There's a saying in North Dakota: "Forty below keeps the riffraff out." It seems to be true, because the state has the lowest crime rate in the U.S. Cold temperatures—along with the state's rather remote location—keep out a lot of other people, too, including large numbers of vacationers.
Most people who do find their way to the state will be happy they did. Because it's sparse on people (residents and vacationers alike), North Dakota has a lot of wildlife. The creation of refuges and parks has kept the animal population strong, and travelers have plenty of good spots to view native species such as bison, mule deer, pronghorn antelope, elk and coyotes. North Dakota's appeal lies in its solitude and wide-open spaces, and it's rather enjoyable to be able to take a picture without having to ask someone else to move aside first.
The state has played a large role in the history of westward expansion in North America. An abundance of historic sites and museums gives visitors a better understanding of how North Dakota and the country evolved. North Dakota also provides a good introduction to the past and present culture of Sioux tribes.
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