One of the places in the United States that doesn’t get very much attention is it’s Upper Midwest region, and that includes the State of North Dakota. North Dakota was home to President Theodore when he retreated for a time from life in the east. Though sparsely populated, North Dakota has a rich history from “old west” times to more modern times. But, here are 7 Things You Don’t Know About: North Dakota.

1. North Dakota’s Lake Sakakawea, formed by the damming of the Missouri River, is the third largest man made lake in the United States.

2. There are more vehicles registered in North Dakota than citizens living there.

3. North Dakota is the 39th state because it comes before South Dakota alphabetically. The two states were admitted on the same day, but President Benjamin Harrison had the paperwork shuffled and obscured from him so that there would be no record as to which was admitted before the other.

4. The original North Dakota State Capitol was completely lost to fire damage in 1930.

5. There have been three separate movements to change the name of North Dakota to just “Dakota”.

6. North Dakota is rated as the windiest state in the United States and because of this is home to many wind farms that generate a great deal of electric power.

7. Famous people from North Dakota include: Lawrence Welk, Shadoe Stevens, Angie Dickinson, Phil Jackson, Peggy Lee, and Louis L’Amour.

Because of its location and its reputation for harsh weather, North Dakota will probably continue to be both low in population and under the radar of most Americans for quite sometime. North Dakota though is home to a great many things to do and many popular outdoor recreational opportunities as well, particularly for those interested in hunting and fishing.