Readers Digest, you know the little magazine that used to be found in nearly every dentist’s or doctor’s waiting rooms, just came out with “The Coolest Hidden Gem” in each state.

Hmmm, what could it be?  If it’s secret, it’s got to be something that very few people know about right?  The scenic brides around Valley City, the Pembina Gorge, the Turtle Mountains, the James River Valley, the Turtle River State Park, Huff Hills, Lake Audubon, and all of its islands?

Let’s just say their secret spot for North Dakota is NOT so secret to us North Dakotans. 

In fact, it’s kind of ridiculous.  It’s so well known, it’s international.  If somebody I knew came from out of town to visit, this would be one of the first places I would bring them.

According to Readers Digest, “The Coolest Secret Location Spot in North Dakota” is “The International Peace Garden in Rollette County.”

The garden offers a variety of outdoor activities including canoeing, camping, cycling, and various winter activities.  Readers Digest says the chapel is one of the most unique parts of this experience.  The garden is open daily.

So, how about our neighboring states around North Dakota?  What is their coolest secret hidden gem?

Minnesota: Spam Museum in Austin- If you’ve never heard of this before, don’t feel bad.  Neither have I, and I’ve spent a lot of time in Minnesota in my lifetime.  I’ve just never been a big fan of “Spam” before.  Mainly because we were forced to eat it as kids growing up.

Yes, there is a SPAM Museum and it’s free to tour! Located about 100 miles south of Minneapolis in the city of Austin, there’s even a gift shop on your way out if you feel like “piggin’ out”.

South Dakota:  Deadwood-Again, not so secret, but at least not as bad as the International Peace Garden.  Deadwood is a big favorite for people around the Capital Region. It’s such a gorgeous area with so much to do in all four seasons of the year.

Deadwood is where Wild Bill Hickock was shot in the back while playing cards and it’s also where Calamity Jane is buried.

Montana:  Havre Beneath The Streets-I can think of literally dozens of other more scenic hidden gems in Montana, but Readers Digest chose Havre, Montana.  Apparently, a fire destroyed most of the town at one time, so business owners went underground with their shops.

Tours are available daily, except they do not operate on Sundays during the winter.

Summer’s here and now you have your hidden gems to explore.  You better get going.  Summer is short in our part of the country.

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