Building Community

When people outside the state think of North Dakota, they likely think of our mostly unchanging landscape, blizzards and subzero highs, the oil boom, and they will probably mention the movie Fargo whether we like it or not. With that said, I believe the perception of our great state is starting to change. North Dakota has had a relatively stable economy when other states have struggled, and we have seen recent population growth and an influx of educated millennials eager to make North Dakota their home.

Until recently, North Dakota had watched many of their young people graduate college and take their talents across state lines. Many opt for our neighbor to the east while some plant their roots in the Rocky Mountain West. As proud North Dakotans, we need to ask ourselves why our young people leave and what attracts them to these places?

Initially, it is easy to assume they moved west to put their degree to work in a fast paced, high tech job they could only get in a larger city. After doing a couple quick searches, I found that it is quite the opposite – Millennials are not moving to these cities to accelerate career advancement but rather they are moving for the culture and lifestyle that the city or town offers.

After travelling to and spending time in the small to mid-sized mountain towns of the west, I found that there is a certain allure that is not easy to shake long after leaving. So, you might be wondering what it is about these mountain towns that captivates their visitors, leaving them wondering why their hometown isn’t more like what they had experienced during their visit.

According to an article by GrandParkCo.com titled, “Why is Everyone Moving to Colorado,” the top 5 reasons are as follows:

• Economic Growth
• Jobs
• Growth Across the State
• Mountains
• Lifestyle

If you’re like me when looking at the above list, significant economic growth, as well as drastically changing the topography of the state, is out of our control. Fortunately, we do have control over cultivating the lifestyle and building a community that we are excited to be a part of!

So, what does it take to cultivate an outdoor adventure lifestyle in Bismarck-Mandan that is reminiscent of the many cities and mountain towns of the west? What does it take to build an active, outdoor adventure community? Upon reflection, it doesn’t take long to realize Bismarck-Mandan already has many of the cultural and lifestyle elements that make a town great! Now it is up to us to build a community! Are you ready?

Born in the Mind. Achieved in the Backcountry.

Achieve Your Adventure