Bois de Sioux Public Golf Course spreads its 18 holes across two states: The first nine are in Wahpeton, North Dakota, and the second nine are in Breckenridge, Minnesota. Richland County also has historic farms and museums, regional pottery, a barn quilt trail and wine. This gives you a clear choice when planning your trip between landscapes and activities, rural heritage, local history and good food and drink.
Landscapes, Golf and Farm Tours
Richland County is mostly flat, with hillier terrain in the southwestern part of the county and along river areas. Bois de Sioux Public Golf Course offers a distinctive connection across state lines: The course measures 6,675 yards from the championship tees and has a par of 71. The first nine holes are in Wahpeton, and the second nine are in neighboring Breckenridge. The course length, par and layout give you specific points to consider if you want to include golf in your trip.
Another activity pairs a farm tour with creative crafts. Crooked Lane Farm offers farm tours along the scenic Wild Rice River between Colfax and Abercrombie. It is also home to the Red River Barn Quilt Trail; trail maps are available, and barn quilt classes are offered. There are several options to consider: You can take a tour, explore the trail or plan a class.
Bonanza Farm and Local History
Bagg Bonanza Farm covers 15 acres; the centerpiece of the farm is a fully restored main house with 21 bedrooms. The farm is one of the last surviving Bonanza farms in the United States and is designated a National Historic Landmark. These details combine the specific size of the property and house with the site’s historical significance.
The Richland County Historical Museum has more than 12,500 square feet of exhibit space in a building constructed in 1965. It also displays Rosemeade pottery, originally made in Wahpeton. The history of the museum building and a local pottery tradition come together here. The Lidgerwood Community Museum offers a different perspective: It includes an old stone church with an ecumenical chapel and an old schoolhouse. It also displays works by Ida Prokop, a North Dakota-born artist and sculptor described as nationally known.
The Ringling Brothers Circus Memorial is an exact replica of the tent pole struck by lightning. It commemorates the lightning accident of June 10, 1897, when a circus tent was being erected in Wahpeton. The historical event and its replica make the memorial a specific stop for anyone interested in the town’s circus history.
Special Finds in Wahpeton and the Surrounding Area
The Prairie Rose Carousel in Wahpeton is a restored 1926 Spillman carousel. It features 20 hand-carved wooden horses, two chariots and a calliope. Wahpper at the Kidder Recreation Area in Wahpeton offers a very different attraction: The catfish is 40 feet long, 12 feet tall and weighs 5,000 pounds. Visitors can take a selfie there.
Chahinkapa Zoo is home to more than 300 animals representing 100 species and six continents. The animals listed include orangutans, tigers, otters, leopards, monkeys, lemurs, apes, bison, kangaroos, camels and zebras; two white rhinos arrived in May 2018. Animal populations can change, so check the current information before visiting. Chahinkapa Park has a boat landing and a fishing pier. If either facility is important to your plans, check the latest information in advance.
Wine and Hotels
Dakota Vines is described as the first winery in Richland County. It produces wines from cold-climate grapes in small, craft batches. Offerings include wine tastings, wine by the glass, appetizers and made-to-order pizza. This combines an introduction to local winemaking with the chance to enjoy wine and food on site.
Dakota Magic Casino and Hotel is located off Interstate 29 at Exit 1, on the North Dakota–South Dakota border. Casino games include slot machines, blackjack, roulette, craps and poker. Games may change, so check the current options before visiting.
Discover more destinations: Abercrombie, Wahpeton, Stark County, Traill County, Ward, Billings County, Mercer, Cavalier County.
For the main travel overview: North Dakota.
