Minneapolis --- North Dakota

Many have been quick to point out that Minnesota and North Dakota are typically very cold around this time of the year. I am here to confirm that this is true…

WINTER IN NORTH DAKOTA IS NOT FOR THE FAINT OF HEART!!

All of this being said, North Dakota was gorgeous! The frozen hills, stagnant dry air, and vast nothingness were truly beautiful and made the first week of my van life adventure something to remember.

I started my journey in the lovely (albeit fairly small) town of Grand Forks to visit my friend Chris who is currently studying to becoming a pilot. I was hoping for a private air tour of the surrounding corn fields but due to crappy weather (thanks North Dakota) Chris and I were unable to fly. We did however have a lovely breakfast at the famous Darcy's Cafe which I can recommend if you ever happen to find yourself in Grand Forks!

After a nice afternoon ski along the Red River and saying farewell to Chris, I continued my journey west to the Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

Theodore Roosevelt National Park

I had to start with a few photos because words don't do the park any justice.

During my entire visit to the park's north and south units, which comprises over 230 million acres of land, I failed to see another car. The only company I had were a few deer, a pack of coyotes yapping in the distance, and the wind whipping through the trees. This is the first time during the trip that the sun peaked from behind the clouds and I took the opportunity to explore the park! From strange cannonball rock formations formed by mineral-rich water gluing sediment together to wild horses roaming the plains, North Dakota gave me a wonderful few days of sightseeing and picture-taking!

After a week of subfreezing temperatures, I was ready to escape to the balmy 35 degrees of Montana. Next time I will visit in the summer North Dakota!

COMING THIS WEEK...

Hear about my trip through the Treasure State and my first time buying bear spray!!