Hooked on Garrison

Garrison, North Dakota: It is true. I’m hooked on Garrison, just like their motto states.

HPH-2016-North Dakota (Ryan)

Garrison, North Dakota’s slogan. (Photo by Ryan)


I recently told Ryan, “I think I could live up here. Maybe we should move here!”  It seems I may say that about all our stops, but that’s a good thing, right?!?! Ryan, normally the “glass half full” person of our relationship put a little water on my idea when he reminded me, “Yeah, but what about the winter?” He knows I’m not really a winter person and for me, it’s the necessary evil to get back to spring, summer, and fall! Problem solved, this can be my summer home! Oh wait, I guess as long as we harvest up here, it can be for a few weeks anyway!

So, what are some of the non harvest things I’m loving about this area? For one, it is so green and its August! I’m sure this area experiences its share of droughts, but for now I’ll just pretend it’s always so lush. It’s an outdoorsy person’s dream with the river, wetlands, lake, miles of trails and shoreline. It also meets my personal continuing education requirements with lots of historical or nature sites. The town is quite nice too with its downtown full of businesses, churches, and a clean park. You may have noticed the recurring theme of how this mama appreciates a nice park while away from her own yard/neighborhood!

Below are some highlights of our area experiences.

HPH-2016-North Dakota (Laura)

The North Dakota National Audubon Wildlife Refuge. We enjoyed the information center, trails, and driving tour.


HPH-2016-North Dakota (Laura)

Little Man receiving a tutorial on binoculars from Ranger Jackie. Children visiting the refuge can check out a “Let’s Go Outside” backpacks supplied with equipment to help them explore the natural world.

HPH-2016-North Dakota (Laura)

In my travels north I have noticed lots of little wetlands in fields and pastures. I learned at the refuge that parts of the Dakotas are in the “Prairie Pothole Region”. The potholes were left from the last glacier period and are crucial habitat for many waterfowl. The birds were lovely to watch and I was excited to capture this duck leaving the water.

HPH-2016-North Dakota (Laura)

We paid a visit to the Garrison Dam Fish Hatchery. They offered a great hands on tour, and we learned about the activities that go on at the facility. Pictured is Little Man learning about the Rainbow Trout.

HPH-2016-North Dakota (Laura)

We were able to view large pallid sturgeon, an endangered prehistoric fish species, in their holding tanks. The damming of the Missouri River has taken away natural breeding ground and an intensive breeding program takes place at the hatchery to keep the species viable.


HPH-2016-North Dakota (Laura)

Who knew that fish can feed themselves? The trout would knock the wire hanging in the water and that would release food into the tanks!


HPH-2016-North Dakota (Laura)

Although the scenery has probably changed with the dam system, it was still neat to be around the area that Lewis, Clark and team traveled. Pictured here is the Missouri River off the trail at the hatchery.

HPH-2016-North Dakota (Laura)

It is a pretty bold statement to declare a salad bar the “ultimate”, but in this case it is true! Ye Olde Malt Shoppe in downtown Garrison, has the best salad bar I’ve had on the harvest run. Hands down!

HPH-2016-North Dakota (Laura)

Garrison is home to Wally the Walleye, at the end of their main street.

  

HPH-2016-North Dakota (Laura)

What’s more fun than unstructured play time outside? Fort Stevenson State Park was a great place to go and get away from the camper and get some fresh air!

HPH-2016-North Dakota (Laura)

A sweet daddy daughter moment captured at sunset after family time on the trail.


All Aboard Wheat Harvest™ is sponsored by High Plains Journal and New Holland Agriculture. You can contact Laura at laura@allaboardharvest.com.

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