Cultural pursuits abound in the Peace Garden State, which is known by many as one of the safest and friendliest place in the country. If you're interested in viewing famous pieces of artwork or getting crafty, North Dakota has you covered with museums, galleries, art centers, and craft fairs. If you want to be entertained by the state's musicians, dancers, or actors, endless opportunities exists at dozens of performance art venues. Movie buffs can tour shooting locations, and bookworms can visit the homes of famous literary figures. When it comes to arts and entertainment, there's something for all types in North Dakota.
Arts and Crafts
There are a number of great ways to view visual arts in North Dakota. The state's three major museums are the North Dakota Museum of Art, Plains Art Museum, and the Lillian and Coleman Taube Museum of Art. These museums showcase permanent collections of artwork that span generations – from classic to contemporary, including the works of both regional and international artists. Elsewhere, collectors will find plenty of opportunity to purchase pieces at galleries, studios, and art centers.
For folksy artwork created on a more local level, check out North Dakota's vibrant craft scene. Common crafts found in the state include handmade items like woven baskets, Native American jewelry, and quilts. The wonderful thing about handmade crafts is the time, dedication, and love that goes into making each individual piece. North Dakota's crafts can be purchased at privately owned craft studios and galleries, or at the more popular option – craft fairs.
Performing Arts
Theater in North Dakota is mainly concentrated in the four largest cities: Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks, and Minot. Each city has several theater groups that offer a variety of options. Dramas, musicals, classic plays, children's shows, and comedies are performed by top-notch actors. Fargo and Bismarck have extra opportunities to catch live performances because they're large college towns, each with universities boasting phenomenal theater arts programs.
Live music thrives in North Dakota at numerous music festivals held throughout the year, spanning many genres. The most popular festival is Rockin' the Hills. This event is a rock music festival hosting over 20 well-known bands from the'70s and'80s. Other interesting music events include the Band Night Parade in Williston and the Fairy Tails Spring Concert in Bismarck.
Historically, the popular dances of North Dakota are traditional tribal dances, plus square and round dances. You can find performances of these styles of dance and even participate in them with lessons or at special events. Square and round dances (both folk styles of dance) are especially popular, with a number of clubs who meet on specific days each week or month, welcoming guests to join in on the fun. To experience the dances of the local Native American population, the best option is to get the full cultural experience by visiting a local reservation.
Film and Literature
When people think of North Dakota and film, the first movie that often comes to mind is two-time Academy Award-winning Fargo (1996), although only the opening scene of the movie actually takes place in North Dakota (the rest of the film is set in Minnesota). The year the movie was filmed, Minnesota experienced an abnormally mild winter, so directors took the filming to North Dakota. If you're a fan of the movie and want to visit some of the filming locations, some of the places you can visit include the Paul Bunyan statue in Bathgate and sections of Grand Forks and Fargo that were used as exterior shots.
When you're looking into vacation reading material, you may want to pick up some works by North Dakota's authors. International best-selling author Louis L'Amour is a native of North Dakota. He published 86 novels, one work of non-fiction, and 14 short story collections, most of which were stories about cowboys and the West. Other popular authors from the Peace Garden State you may enjoy include pop-culture writer Chuck Klosterman, and Karen Louise Erdrich, a woman of Anishinaabe heritage who is known as the foremost Native American writer of the Native American Renaissance.
The number of cultural pursuits available in North Dakota can enhance and enrich your vacation experience, regardless of what activities interest you. Whether you're amazed by the arts, want to be entertained by performers of varying natures, or are interested in film and literary history, North Dakota offers events that will encompass all of your travel desires.
Learn about the history of dance in North Dakota.
