Category: North Dakota

Doc Holiday’s Roadhouse – Williston, North Dakota
Quack, quack, my friends! Buckle up for a wild ride through my latest adventure at Doc Holiday’s Roadhouse in the heart of Williston, North Dakota! As Bob the Rubber Duck, I may not fit the mold of your ordinary diner, but trust me, this place is downright splash-tastic!

So, picture this: I’m cruising down 2nd Avenue, my little rubbery heart racing with excitement, when lo and behold, I spot what looks like a stampede of wild buffalo charging through town! But as I rolled closer, I realized these were no ordinary buffalo; they were life-sized metal sculptures, glistening in the sun. The scene felt like a page from the Wild West, complete with cowboys, Indians, and even a stagecoach! My humans couldn’t resist pulling into the parking lot to investigate the magic behind this quirky display.

Stepping into Doc Holiday’s, I was immediately immersed in a vibrant pool of Western-Mexican charm, spiked with a passion for motorcycles and sprinkled with vintage signage. The decor was a unique blend that piqued my curiosity and set the stage for a memorable dining experience.

The walls proudly display over 1,000 cowboy boots, each with a story to tell. Hand-painted cow skulls and license plates from all over the U.S.A. add to the charm. The decor sets the stage for lively conversations and laughter, creating an atmosphere as unique as it is inviting.
We were fortunate to meet one of the restaurant’s founders, Marcus Jundt, a true dynamo! His eyes sparkled as he shared the stories behind each quirky adornment; his passion for unique items that spark joy for everyone who walks through those doors was truly inspiring. With a track record of successful dining ventures, you can bet he knows how to whip up a good time!

Now, let’s get to the mouthwatering main attraction—the FOOD! Oh, my ducky goodness! The menu reads like a treasure map filled with culinary delights. The steaks? Legendary! Cooked to perfection and seasoned just right, I could almost taste the cowboy campfire flavour wafting through the air. And the burgers? Each is a juicy masterpiece that takes the classic to a new level. Whether you’re a meat lover, a veggie fanatic, or somewhere in between, something scrumptious awaits you!
And let’s not forget the cocktails! The mixologists here are true artists, crafting concoctions that would excite even the most jaded palate. They’re the perfect accompaniment to the hearty meals, and just thinking about them has me bobbing in delight!

Still have room left for dessert? How’s about a cowboy-sized ice cream sundae that could make any rubber duck swoon! With about ten scoops of creamy goodness, it’s a dream come true. Unfortunately, my humans weren’t ready to indulge on our visit, so I had to drool vicariously through the happy diners around us.

So, if you’re seeking a place that celebrates creativity, culinary wonders, and the adventurous spirit of the American West, look no further than Doc Holiday’s! It’s not just a restaurant; it’s an unforgettable escapade filled with fun, flavour, and one rubber duck’s dream experience! Join the quack-tastic party—you won’t regret it! Quack on!

Never Miss A
May 1, 2025
Fort Union Trading Post – Williston, North Dakota
Quack! Greetings, fellow adventurers! It’s me, Bob the Rubber Duck, here to quack about my enlightening journey to Fort Union Trading Post in North Dakota. Picture this: a bustling hub of trade and culture straight out of the 1800s, where history flows like the mighty rivers nearby. As I bobbed along, I could feel the whispers of the past all around me, making this experience nothing short of spectacular!

Fort Union Trading Post isn’t just a cool historical site; it’s a treasure chest of fur trading history and a testament to the power of cultural exchange! Nestled at the crossroads of the Yellowstone and Missouri Rivers, this location was a vital trading center back in the day, where traders and Native Americans mingled, exchanged goods, and shared stories. Visiting here is like stepping into a lively time capsule where muskets clashed with whispers of diplomacy.

