Being North Dakotan means that they are some things you do that you find totally normal but others may find a little different. These North Dakota traditions are simply a part of life here, no matter how unusual they may seem to out-of-staters. If you’re from North Dakota you’ll probably totally get these 10 things:

1. Bringing a hot dish to every single get-together, potluck, or event.
srsldy/Flickr
Is it really a get-together without someone bringing some delicious tater-tot hot dish? As North Dakota traditions go, this one is a necessity!
2. Having a bonfire any time there's a good excuse for one.
Jason Caine/Flickr
Did you recently do some yard landscaping or come across a nice pile of scrap wood or branches? Then it's a great time for a bonfire! North Dakotans love a good bonfire to watch burn and hang out with friends and family.
3. Borrowing a neighboring state's professional teams to root for.
Mike Morbeck/Flickr
North Dakota doesn't have an NFL, MLB, NBA, or other major sports teams of its own, so it's an ingrained part of the culture of North Dakota that most people who live here root for neighboring states' teams. And by neighboring states, we mean Minnesota. The Vikings and the Twins, for example, are well-loved here, unless you happen to be a Packers fan instead. Either way, we make do with what we can! When it comes to college sports, however, we have our own amazing teams to root for.
4. Eating wedding kuchen any time, anywhere.
www.publizieren-im-netz.de/Flickr
Ignoring the "wedding" in its name, you can have this favorite North Dakota dessert at any time. We really love kuchen here - in any flavor - and can never have enough of it.
5. Standing on the front steps or porch to watch the storm roll in.
Heather/Flickr
North Dakotans love talking about the weather. We see quite the variety of it here, after all, and often in the extremes. In the winter you get bitter cold with wind chills below zero; the summer brings on high heat and humidity and heavy summer storms that can often result in tornadoes. When we see a storm coming across the prairie, you'd think we'd go inside and get ready to take shelter. Nope! North Dakota culture almost compels us to stand outside and watch it!

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6. Making sure to ask for the opening day of hunting season off of work or even schools conveniently having no school that day.
Chuck Traxler/USFWS/Flickr
North Dakota is a hunter's paradise and the residents here certainly make use of it. By the time hunting season rolls around, everyone is itching to get back out and enjoy it. Opening day, of especially deer or pheasant hunting seasons, tend to cause workplaces and schools to be a little quieter than normal. It really is a big part of North Dakota culture.
7. Driving big trucks that are hauling fishing houses out onto frozen lakes.
NDPRD/Flickr
People who don't live in cold places like North Dakota would probably freak out if they saw a truck hauling a little house onto a frozen lake. Isn't it going to break through? Wait a second... now you're drilling holes in the ice? Won't that make it break even faster? Eek! ... In all seriousness, if you're safe and smart about it, ice fishing is a great winter activity that many North Dakotans love to do.
8. Accepting the existence of lutefisk.
Brian Moen/Flickr
Alright, let's be honest: not many people would like lutefisk. Most North Dakotans don't like it, either, but it is a thing that many people here eat on special occasions. It's simply one of those born and bred North Dakota traditions for a lot of people here.
9. Making time for the county or state fair.
BrotherM/Flickr
Have you really made the most of summer if you haven't been to the fair? Whether you head out to Minot for the state fair or go to your local county fair, it is simply an unmissable event for a North Dakotan.
10. Enjoying corn mazes and pumpkin patches in the fall.
Dan Keck/Flickr
Thanks to being a mostly agricultural state, there are plenty of places to enjoy a corn maze or a pumpkin patch when fall comes around. It's an age-old and one of the most popular North Dakota traditions for the whole family.

What are some other North Dakota traditions you do that we didn’t include on the list? Please share with us in the comments below!

Food, for example, is a very key part of North Dakotan life. These 10 iconic foods are great examples of essential eats in North Dakota.

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North Dakota Traditions

Lysa Allman-Baldwin | August 10, 2022

Can you suggest some historical sites to visit in North Dakota?

You will find that North Dakota is home to some really great historical sites and historical landmarks that provide a little window into the development of the state since its early founding. In the town of Williston, for example, you'll find the Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site. Built in 1828, well before North Dakota became a state, its name reflects its role as a pivotal fur trading post back in the day. You might also want to visit the Fort Totten State Historic Site. Located in the town of Fort Totten, it is home to numerous structures chock full of memorabilia and artifacts that share its early history as a military outpost and later as an educational boarding site for Native American children that lived in the area. These are just a few to get your historical exploration on the move!

What is the North Dakota state capitol?

The North Dakota state capitol is located in Bismarck. It is a beautiful structure and the tallest habitable building in the state. It soars 21 stories high and was built in the art deco architectural style. The entire capitol complex in which it sits is rather sizable, so plan to spend quite a bit of time here so you can explore the beautiful interior features, as well as walk the different walking paths outdoors. Guided tours are also provided, or you can embark upon self-guided exploration at your leisure.

What is one of the biggest annual festivals in North Dakota?

North Dakotans love their festivals and they hold them all year long, even in the frigid months of winter. There are many favorites that draw folks from across the state and further afield so you're sure to find one that's both interesting and exciting. One of the most popular is the annual Norsk Høstfest. Held in late September in the town of Minot, Norsk Høstfest is known as the biggest Scandinavian festival in the entire country. There is a great deal of Scandinavian history and heritage in the state and this festival puts it on full display in every way imaginable from cultural performances to culinary offerings, arts and crafts, and so much more.

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