If there is anything that most adventurers can definitely vouch for, it’s that we sure do love our hidden gems. Sometimes, it’s beyond fun to just hop in the car and go check out those strange or otherwise offbeat places in our home states that just don’t get enough love. Well, we’re back with another road trip full of hidden gems in North Dakota, and this one is a doozy! Hop in the car, gas up, and let’s go – this should be a blast! Follow along (or edit your own route) using this map. The entire trip should take a little over 8 hours, so make a day or long weekend out of the drive.

Google Maps
Our first stop is the Tent Pole Monument in Wahpeton.
8056 182nd Ave SE, Wahpeton, ND 58075, USA
tracyc270 – TripAdvisor
This oddball sculpture is a cemetery monument to two Ringling Brothers Circus workers who were killed by a lightning strike in 1897 while trying to erect the tent that hit the center pole. Legend has it that circus workers come to pay their respects when in town to this day. The concrete monument resembles the remains of the original tent pole after the strike. Read more about this strange little slice of North Dakota history in this article.
Next up, we'll wander up to Fargo to check out a famous woodchipper.
The Woodchipper in Fargo/Facebook
You know the one.
2001 44th St S, Fargo, ND 58103, USA
The Woodchipper in Fargo/Facebook
Within the F+M Visitors Center is this Eager Beaver wood chipper: the infamous prop from the hit Cohen brothers film Fargo. It’s missing all the blood and gore (thankfully), but there is a mannequin’s foot complete with a sock sticking out. It’s a popular tourist attraction. Make sure to ask for a hat when you take pictures with it. Silly? Yes. Worth it? Totally. Check out the official Fargo-Moorehead website for more details and information.

Related Stories

The Scenic Road Trip That Will Make You Fall In Love With The Beauty Of North Dakota All Over Again

The Scenic Road Trip That Will Make You Fall In Love With The Beauty Of North Dakota All Over Again

 This Natural Wonders Road Trip Will Show You North Dakota Like You've Never Seen Before

This Natural Wonders Road Trip Will Show You North Dakota Like You've Never Seen Before

 This Scenic Road Trip Will Take You To All 7 Wonders Of North Dakota

This Scenic Road Trip Will Take You To All 7 Wonders Of North Dakota
Now, we meander to Rugby, where the supposed geographical center of North America lies.
U.S. 2 & North Dakota 3, US-2 & ND-3, Rugby, ND 58368, USA
Michelle Hofstrand/Flickr
In 1931, a survey was conducted which determined that the geographical center of the North American continent was located nearby Rugby, North Dakota. A 15-foot obelisk was erected nearby the intersection of US-2 and ND-3, and it attracts visitors from all over who stop to take its picture. Turns out, Rugby may not even BE the center of North America - it might be the town of... Center, ND. Imagine that. Oh well - Rugby still sees the tourist benefits of this odd little monument. It’s on the southeast corner of the intersection, by the way. Check out the official town of Rugby ​​website for more info.
Up next is a seasonal pick, so if it's not open when you decide to take this trip, no worries - you can replace it with any number of interesting attractions nearby.
508 Main St, Parshall, ND 58770, USA
jeduweb/TripAdvisor
The Paul Broste Rock Collection is the single largest rock collection in the state, and it contains gems, rocks, minerals, fossils, Native American items, and more. It was established in 1966 and is still going strong. It's open from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday, from May 1st to Labor Day. Call ahead for tour information! 701-862-3264.

Read more about the museum and its history and collection on their ​​website.
Second to last, but definitely not least whatsoever, we head to the town of Stanley, North Dakota, where one of the last remaining Whirla-Whip ice cream machines is still in operation.
Dakota Drug Co./Facebook
107 S Main St, Stanley, ND 58784, USA
Dakota Drug Co./Facebook
This machine was the predecessor to machines that create soft-serve confections today. It turned hard ice cream into soft serve, and was quite unique in its time (and now). This one’s been in operation since 1949! Take your pick from chocolate, vanilla, or rainbow sherbet as a base, and go nuts with toppings. Yum! The Dakota Drug Co. Pharmacy has been in operation since 1911, and you can learn more about this unique attraction in this historical icon and what makes it delicious in this article.
Finally, we go to Cartwright for an old bridge that was literally obsolete before it was finished being built.
217 W 9th St, Cartwright, ND 58838
Ksteblet/Wikimedia
Construction on this bridge began in 1912 and finished in 1913. It’s 271 feet long, and utilized 4.5 million pounds of steel in its construction. It spans the Yellowstone River, and it was lifted a grand total of one time... in a test of its functioning. Why? Well, steamboat traffic on the Yellowstone ceased in 1912, rendering the bridge obsolete before it was even finished. Womp womp. Still, it's pretty cool to check out!

So, there you have it – a fun, albeit a bit offbeat, road trip for your next outing to seek those hidden gems in North Dakota. Now you just have to decide if you want to check out these gems again if you have to make the return drive, or maybe you will continue to seek new adventures and more road trips of hidden gems in North Dakota and beyond. What are some of your favorite North Dakota oddities that you would like to see included in a future road trip? Tell us your thoughts in the comments!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Hidden Gems In North Dakota

Katie Feldkamp | November 15, 2022

What are some other hidden gems in North Dakota?

North Dakota is full of hidden gems! No matter what secretive place you are in search of, you can find it on one of these lists of hidden gems in North Dakota:

If you’re still seeking more of the best-kept secret locations in the state, check out this list of hidden gems in North Dakota.

What are some North Dakota mysteries and oddities?

There are a surprising number of North Dakota mysteries and oddities. Here is a list that may intrigue you, and certainly leave you feeling baffled by the happenings:

Not every oddity has to be mysterious. Check out this list of North Dakota oddities, and see how many you find yourself relating to!

Related Articles