Central Time
Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks
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Mountain Time
Dickinson, Williston, Watford City
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Time in Other States
A State Divided By Time
Ever wonder why a single state needs two time zones? In North Dakota, the line is drawn to accommodate historical and economic ties. The unofficial but generally accepted dividing line follows the Missouri River until it veers west, south of Mandan.
Most of the population and its largest cities—Fargo, Grand Forks, and the capital, Bismarck—are in the Central Time Zone. The southwestern region observes Mountain Time to better align with the commerce and travel patterns of neighboring Montana. This includes the heart of North Dakota's oil country and ranchlands.
Counties in the Mountain Time Zone
The following counties in southwestern North Dakota officially observe Mountain Time: Adams, Billings, Bowman, Golden Valley, Grant, Hettinger, Slope, and Stark. Portions of McKenzie, Dunn, and Sioux counties also fall within the Mountain Time Zone, particularly areas west of the Missouri River.
Points of Interest & Culture
North Dakota offers a surprisingly diverse range of attractions, blending rugged nature with vibrant culture.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park
The only national park named for a person, this breathtaking landscape of painted canyons and rugged badlands is where Theodore Roosevelt developed his passion for conservation. Visitors can see roaming herds of bison, wild horses, and prairie dogs, or enjoy the charming western town of Medora and its famous outdoor musical.
Scandinavian Heritage
Reflecting the deep roots of its settlers, North Dakota boasts a rich Scandinavian culture. The city of Minot hosts the annual Norsk Høstfest, the largest Scandinavian festival in North America. You can also visit the Scandinavian Heritage Park, which features a full-size replica of the Gol Stave Church.
The Enchanted Highway
For a truly unique road trip, drive the 32-mile stretch of the Enchanted Highway, starting from Gladstone. Local artist Gary Greff has lined the route with a series of massive scrap metal sculptures, including the world's largest, "Geese in Flight."
Fargo's Modern Vibe
Far from just a movie title, Fargo is a bustling and creative city. It has a thriving arts scene, great local breweries, and a beautifully restored downtown. And yes, you can visit the Visitors Center to get your picture taken with the actual woodchipper prop from the 1996 film *Fargo*.
An Agricultural Giant
Known as the "Breadbasket of the World," North Dakota's prairies are incredibly productive. It is the nation's number-one producer of a wide variety of crops.
- Pasta Powerhouse: The state grows the majority of America's durum wheat, the hard wheat essential for making pasta and couscous.
- Fields of Gold: North Dakota is a leading producer of canola and sunflowers, turning vast landscapes into stunning fields of yellow each summer.
- A Sweet Secret: It is also the top honey-producing state in the US, thanks to its vast fields of clover and wildflowers that are perfect for bees.