North Dakota is a beautiful state with great culture, food and scenery. It would be difficult to list everything that makes North Dakota such a wonderful place to live, but here are 10 things that make it the best state in the nation.

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    1

    4th of July

    From epic firework displays to parades, Bismarck-Mandan is the best place to spend the 4th of July.

    The whole family will enjoy Independence Day with tons of events including the Mandan Rodeo.

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    Townsquare Media - Bismarck
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    2

    NDSU Bison

    With over 14,000 students enrolled, NDSU is ranked among the top 108 public and private universities in the country.

    It doesn't hurt that the Bison football team are three time NCAA Division I FCS national champions.

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    3

    Missouri River

    The Missouri River provides North Dakota residents with the perfect location for summer relaxation and water fun.

    Many also take advantage of the winter months by ice fishing and skating!

     

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    Townsquare Media - Bismarck
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    4

    Big Boy

    Even though Big Boy is a nationwide chain, the Bismarck location is unique to the area.

    The Bismarck Big Boy has only kept two items from the original menu and has expanded it with local favorites including fries and gravy!

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    Travel ND Facebook
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    5

    Badlands

    The Badlands were formed through a combination of wind, sand and water to create one of the most breathtaking sites in North Dakota.

    The Badlands provide beautiful spots for hiking, camping and golfing. While visiting, you can also stop in North Dakota's most historic town, Medora.

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    6

    Caramel Rolls

    I'm not exactly sure why this delicious sweet treat is considered a breakfast food, but I'm not complaining.

    Also known as sticky buns, caramel rolls are from German descent and can be found in almost every bakery, restaurant and grocery store.

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    North Dakota Heritage Center
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    7

    Enchanted Highway

    The Enchanted Highway is a 32-mile stretch of scrap metal sculptures starting roughly 20 miles east of Dickinson along Interstate 94.

    The 'Geese in Flight' sculpture is currently the largest scrap metal sculpture in the world according to Guinness World Book of Records.

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    Townsquare Media - Bismarck
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    8

    Cloverdale Hot Dogs

    Cloverdale Meats is a Mandan business that produces an assortment of delicious products.

    A crowd favorite, however, is the pink hot dogs. These hot dogs are good however you cook them, but the best has to be over a camp fire.

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    9

    Unemployment Rate

    With new jobs available everyday, North Dakota sits at the top of the list of states with a low unemployment rate.

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    Marolynn Lesmeister
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    10

    Fleischkuekle

    This German-Russian dish quickly became one that North Dakota is known for.

    Fleishkuekle is a meat pie made with flat bread. Although many places serve it with pickles and ketchup, some will provide a gravy and even melt cheese on top.

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