Once you arrive, you’ll be drawn to the beautifully reconstructed fort, inviting you to explore its history-rich grounds. You have two options: glide along on a guided tour or take your time to wander and soak it all in at your own pace. I took the second route; however, given that it was not very busy that day, we were blessed with insight from the highly knowledgeable staff on site, whose passion was absolutely contagious! Additionally, the interpretive signs sprinkled around the site were like breadcrumbs leading me deeper into the fascinating past of Fort Union.

The fort was established in 1828 and quickly became a hub for the Northern Rocky Mountain Fur Trade. At its peak in the 1830s, I learned it sent astonishing quantities of beaver skins, deer skins, and buffalo hides back to St. Louis—over 25,000 beaver skins alone! Can you imagine? I choked on my rubber ducky laughter thinking about all that fur floating downriver!

The staff spun tales of life at the trading post, describing traders and Native Americans engaging in commerce, camaraderie, and the occasional spat—oh, the drama! I could envision it all as he painted the pictures with his words, bringing the history alive while I paddled along, absorbing every quack of wisdom.

The artifacts on display were mind-blowing! Each piece, from beautifully crafted beads to rugged tools and elegant fur pelts, was like a time traveller whispering stories of the past. With each artifact, I felt a deep sense of connection to the skilled hands that made them and the stories that travelled generations alongside them. Floating through this cornucopia of culture felt like I was swimming in a sea of history with much to share.

Picture this: traders bustling about, Native American ladies skillfully bartering for goods, and a chorus of laughter bouncing off the fort’s walls. It was an atmosphere vibrant with life, showcasing not just trade but the essence of human connection and shared experiences. Who knew a rubber duck could feel so much camaraderie?
However, life at the trading post wasn’t without its conflicts. There were moments when as many as 10,000 tribe members from various cultures would camp on the grounds while they awaited completing their business or resting for their return journey. The site sometimes witnessed tensions between these tribes over trade misunderstandings and even instances of violence. It made me admire those who worked to resolve disputes—traders stepping up as peacekeepers to ensure business continued smoothly. What a noble role to play in such a dynamic environment!

As the years rolled on into the mid-1830s, the fur trade started to wane, and by the mid-1850s, the fort changed hands multiple times, ultimately losing its monetary allure. Even I could sense the turning tides as new fashions took center stage, leaving Fort Union’s bustling days behind.

In conclusion, visiting Fort Union Trading Post was like diving into a vibrant tapestry of history, woven with knowledge, fascinating artifacts, and captivating stories. As I reflect on my adventures, I can’t help but feel gratitude for the rich heritage that thrives here in North Dakota. Until next time, keep quacking, exploring, and making waves in your adventures!

NEVER MISS A
April 29, 2025
Bird Houses on 5th Avenue – Williston, North Dakota
Have you ever been cruising down the highway and suddenly spotted something so peculiar that it made you squawk out loud, “What in the world is that?” That’s precisely what happened on our adventure from Williston, North Dakota, to Sydney, Montana! As my human drove along, I, Bob the rubber duck, kept my beady eyes peeled for anything that might catch my attention. And boy, did I find a gem that brought a delightful surprise to our journey!

There it was—a charming little house on the corner of the highway and 5th Avenue, decked out with at least 75 unique birdhouses! They were not just colourful and quirky, but also had an irresistible charm, just like me! We didn’t stop on that first pass, but trust me, I flapped my little wings and quacked so loud that my human couldn’t ignore my beckoning. “Stop, stop! We need to investigate!” I insisted.

So, with a quick turn and a few quacks of excitement, we zoomed back to the birdhouse wonderland. We hopped out and knocked on the door, our curiosity bubbling over. But alas, no one answered! Feeling a bit deflated, we were about to give up when, just then, a car rolled into the driveway, and out popped a delightful lady—let’s call her Birdie, since we didn’t get a chance to exchange names.

