2023-12-12 19:04:17

Despite being the USA’s fourth least-populated state – at last count, its population was just 774,000 residents – North Dakota has a surprising number of interesting small towns worth visiting. Spread across the “Peace Garden State” (a nickname ND earned for the unique border park it shares with Canada) are numerous small communities that offer the adventurous and the curious alike no-end of fun things to do.

Whether you’re interested in meeting new people or exploring new places, our list of the six coziest small towns in North Dakota will provide you with the ideas and inspiration to start exploring.

Walhalla

The Walhalla Trading Post is a historical landmark in Walhalla. Image credit: Elcajonfarms via Wikimedia Commons.

Walhalla, population just 896 residents, is located just a few miles south of the border with Manitoba, Canada. The state’s second-oldest community, Walhalla, was originally settled as St. Joseph in 1845 and served as an important fur trading post. The name change, a variation of the mythical Norse paradise for fallen warriors, came regarding in 1871 to reflect the area’s natural beauty, which you can explore for yourself in the Pembina Gorge State Recreation Area.

Historic Walhalla attractions to visit include Gingras Trading Post State Historic Site, a 19th-century landmark that was the home of businessman and fur trader Antoine Blanc Gingras. This site offers a glimpse into the early days of Euro-American settlement in North Dakota, as well as the fur trading era. Walhalla’s oldest building, the Kittson Trading Post, was built in 1844 and is a great place to cozy up if visiting in the cooler months.

Hatton

The Hatton – Eielson Museum.

With a population of only 714 people, how might the small town of Hatton be anything other than cozy? Established in 1882 and named following the USA’s Assistant Postmaster General, Frank Hatton, this charming farming community was also the birthplace of 20th-century explorer and aviation pioneer Carl Ben Eielson, who famously became the first person to fly over both the North Pole and the South Pole.

The fascinating story of the man and his achievements are celebrated at the Hatton-Eielson Museum, set in the stately home built in 1900 where Eielson was born and raised. Tours of this historic home are available.

Bottineau

“Tommy Turtle” symbol of Bottineau, North Dakota. Image credit Bobak It Is CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons.

Marketed to tourists across the Midwest as North Dakota’s “Four Seasons Playground,” Bottineau is making a name for itself as a cozy weekend getaway destination. Located near the Canadian border, Bottineau is surrounded by picturesque rolling hills and dense forests, creating a perfect backdrop for outdoor activities throughout the year. Whatever time of year you visit, look for the 26-foot-tall Tommy the Turtle statue. The world’s largest turtle, Tommy, sits astride a huge snowmobile and symbolizes the town’s position as the gateway to the Turtle Mountains and the Peace Garden Snowmobile Trail.

In the warmer months, the area’s many lakes and wildlife refuges offer opportunities for water sports, hiking, and wildlife spotting, while when the snow lies, it becomes a winter wonderland for skiing, snowboarding, ice fishing, and snowshoeing.

Jamestown

Jamestown, North Dakota, Dakota Thunder. Editorial credit: Steve Cukrov / Shutterstock.com

Although the largest of our North Dakota small towns, Jamestown’s 16,000 residents are justifiably proud of their community’s small-town vibe. Known as the “Pride of the Prairie” for its welcoming character, it’s here you’ll find the “World’s Largest Buffalo,” a huge 26-foot-tall sculpture named Dakota Thunder. It’s located at the National Buffalo Museum, a must-visit for those interested in the history and significance of these majestic beasts that also feature live bison herds, including the rare albino bison.

The Jamestown Frontier Village is another major attraction and includes original buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, complete with period furnishings and artifacts. The village also hosts re-enactments and other events that bring the history of the American West to life. For the ultimate in cute and cozy fun, partake in one of their goat feeding sessions. You’ll also have a chance to see the Louis L’Amour Writer’s Shack, the cozy small shack offers where the famous author did much of his writing.

Valley City

A bridge over the Sheyenne River in Valley City, ‘The city of Bridges,’ in North Dakota.

Valley City’s location on the I-94 makes it an ideal spot for a layover for folks traveling the Midwest states. Known as the “City of Bridges,” this cozy small town of just under 7,000 souls is well-known for the stunning scenery of the Sheyenne River. As its nickname suggests, the town’s most distinctive features are its 13 bridges, eight of which are of historical importance.

The best known, the Hi-Line Bridge, was built in 1908 and is notable for its role in transporting soldiers during the World Wars, while the photo-worthy West City Park Bridge dates back to 1929 and is included on the National Register of Historic Places, adding to the town’s historical significance. A free, downloadable Historic Bridges Guide, along with other trail and tour ideas, can be downloaded from the Valley City Tourism office.

