Fun Travels Across the United States
NORTH DAKOTA
NEWS: Please note: Cities and Towns follow after the NEWS
The Dakota Zoo - Well worth a visit!
The Dakota Zoo, home to more than 600 different animals, is a great place to visit -- and, to see bison, mountain lions, prairie dogs, and other native animals all in one location. It's a place for all ages, from the Land O'Lakes Ice Cream Parlor, a play area, and the Antler Trading Post. Board one of the Leach Express and Tribune Express trains for a real treat, and don't forget your camera because the animals are waiting to pose for you! Admission is reasonable with children under two entering free of charge, kids 2-12 are $3.50, and 13 and up are $6.50. During winter months the rates are reduced.
Located in Bismarck, North Dakota, (701) 223-7543. Summer hours (April 23 to September 28) for the zoo are 10 am to 7 pm daily, except when there's inclement weather and the zoo is closed.. Grounds close at 7:30 pm. From June 4 to August 20 hours are until 8:00pm, while winter hours from October until April 24 are from 1 pm until 5 pm on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
North Dakota is a hot spot for international travelers
The North Dakota Tourism Division has seen “smashing success” at international travel shows this year, with interest in adventure and western attractions at an all-time high, according to Fred Walker, International Travel Marketing Director. Since January, Walker has attended international travel shows in Norway, Sweden, Iceland, Germany, Casper, Wyo., Las Vegas, and, for the first time, Australia.
This was the first time representatives from outside the coastal United States attended the Discover America Australian Expo in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne. Walker stated that he, along with representatives from Montana and Wyoming, were “mobbed for information.”
The Australia show was an intense showcase of destinations directed at travel agents across eastern Australia. There were 976 agents in attendance along with 41 travel media and 30 tour operators during the 4 days. “Encouraging international travel is an important part of our marketing efforts,” says Tourism Division Director Sara Otte Coleman, “This year we see the entire United States selling well from an international destination perspective, and our North Dakota numbers were the best of any year to date.”
Another highlight of the international marketing show efforts was the 31 meetings Walker attended with interested industry representatives at ITB Berlin. This travel and trade show is the world’s largest and North Dakota was exposed to more than 11,000 trade visitors and 177,000 consumers during the show.