Birdie grinned from ear to ear as my human asked her about her eclectic collection. It turned out that several years ago, Birdie started with just three quirky birdhouses to entice my feathered friends to visit. But before she knew it, whenever someone wanted to gift her something, they brought a unique addition! It was like a never-ending birdhouse party that just sort of… happened! And let me tell you, she has a spot for each one, adorning her front yard, hanging from trees, and perched on fences—truly a birdhouse bonanza!

Curious about how many bird families flock to her charming abode, my human inquired. Sadly, Birdie confessed that only about three families make their homes there each year. It seems some of my feathered kin can be a bit territorial, claiming her yard as their own and scaring off the rest. Rest assured, though, they must still put on a colourful show for Birdie.
One of the most whimsical sights I spotted was a vibrant display of bright blue birdhouses right in front of her lawn. Each house was painted with cheerful SpongeBob SquarePants characters! I couldn’t help but quack with joy at the creativity. I just had to ask Birdie if she was a fan of the show. With a laugh, she explained that her great niece had decided that she needed these SpongeBob houses. So, she traced the images using her artistic talent and painted them upright!

Birdie is one kind-hearted lady, and meeting her made my rubbery little heart swell with joy. I was so glad we took a detour to investigate this delightful little wonder on the way. After all, who knew that a simple drive could lead to such a splendid adventure? Splashing in glee, I quacked a joyful farewell to Birdie as we left, already dreaming of our next quirky roadside encounter!

NEVER MISS A
April 28, 2025
North Dakota Pyramid – Nekoma, North Dakota
As I bobbed along the sprawling fields of North Dakota, my little rubber duck eyes darted around, soaking in the beauty of the landscape, when—hold on a second—what’s that on the horizon? Could it be a giant pyramid? My curiosity was piqued, and I couldn’t contain my excitement. I urgently flapped my wings, urging my human companion to veer off the beaten path for this whimsical detour.

Welcome to the North Dakota Pyramid, nestled in the heart of “somewhere, not quite nowhere.” But don’t let the term “pyramid” mislead you into thinking of ancient Egypt; this impressive concrete behemoth is a remnant of Cold War history rather than a relic of pharaohs! Built by the U.S. Army, it’s part of the Stanley R. Mickelsen Safeguard Complex (SRMSC)—a mouthful, but trust me, it’s worth knowing. This was not just a quirky construction but a critical defense system intended to protect the Minuteman missile fields at Grand Forks Air Force Base from potential Soviet missile strikes. Talk about raising the stakes in a duck, duck, goose game!
Positioned near the Canadian border, the SRMSC had a unique mission during the Cold War. It housed a defense system designed to buy valuable time for the Strategic Air Command to launch a counter-strike. Back in those days, they didn’t have today’s sleek precision interceptors. Instead, they relied on a dramatic strategy involving high nuclear explosions in the sky to obliterate incoming threats. It was a high-stakes game, to say the least!

The first line of defense was perimeter radar, a true watchful guardian, capable of spotting intercontinental ballistic missiles from hundreds of miles away. The Missile Site Radar would spring into action when a threat was detected, deploying Sprint missiles to intercept the dangers headed straight for us. That’s teamwork at its finest, if I do say so myself!

But let me tell you, the road to construction wasn’t smooth sailing. Kicking off in 1968, the project faced stiff opposition from suburban residents who understandably didn’t want to live next door to a military installation. After all, who wants to be that close to potential nuclear action?
The Safeguard system, which became operational in October 1975, was a colossal feat of engineering. However, its reign was short-lived, as it was shut down six months later, in April 1976. Despite its brief operational period, the North Dakota Pyramid stands as a testament to human ingenuity and the tense geopolitical climate of the time. Some believe that even its construction was instrumental in getting the parties to the table to negotiate the end of the Cold War.

So, as I float around this monumental marvel, I can’t help but wonder about all the secret tales it might tell if only it could quack! With each bob on the water, I feel the thrill of exploring the North Dakota Pyramid—truly one of the most unexpected treasures in this vast Midwestern expanse! Quack on, my adventurous friends!

NEVER MISS A
April 27, 2025