Out of all the cities and small towns in North Dakota, there is one at the top when it comes to notoriously haunted places - and that is Fargo. It's not very surprising that the most populated place in the state also seems to have the most ghosts hanging around, and here are their stories! How many of these allegedly haunted places in Fargo have you been to?
This park was once part of the Trollwood Performing Arts School but now sits dormant for the most part. There are tons of accounts of paranormal activity here and it just seems to be brimming with spirits. Go here at night and don't be surprised if you feel like you're being watched. Some people have also seen the ghostly figure of a lady around the willow tree there. Right next to that tree is a large rock with the engraving of "County Cemetery #2." This is a marker to show where, long ago, a grave for less fortunate people was, when they couldn't afford their own plots elsewhere. It is believed that later, not all of the graves had been dug up and moved. Some bodies still remain underneath the grass right at the park.
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A hospital also used to stand there in the 1940s but was torn down later. This place is definitely one of the top haunted places in Fargo, and if you go there, don't go alone. This eerie haunted park in North Dakota is a nightmare come true.
If you are looking for haunted places to go in Fargo, ND, try Trollwood Park. Go on a ghost hunt in this video with Midwest Haunts:
According to legend, two halls at NDSU are haunted by separate ghosts. Ceres Hall is said to be haunted by a man who hung himself from a heating pipe within the building itself. Students have reported everything from lights on entire floors going out to feeling a strange presence near them. The basement and the third floor are the ones that have the most paranormal activity and may be haunted by two different entities instead of just one. Similarly, Minard Hall also may have a possible ghost... or two. There is rumor that a double homicide once happened at the site of the hall and the spirits may still linger today as people have felt very uneasy in the building at times for seemingly no reason. It's no wonder why this is one of the best places to spot a ghost in North Dakota.
This disturbing haunted cemetery in North Dakota has been said to be literally buzzing with the paranormal. That is, a lot of weird audio and frequencies have been picked up here that many people believe to be from the beyond. There is a particular mausoleum in the cemetery that is especially notorious. If you put an audio recording device on it, you might hear tapping coming from the inside. Many other voice-like noises have been picked up here and it is definitely not a place we'd walk through at night.
How haunted is North Dakota? Find out with a walk through the Riverside Cemetery in this video from Unknown Ventures:
While it is a pleasant restaurant today, this old building may hold some dark secrets. It was built back in 1894 and has stood the test of time. It appears that other things have lived on within it, as well...things that are definitely not normal. Many staff members of the restaurant report seeing a strange figure in the basement; some describe it as a veiled woman, that most people there consider a guardian of the building and only a friendly presence. Friendly or not, we wouldn't want to work there if we felt like we were being watched all the time. All that being said, it really is one of the best restaurants in North Dakota, and it's worth a visit even without the spooks.
As one of the oldest standing buildings in North Dakota, originally constructed in 1876, it's not entirely unusual that it's had enough time to collect some spirits to stay. It used to be an interactive museum for children, but you won't find just normal kids there, even now. According to some accounts, a young child has been seen here standing next to a well outside that they apparently fell into long, long ago. Not only that but the ghost of Elizabeth Yunker - the original resident of the house - has been seen on the upper level. Many have reported doors and windows closing and opening on their own, as well as the elevator operating with no one inside of it.
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For unexpected Fargo hauntings, take a walk through the Children's Museum at Yunker Farm in this video from Jade Dark:
Have you ever had any paranormal experiences at any of these places? If you're curious (and brave) enough to go check them out for yourself, check out this North Dakota haunted road trip. It will take you through some notorious haunted places in Fargo and traveling all over eastern and central North Dakota. If you don't have an RV already, you can rent one from RVShare.
Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.
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Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.
Why We Love Them: How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them: Shop this candle and more on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.
Why We Love It: We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)
Why We Love Them: It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes, especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them: Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website. Price (at time of publication): $149
Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap, I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers, too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It: Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication): $32
Why We Love Them: The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them: Yoto is available on their website and Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $69.99 for player
Why We Love Them: The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel! Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94
Why We Love Them: If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them: Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website. Price (at time of publication): $131.75
Why We Love Them: I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $69.99
Why We Love Them: All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication): Varies by Product
Why We Love It: It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L. An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access. Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."
