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2011 North Dakota Floods

By Alexis Brinkman, North Dakota Horizons Staff Assistant

It’s hard fully comprehend the magnitude of the flooding that is taking place in North Dakota this spring.  We hear these huge numbers being tossed around, but to someone who is as unfamiliar with the areas being affected as I am, they don’t mean a lot.  It’s seeing things like the pictures coming out of Minot this week or the video of the home being swept away at Hogue Island that really bring it all into focus. 

Last weekend Washburn hosted its annual Lewis and Clark Riverboat Days.  As part of the event,  helicopter tours of the flooding Missouri River were offered.  Washburn lies about 40 miles north of Bismarck on the Missouri River and is home to Fort Mandan.  A friend and I decided that we couldn’t miss out on the once in a lifetime chance to see the flooding from the air, so we put on a couple of headsets and took off. 

Not surprisingly, it was astonishing to see how much of the land the river has swallowed up in the past month.  You could barely see the tops of a few trees where the banks once were.  Water was up to the very edges of Fort Mandan; Lewis and Clark certainly didn’t have that view during their time there.  Below are a few of the photos from our flight.

 Looking north from Washburn

Looking south along the Missouri River

 Missouri River near Washburn, ND 

Too much water is a statewide concern that will define the rest of our summer. All of us at ND Horizons are sending our thoughts and prayers to everyone who is fighting these floods.

Top 5 Things to Do This Summer (Without the River)

By Nicolette Borlaug, Staff Assistant, North Dakota Horizons

Without a doubt, this will be a very different kind of summer for people living in Bismarck-Mandan and other towns affected by the Missouri River flooding.

As an active, young resident of Bismarck, almost all of my favorite summer activities have previously revolved around the river. Now, my friends and I have begun the brainstorming process of how to still enjoy our summer to the fullest without the river. I decided to put together a Top 5 list of fun things to try out. Whether it’s planning outings with your family and friends or reading a great book in your backyard, there is still plenty for people to get out and do this summer!

    1) Grill – Go to your favorite website to find delicious recipes for fun summer dishes. Try something different, make it a themed dinner (i.e. “Fiesta Night” and serve chipotle-lime fish tacos, grilled pineapple kabobs, and chips and salsa – check out this great recipe for more details).

    2) Find a new hobby – Okay, so this may be easier said than done. Think of something you’ve always wanted to try, but haven’t really had the time. If you’re crafty (or would like to be), check out a great website like www.craftgawker.com to get inspiration for your next project. I would love to learn how to reupholster old thrift store furniture finds and turn them into chic “new” items.

    3) Play outdoor games – This is great for families AND adults to enjoy. Play frisbee golf at the park (learn the rules of the game here), or even challenge your friends to a “Minute to Win It” backyard gathering based on the popular T.V. show (learn all about it here).

    4) Plant an herb garden – Everyone has their go-to meals they love to make, whether it’s a simple casserole or something more challenging. Change up your normal recipe by adding some fresh herbs and spices to the mix. It’s amazing how you can transform a regular tater tot hotdish to a real crowd-pleaser just by adding some basil and oregano.  

    5) Take a roadtrip – There is plenty to see and experience in North Dakota, so why not take a roadtrip and take in as much as you can this summer? Look at the map and make a list of small towns you’ve always wanted to visit. View community calendars to find out what’s going on this summer. Pick up the latest issue of North Dakota Horizons magazine for a listing of community events happening around the state.

What is on YOUR summer to-do list? Check back for updates on how I’m doing with mine!