Garrison

Downtown Street Garrison, North Dakota. Image credit Andrew Filer, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons.

Known as the “Walleye Capital of the World,” Garrison is a delightful small town that’s proud not just of its fishing heritage but also of the many other outdoor recreational activities on offer here. Situated on the shores of Lake Sakakawea, this pride is reflected in the town’s mascot, Wally the Walleye, the statue of which makes for an excellent selfie spot. Lake Sakakawea, known for its abundant walleye, pike, and smallmouth bass, is also popular for swimming, kayaking, and boating.

Check out the North Dakota Fishing Hall of Fame, which celebrates the state’s fishing legends, and the North Dakota Firefighters’ Museum & Fallen Firefighters’ Memorial, which pays tribute to the bravery of firefighters. Looking for fun winter activities? Garrison gets downright cozy in the lead-up to the holiday season and has earned itself the title of the “Christmas Capitol of North Dakota.” Highlights include the Dickens Village Festival, a Victorian-themed event with parades, horse-drawn carriages, costumed figures…and plenty of hot chocolate to warm you up followingward. Now that’s cozy!

While well-known for its stunning scenery, North Dakota is also where you’ll find no end of cozy small towns to visit. Bursting with unique character and civic pride, they’re the perfect antidote for those seeking rural tranquillity and a taste of authentic Americana. Learn more with our list of six of the coziest small towns in North Dakota.

1702408287
#Coziest #Small #Towns #North #Dakota

2023-12-12 14:07:55

[Yahoo News District Election Report]The district council elections have come to an end. The government today (12th) announced the list of 179 appointed district councilors. 49 of them were losers in the 2019 district election. They can directly join the district council this year without running for election. The winner of the district election, the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Alliance for the Betterment of Hong Kong (DAB), occupied 20 seats and became the largest party in the region. The “resurrectionists” Wu Chengfeng, Pang Ailan, Pan Zhicheng, etc. did not see Li Jiachao’s specific political platform in last year’s chief executive election, but they have already offered their nomination votes.

Yahoo News Page｜District Council Election 2023

District Council Election｜109 people from the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment of Hong Kong were elected, with an election rate of 90%, and each of the top votes received 20,000 votes

District Council Election | 139-member defeated party resurrected, more than half of the winners of direct election were defeated in the previous term

The results of a total of 264 seats in the direct elections and district committee sectors of this year’s district councils were released yesterday. The Democratic Alliance for the Betterment of Hong Kong became the largest party with 109 seats. Together with 179 chief executive-appointed district councilors and 27 ex-officio members from the rural affairs faction, the total number With the 470 seats settled, the DAB further expanded the power of district councils through the appointment system.

District election results｜More than 40% of district councilors were resurrected from directly elected, indirectly elected or appointed seats.

After the announcement of the appointment list, the number of “resurrected” district councilors increased to a total of 192, including 49 appointed councilors and 143 directly elected and district committee electors, accounting for more than 40% of the new district councilors. Sha Tin District has the largest number of “resurrected” appointed councilors, with eight, followed by Eastern District with seven.

The 49 appointed members were resurrected from the defeated party. Eight “resurrected” appointed members accounted for the most in Sha Tin District.

Note 1: According to the 2023 District Council ordinary election arrangements, the new District Council will consist of 470 members, with 179 seats appointed by the Chief Executive.

Note 2: “Resurrection” is defined as those who will participate in the 2019 District Council local elections and lose, but will be elected as appointed members in this term (2023).

District Election 2023｜139 defeated party resurrected

Li Jiachao was nominated as the “no political platform” candidate for the chief executive election.

Mo Sing-feng, the “resurrectionist” of the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment of Hong Kong (DAB), was appointed as the Tuen Mun District Councilor. He immediately posted a message on social media to thank Chief Executive Lee Ka-chiu, promising to “do practical things and cooperate with the government in implementing policies” and “be a good helper for good governance.” During last year’s chief executive election, Mo Sing-feng did not see Li Jiachao’s specific political platform at the election committee, but he had already offered his nomination vote to support him, helping Li Jiachao enter the election under the no-government network.

Many appointed district councilors also cast their confidence in Li Jiachao during the chief executive election, including Shatin Pang Oi-lan, Poon Kwok-shan, Kwai Tsing Poon Chi-shing, Yuen Long Lu Kin, Man Ka-ho, Chen Jiahui, Sai Kung Chong Yuen-yuan and others, becoming Li Jiachao 786 Contribution Alliance of nomination votes.

Who is the majority in the two District Council elections?

1702408280
#District #Council #Election #Results #defeated #parties #appointed #resurrectionists #offered #Chief #Executive #Jiachao #nominated #DAB #largest #party