On the topside of U.S. Highway 281 is North Dakota, the North point of our Hwy 281 compass. We are going to travel south bound on this great ribbon of a highway thru America. A Highway 281 tour of the Dakotas.
Just south of the Canadian border is the International Peace Garden. Devoted to World Peace along the world’s longest unfortified border, lies a 2,339 acre Botanical Garden. Thousands of tourists visit this garden annually.
International Peace Garden Website:
Here we go South thru Kelvin to Dunseith, 737 to Belcourt 2,436. All populations are approximates. All contents of this blog are for entertainment purposes only.
Like to gamble? The Turtle Mountain Chippewa Casino on North Dakota US Highway 281 near Belcourt at Highway 5, is open 24 hours a day.
We are rolling into Rolla, 1,423. Rolette County seat along Highway 281 just east of the Turtle Mountain Indian Reservation. Rolla Info:
From Rolla to Rocklake, still rolling along singing a song to Cando.
On the Cando Chamber Website, it says load and proud "...and in virtue of our authority we select this location and name the town 'Cando' to show you that we can do it." Gotta admire a community with that kinda spirit. The City of Cando; 1,060. North Dakota Highway 281.
Down the road we go towards Maza and Churchs Ferry, Minnewaukan, and Devils Lake.
Minnewaukan, 296. Located in the North Central part of Benson County, ND, near Devils Lake, North Dakota.
South of Minnewaukan east off Highway 281 on 57 is Devils Lake. The largest natural body of water in the state. Known for wild variations in lake water levels. Lots of all seasonal activities abound. The city of Devils Lake, takes its name from this lake. Devils Lake Area Chamber:
Back on US Hwy. 281 towards Sheyenne, 284 to New Rockford. I was wondering about the name "Sheyenne" . Thanks Wikipedia. The name "Sheyenne" is derived from the nearby Sheyenne River which was named after the Cheyenne Indians. The first explorers in the area misspelled the name, thus changing the "C" to an "S". A Community Center and a Log Cabin Museum are located on the Main Street (281) of Sheyenne.
New Rockford, 1,463. Lots of All American fun in four distinct seasons and wide open spaces around these parts. Quiet, scenic and All American friendly.
North of New Rockford is Archie & Jessie Campbell Memorial Park on the beautiful James River, it has a heated swimming pool, tennis and basketball courts. Softball diamonds, picinic areas, overnight camping, and a children's play area. City of New Rockford, North Dakota Website:
South of New Rockford is Carrington, 2,098, ND. Low crime rates, clean air, nice neighbors and a attractive environment. Home of the Dakota Growers Pasta Company, which markets premium quality pasta worldwide, made from the finest durum wheat grown in the region. They have mail order via the web if one would like to try some without the drive over. City Carrington Website:
Dakota Growers Pasta Company Website:
On the road south out of Carrington thru Pingree and Buchanan towards Jamestown. Five miles north of Jamestown at the intersection of Highway 52 and US Highway 281 is Pipestem Dam, ND. This 840-acre lake offers year-round recreational opportunities including camping, picnicking and wildlife viewing. Many area attractions, bird-watching, boating, fishing and hunting.
Jamestown on US Highway 281 is a community of 14,680 the only sizable town on our Highway 281 road trip thru North Dakota. Founded in 1872. Jamestown is home to the World's Largest Buffalo.
The James River on the north end of the city is home to watersports and recreational fishing. The James River is the longest unnavigable river in the world, and in fact, its original name in the local Native American dialect literally means, "unnavigable river". Source: Wikipedia®.
A year-round vacation area, Jamestown also offers a variety of entertainment. The North Dakota Sports Hall of Fame. Jamestown offers something for everyone "Pride of the Prairie". The City parks website has a cool Google Map Locator. (Nice idea, more community websites should incorporate this concept, even businesses could and would benefit with this feature).
At the Jamestown Reservoir; seven boat ramps at various locations, numerous picnic areas complete with tables and shelters, two swimming beaches and two campgrounds with 335 campsites, 110 campsites with RV hookups.
A small, 4-year, Liberal Arts college is located here, so you know there is fun stuff. How about the Jamestown Arts Center for some culture, concerts, plays, arts, etc. The National Buffalo Museum is located at the Frontier Village near the intersection of Highway 281 and I-94. A live bison herd, a history of the bison in the plains culture, They offer something for every interest., and a Gift Shop.
Jamestown, N.D. a nice community for a stop over for any traveler, either US Route 281, North to South or Interstate 94 West to East.
Jamestown Fun Fact; Alf Clausen, grew up in Jamestown, and attended North Dakota State University. Best known for his work scoring many episodes of "The Simpsons", of which he has been the sole composer since 1992. Below are Links for the Jamestown area.
Jamestown Official Municipal Website: Jamestown Chamber Directory:
Jamestown Parks: Jamestown Reservoir:
Jamestown News: Jamestown College Website:
Jamestown Arts Center: The National Buffalo Museum:
Back on the North Dakota south bound US Hwy. 281 tour. To Edgeley, 541. This rural community has a Website. (A nice one) Located 38 miles south of Jamestown, North Dakota, at the crossroads of Hwy. 281. The Weaver Park, pool, and campgrounds are located at the North end of Main Street in Edgeley. One of the largest outdoor swimming pools in the state which is open during the summer months.
A side trip over to LaMoure, 831 east off 281 on 13 thru Edgeley might be to your liking. The LaMoure County Memorial Park offers camping sites along the James River. While camping or visiting the Park you can attend one of the several performances held each summer at the LaMoure County Summer Theater.
Edgeley North Dakota Website: LaMoure North Dakota Website:
Out of Edgeley down to Monaggo to Ellendale, ND - Gateway to North Dakota from South Dakota US Highway 281. Ellendale, 1,493. A rural community on the prairie, Dickey County Seat. Recreation and shopping. Head west on Hwy. 11 to enjoy the scenery or fishing at Pheasant Lake.
Ellendale Website:
Hope you enjoyed our travel thru North Dakota. Make sometime for a road trip thru this Great State and visit some of these All American communities for a look see and do.
Please drive safely and Ya'll Come Back.
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