Where to Buy Them: Visit tobiqtravel.com to purchase the Colorado 30L and/or Toiletry Bag. Price (at time of publication): $199 (Colorado 30L)/$69 (Toiletry Bag)
Why We Love Them: The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket, making it the perfect travel accessory for year-round adventures – especially on airplanes! Made from organic cotton and easy to wash and care for, we have even used this piece as a makeshift picnic blanket while traveling. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $50
Why I Love It: This raincoat is absolutely perfect: it's light (12.4 ounces!) and super packable, "self stuffing" into one of its pockets in a Houdini-like feat. The hood is generously sized to fit over a hat and has a cord-and-hook design that keeps rain out (seriously -- this photo was taken after a trip to Portland, Oregon, where its water resistance was put to the test!). I purchased my Torrentshellfive years ago and it still looks brand new, the fabric has never snagged or ripped despite being put through the ringer! Bonus: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket comes in men's sizes, too! Where to Buy It: Buy it now on REI. Price (at time of publication): $179 (both men's and women's)
Why We Love Them: I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City. Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift. Where to Buy Them: Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $19.78
Why We Love Them: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Walmart Price (at time of publication): $9.70
Why We Love Them: The OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker is lightweight and breathable, but also extremely comfortable and surprisingly supportive. It's our go-to shoe when we know we're going to be on our feet all day! We love that they can be worn as either sneakers or slides, so they're easy to slip off when going through TSA checks. Plus, the style goes with just about everything. Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From OluKai Price (at time of publication): $110
Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks. These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin. Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment. Where to Buy It: I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up! Price (at time of publication): 3/$15.00
Why I Love It: I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go. Where to Buy Them: The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $27.95.
Why We Love Them: This is one of those things that we don't know how we traveled without them. Packing cubes keep things organized, save space in a suitcase, and take the pain out of the packing process. If you know and love someone who travels, this set would make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: There are so many options for packing cubes on Amazon, but we particularly LOVE this set. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 for 8 cubes
Why We Love Them: I've been a fan of Beis for years now, starting with the Weekender (it’s my absolute favorite travel bag for short car trips or flying and is surprisingly roomy). I recently purchased another Beis item — the backpack. With a padded interior sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and plenty of organization built-in — we’re talking zippered interior pockets, pen slots, a key leash, and more — this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned. It also has a full-zip opening, so it’s easy to pack, and the trolley pass-through makes it the perfect carry-on companion. This olive beauty is officially my new favorite personal item while traveling, and I’ve already brought it on several trips. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Beis Price (at time of publication): $88
Why We Love Them: We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $17.66
Why We Love It: The sleek style of the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack looks at home in just about any environment, making it a great transition bag if you need to hop right from a flight into a work meeting (or want to start exploring as soon as you land). It's water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve to keep your devices safe, and the full wrap-around zipper makes it incredibly easy to grab what you need in a cramped airplane seat. I love it! Where To Buy It:Buy Now From Away Price (at time of publication): $195
Why We Love It: Engagement Editor Meg Archer recently travel-testedthis high-end aluminum travel case, and it can only be described as the Lamborghini of Luggage: "The Sterling Pacific 40L Travel Case is hands down the best I've ever owned or reviewed. It's stunning inside and out, timelessly stylish, and rolls like a dream. Honestly, I didn't know luggage could move like this." It's undeniably a splurge, but if you're looking for a piece of eye-catching yet understated luxury-tier luggage, this is it. Where To Buy It: Buy Now From Sterling Pacific Price (at time of publication): $2,150
Why We Love It: Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures. Where To Buy It:Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $149.99
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If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...
North Dakota is an awe-inspiring state for, well, just about everything; from incredible landscapes to jaw-dropping natural wonders, once you know what to look for, you'll never get bored. A popular pastime up here in the Peace Garden State includes something called urbex - or urban exploration. This is the casual art of finding - and photographing - all sorts of abandoned places and locales. Well, lucky us - there are hundreds of abandoned homes in North Dakota (as well as businesses, churches, schools, and more!). Urbex comes easy here; if you're looking for the most beautiful, haunting abandoned places in North Dakota, just take a drive out to the country: You'll find plenty.
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As of the time of this writing, there are approximately 43 ghost towns left in North Dakota... and these don't even begin scratching the surface.
There are many, many other places - usually homes and homesteads - scattered all over this beautiful state, like this gorgeous old barn located somewhere deep within Stutsman County.
There are so many abandoned homes in North Dakota that you could turn looking for them into a whole trip.
Imagine all the things this little house in Lefor has seen; how many memories were made here? How many birthdays, anniversaries, and other happy events occurred within these walls? We'll never know... but that adds to the mystique, in my opinion.
This beautiful farmhouse near Williston undoubtedly has stories to tell.
Perhaps if you hold your ear to the walls, you might just hear the whispered secrets of all the folks who have ever called it home. Why did they leave? Where did they go?
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Urban exploration can be risky, if not dangerous - so I strongly recommend you remain outside these old buildings; you never know how the structural integrity is.
This house near Hague, North Dakota, looks to be in pretty good shape. Despite this appearance, though, it's unwise to go inside; I suggest walking around the property to get a nice feel for the overall 'vibe' of the place. It makes for excellent photography, too.
So, truly - if your heart craves adventure (and your camera craves subject matter), take a nice, long drive through North Dakota.
There are hundreds of incredible decaying places to admire along the way - no matter which turns you take or what roads you end up on.
Planning to make this into a road trip? Don't miss a thing while using our handy-dandy ultimate road trip packing list! Need a place to sleep along the way? No worries - check out all the awesome options from our friends at VRBO.
Do you have any specific favorites when it comes to abandoned homes in North Dakota? Tell me about them - I'd love to hear about your favorite spots. Explore and enjoy, friends!
