You've probably seen vintage photographs many times before. Posed photos of families standing in a group, barely smiling at the camera if at all. They may show you what people dressed like or looked like nearly a century ago, but are they an accurate representation of what life was like back then? We dug up some completely candid photos from the 1930s taken in North Dakota that show what life was really like then - no posing, no editing, just as it was - and they're fascinating.
1. A farmer's family having a meal in Williams County, North Dakota. This photo was taken in August of 1937.
Do you have any family stories of life in North Dakota in the 1930s? Times were tough back then, but also simpler and quieter than the rush of today.
Photos are fascinating, but what's even cooler to find from back then is film footage. Here is a film taken in North Dakota in the 1930s that gives you an even better glimpse into life back then.
The holidays are a great time of the year for many reasons. Other than family time, gift-giving, and general cheer, there are also many beautiful decorations and light displays. One of the magical parts of Christmas is walking down a city's main street and seeing all the businesses decorated, the lights along the rooftops, and getting the full "silver bells" feeling. This particular North Dakota city has the perfect, most enchanting downtown area during the holidays. Let's cruise the holiday-filled streets of Minot, North Dakota.
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Visit the Magic City of Minot, North Dakota during Christmastime and you'll be in a holiday wonderland. Every year, the downtown area brings the magic of Christmas to life with holiday decorations and lights. Downtown Minot looks absolutely beautiful this time of year and will put anyone in the holiday spirit!
Companies like Minot's Pretty Lights deck out the businesses with colorful lights, while statues and decorations of all shapes and sizes line the streets.
There will also be a huge, 30-foot tree standing tall and bright in the downtown area. The tree lighting ceremony is held toward the end of November and it will remain lit throughout the rest of the holidays.
Along with the enchanting downtown area, Minot also has quite a few other great spots to visit for dazzling displays. The local park will have a drive-through light show...
... and Minot's gorgeous Scandinavian Heritage Park will be all dressed up in lights. It's a Christmas wonderland just about everywhere in town.
Back in Downtown Minot, each business decorates for the holidays in its own special way and makes it into a fun, colorful street full of the joys of the season.
Plus, you'll want to be on Minot's Main Street when the CPKC Holiday Train rolls through downtown and stops to give musical performances and help local charities spread the Christmas cheer. The train will be rolling through the Main Street crossing in mid-December.
Celebrate Christmas in Minot with Christmas Lights in Oak Park, some of the most spectacular holiday lights in North Dakota. Main Street Minot gets into the holiday spirit in this video from Ken's Adventures:
Have you been to Minot, North Dakota for the holidays? Share your favorite holiday Main Street in North Dakota with a comment. You can find more info on events and the downtown Minot area on the Visit Minot website.
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Though the Scandinavian Heritage Park is gorgeous during Christmas, you can visit it for free at any time of the year. Learn more about this fascinating park in North Dakota.
Summer is here, friends, and we all know what that means: 4th of July is fast approaching, and we've gotta figure out what exactly our plans are for this season's festivities. I've got good news: if you're on the hunt for something to the effect of where to watch fireworks near me, you're in luck - I've gone ahead and found nine of the best 4th of July fireworks in North Dakota for you and the whole fam to enjoy. Few things feel more all-American than attending an all-day festival leading up to the big show after dark, and I've spotted some of the very best spots for doing exactly that. Summer in North Dakota has never been so spectacular!
Kicking off at 11 a.m. in Grand Forks, this awesome July 4th bonanza takes place at Sertoma Park for a parade, contests, games, food, and more. It's an amazing tradition that lots of families have adopted, and I think you'll love it, too - given that you haven't already been, of course! Fireworks take place at 10:30 p.m. from South Middle School, the Scheels Sports Complex, and Ryan Park. For more info, check out the official Sertoma Fabulous Fourth website.
With a pie eating contest, bounce houses, face painting, food and fun galore, the epic 4th of July at Bonanzaville kicks off with a parade at 2 p.m. followed by celebration and shenanigans aplenty. Wild, wild west themed fun and games for the kids will keep 'em busy as the grown-ups enjoy fun festivities for them, too. Fireworks take place at dusk right next door to the festival. Adults are $10, kiddoes six to 16 are $5, family groups are $25, and kiddies five and under are always free.
Medora, North Dakota is already fairly well-known for its history (and for its being a town within a National Park), but did you know that they go all-out for July 4th? Yep. Starting at 9:30 a.m. with "Breakfast with President Roosevelt" and finishing out at 10 p.m. for the fireworks spectacular, this awesome full-day delight also includes the usual Medora Musical at 7:30 p.m., which is a year-round, 24/7/365 kind of event. The 4th of July in Medora is one of those things worth traveling for, so let's hit the road!
On July 4th at 10 p.m., the wonderfully fun Roughrider Days Fair & Expo will be putting on a show between the Dickinson High School and the Henry Biesiot Activities Center. Come experience 4th of July in one of its best iterations - with friends, family, and the whole town! It's worth noting that this fireworks display in North Dakota is the grand finale of a HUGE festival that began back on June 15th!
5. Nome's City-Wide 4th of July
Nome, North Dakota is a cute little town worth visiting year-round, but it's especially delightful when it's the July 4th holiday and we get to witness its wonderful fireworks display. With activities for the entire family including kids' games, goodie bags, a parade, and even supper, this is one Independence Day bonanza you can't miss.
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6. The New Rockford 4th of July Celebration
Kicking off on July 2nd with a burger bash (which is as delicious as it sounds), this multi-day party is family fun for everyone. With a swimming pool, golf tournaments, a parade, a cookout, street dances, and lots more - plus fireworks at dusk - you just know this one's gonna be a blast.
7. Festivities at the North Dakota Capitol Mall
The nothing-short-of-wonderful Bismarck Mandan Symphony Orchestra is the main event (other than the fireworks) at this awesome old festival with a mix of patriotic, country, and pop songs starting at 7:45 p.m.; fireworks are at or around 10 p.m., just after dusk.
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So, there you have them - if you've been wondering, Where to watch fireworks near me, these seven amazing fireworks displays in North Dakota are just waiting to be experienced. Hopefully, there's no further need for Googling where to watch fireworks near me; the events listed above are truly some of the best in the Midwest. Do you have a favorite fireworks show that didn't make this list? Let me know - tell me about 'em in the comments. Let's have a safe and happy fourth, y'all!
