s largest cow” is a Holstein cow statue on the hill at New Salem, overlooking the fields and Interstate I-94.  Her name is Salem Sue and she’s 50 feet long.  Exit I-94 at New Salem (exit 127), head south, and turn right where you see the sign for Sue.  Here you can take the grave drive up the base of Sue.  Donations accepted.

 Worlds’ Largest Sandhill Crane

A quick pull off from exit 200 of I-94 to the edge of Steele, ND will allow you to see the World’s Largest Sandhill Crane.  As you exit the freeway, go south towards the town and an immediate left behind the motel.  There’s a small parking lot to view the statue.

 World’s Largest Buffalo & Albino Buffalo

There are many billboards across North Dakota to see the live albino buffalo and world’s largest buffalo in Jamestown, North Dakota (exit 258).  Follow the signs to Pioneer Village/Buffalo Museum. The world’s largest is yet another cement statue of a bison, on a ridge overlooking the buffalo pen.  In late Spring, the live bison, including the albino, were no where to be seen.  Entrance to the view point and statue are through the Jamestown Pioneer Village. Pioneer Village looks really cute, with several museums and shops, but was closed when I visited in the late afternoon.

 World Famous “Fargo” Movie Wood Chipper

It’s difficult to believe the movie Fargo is more than 20 years ago – it’s one of my favorite movies of all time and especially funny since I was born and raised in Minnesota.  The Fargo/Moorhead visitor center did something brilliant – they purchased the original woodchipper and made it a tourist attraction.   You can even borrow a hat for your photos! This visitor center is great – Fargo movie memorabilia, free wi-fi, clean restrooms, free coffee and popcorn.  Like other visitor centers, they have a wide selection of travel brochures and magazines for Fargo and surrounds.  Complete a survey and get a free gift (I scored an iron-on Fargo Woodchipper patch).  The visitor center is at exit 348.

Can you believe it was the Fargo film’s 20th anniversary last year?  Buy the limited edition Blu-Ray edition of one of my favorite movies.

Weird Things to See in North Dakota – Stay

Interstate I-94 has many exits that state “no services”.  Check Availability & Rates for some of the better selection locations:

West North Dakota – Dickinson

Central North Dakota – Bismarck (the capital)

East North Dakota – Fargo

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