History, art and nature give a trip to Nelson a variety of focal points. You can explore historic objects and buildings, stories from the communities, and walking and recreational activities as separate themes. One specific visitor note concerns the islands of Stump Lake National Wildlife Refuge.
Nature and Historic Traces
In 1905, President Theodore Roosevelt established Stump Lake National Wildlife Refuge as a conservation area and nesting ground for native birds. It was the first national wildlife refuge in North Dakota. The Refuge islands are flooded due to high water levels and are not open to the public. If the islands are part of your plans, check visitor information again before your trip.
The A.M. Tofthagen Library-Museum preserves a peace pipe that Mr. Tofthagen smoked with Sitting Bull in 1889. In 1926, Amun Tofthagen donated $5,000 toward the construction of the Library-Museum. The dates thus point to two different chapters: the story of a specific object and the creation of the building.
The Old Settlers’ Pavilion, also called Stump Lake Pavilion, is a large recreational gathering building dating from the early 1920s. It has been used for public social events and gatherings ever since, and it is still often used for them today. Stump Lake Village includes two log cabins relocated from the Nelson County area, a church, a school, and a railroad depot. The Village also has paved walking paths and a pavilion.
Stories, Art and Regional Culture
The Nelson County Talking Trails offer a self-guided tour designed by experts, with 20 audio recordings. They tell stories about the history, culture, and heritage of communities throughout Nelson County. The focus is therefore on the stories of many communities, not just a single historic object. Visitors who prefer to explore historical themes through specific objects or buildings can find other points of interest at the museum and Stump Lake Village.
The Nelson County Barn Quilt Trail features painted quilt patterns displayed on farm buildings, businesses, garages, and homes. Its stated goal was to create North Dakota’s first quilt trail. The trail’s mission was to create North Dakota’s first quilt trail.
The Nelson County Arts Council holds the Stump Lake Fine Arts Youth Camp annually for students in grades 3 through 12. The Council also hosts one of the largest juried art shows and art sales in North Dakota. The camp and the show represent different forms of arts programming: a program for specific school grades and a juried exhibition with a sale.
Walks and Recreational Activities
Stump Lake Park has walking paths and a miniature golf course. The park also has a café; if you plan to visit, check its opening hours in advance. Fishing is available at Stump Lake. In the wider Nelson County area, the lake is part of the Devils Lake chain.
Miniature golf is not the same as a round at Lakota Rock Creek Golf Course: this public golf course has nine holes and grass greens and has been open since 2003.
These focal points can help guide your travel plans; weigh specific places and activities according to your own itinerary.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Lakota, Barnes County, Grand Forks, Bottineau County, Morton County, Ward, Mckenzie County and Foster County.
For the main travel overview: North Dakota.
