Your List of Things to Do in Wahpeton: Fun for All Ages
Wahpeton, North Dakota, is a charming city in the state’s southeastern part. It offers a mix of history, culture, and outdoor recreational activities.
One of the main attractions in Wahpeton is the Chahinkapa Zoo. This zoo is home to various animals worldwide, including tigers, bears, and even a rare white camel.
Visitors can stroll through the spacious and well-maintained grounds, observe the animals in their habitats, and learn about their behaviors and characteristics from the informative signage throughout the zoo.
For history buffs, the city boasts the Richland County Historical Museum, home to a diverse collection of artifacts that celebrate the region’s past. Visitors can step back in time with the museum’s many “rooms,” which showcase scenes from early homes with furnishings and amenities of the day.
The Red Door Art Gallery and Museum is a must-visit destination for art enthusiasts. This art gallery features work from local and regional artists. Visitors can explore the artwork on display and learn about the artists who created it.
Outdoor enthusiasts will love Wahpeton’s numerous parks and recreational areas. Chahinkapa Park offers visitors various outdoor activities, such as a public swimming pool, playgrounds, and picnic areas.
Overall, Wahpeton, North Dakota, offers something for everyone. Its unique mix of history, culture, and outdoor activities makes it a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to the region.
Chahinkapa Zoo
Chahinkapa Zoo is a family-friendly destination in Wahpeton, North Dakota. It is a 25-acre zoo with over 200 animals from more than 70 species.
The zoo is dedicated to animal conservation and provides a safe home for animals worldwide. The zoo has indoor and outdoor exhibits and offers educational programs, events, and experiences for all ages.
The zoo’s exhibits are designed to replicate the natural habitats of the animals that call it home. Visitors can see various animals, including tigers, lions, bears, monkeys, reptiles, and birds. There is also a petting zoo where visitors can interact with domestic animals like goats and sheep.
The zoo’s staff is knowledgeable and passionate about animal welfare and conservation, and they are always happy to answer questions and provide information about the animals in their care.
In addition to the animal exhibits, Chahinkapa Zoo has a gift shop where visitors can purchase souvenirs, toys, and other items.
Chahinkapa Zoo is a great place to spend a day with family or friends. The zoo is open from April to September, with affordable admission fees. In addition, visitors can purchase annual memberships and receive free yearly admission.
The zoo is wheelchair accessible and offers stroller rentals for families with young children. With its unique collection of animals, engaging exhibits, and fun activities, Chahinkapa Zoo is a must-see destination in Wahpeton, North Dakota.
World’s Largest Catfish
The World’s Largest Catfish is an impressive Wahpeton, North Dakota sculpture. This 40-foot-long and 5,000-pound sculpture was built in 1997 to commemorate the catfishing industry in the area, which has a rich history and culture.
The sculpture is made of fiberglass and is modeled after the channel catfish species, which is common in the nearby Red River. The statue is hard to miss and is a popular tourist attraction for visitors to the area.
The World’s Largest Catfish is in Kidder Park, right along the Red River. The park offers a great river view and is an excellent place to picnic, take a walk, or relax.
The sculpture is in a grassy park area surrounded by benches, making it a great spot to take photos or soak in the scenery. There are also nearby restrooms and a playground for children.
The World’s Largest Catfish is not only an impressive sculpture, but it also serves as a symbol of the importance of the catfishing industry to the area. The Red River is home to many different fish species, and catfish is a staple of the local diet.
The sculpture has become an iconic landmark for Wahpeton and is a source of pride for the community. In addition, it serves as a reminder of the city’s history and culture and is a popular tourist attraction.
Chahinkapa Park
Chahinkapa Park is a picturesque natural park in the heart of Wahpeton, North Dakota. The park offers a variety of recreational activities for people of all ages, including a beautiful swimming pool, sports fields, playgrounds, picnic areas, and walking trails.
The park is ideal for a relaxing family outing or a peaceful afternoon spent soaking up the beauty of nature.
The park covers 225 acres of land and features diverse landscapes, including forests, hills, and wetlands. In addition, the park has numerous trails perfect for a peaceful walk, hike, or bike ride.
The park also has an 18-hole golf course with a pro shop and practice area, making it a popular destination for golf enthusiasts.
In addition to outdoor activities, Chahinkapa Park hosts several events throughout the year, including the annual Chahinkapa Zoo Brew, a beer festival featuring live music, food, and various craft beers.
The park has a designated area for ice skating and hockey in winter. The park is also home to the Chahinkapa Zoo, a must-visit attraction that features various animals, including tigers, bears, wolves, and more.
Bois de Sioux Golf Course
Bois de Sioux Golf Course, located in the beautiful city of Wahpeton, North Dakota, is a scenic and challenging golf course that attracts visitors from all over the region.
The course is situated on the lush green banks of the Red River, and its natural beauty is evident at every turn. It is an 18-hole, par-72 course with tree-lined fairways, challenging water hazards, and strategically placed bunkers requiring golfers to use all their skills.
The well-maintained course features state-of-the-art facilities, including a driving range, putting green, and a pro shop offering golf accessories and apparel.
The staff at Bois de Sioux Golf Course is friendly and welcoming, ensuring visitors feel at home and have a great time on the course.
In addition to the beautiful course, Bois de Sioux Golf Course also has a clubhouse that offers a range of amenities to visitors. The club features a comfortable lounge area, a full-service bar, and a restaurant serving various delicious food and drinks.
The outdoor patio area is perfect for relaxing and enjoying the stunning views of the river and the surrounding countryside. So whether you’re looking for a place to unwind after a round of golf or just a place to spend some quality time with friends and family, the Bois de Sioux Golf Course clubhouse is a perfect choice.
Richland County Historical Museum
The Richland County Historical Museum, located in Wahpeton, North Dakota, is a beautiful place to explore the history of Richland County. The museum was built in 1965 with an addition in 1984 and now provides more than 12,500 square feet of display space, making it possible to house a great variety of historical items.
The museum’s purpose is to preserve and perpetuate the history of Richland County with artifacts the pioneers used in building this area.
The museum has many unique features, including the guest register, the most crucial registration book in the world, and the actual “One Room School House” Building located next to the museum, which is from a bygone era in Richland County.
Children especially enjoy seeing how their grandparents attended rural school. In addition, the museum has many “rooms” showing scenes from early homes with furnishings and amenities of the day. There are also many “shops” in the lower level depicting lifestyles of yesteryear.
If you are interested in genealogy, the museum has several family histories, original plat books, and newspapers, and all are available to use as references. Visitors can also see a collection of beautiful “Rosemeade” Pottery designed by Laura Taylor Hughes, Artist/Sculptor, made locally at Wahpeton Pottery, owned by Robert Hughes.
The museum is open from April through October and is funded by a quarter County mill levy and donations.