This summer we are taking a break from our regular posts to highlight attractions in our area that we have enjoyed with our families.
If you have a location you would like to highlight or share for our mini series, we’d love to hear from you! Please reach out at unexpected.ever.afters@gmail.com to inquire into including your recommendation on the Unexpected Ever Afters blog.
Every summer, my kids and I visit family on the western side of North Dakota. Once there, we always take a day trip with my mom and sister to the small town of New Salem (population 1,027). While there are many tourist attractions in western North Dakota, including the badlands and Medora, I wanted to highlight a lesser known stop about a 30 minute drive west of Bismarck on I-94. A delightful destination for an afternoon get away or to break up a long drive further west, let me introduce you to Salem Sue, the world’s LARGEST Holstein Cow.
Sue is situated on top of a picturesque hill overlooking New Salem. A road will lead you up the hill to a parking lot which provides access to Sue and a short walking trail. The trail leads to some beautiful views of the Great Plains. My kids (ages 8 & 11) especially enjoy wandering the trail and climbing on the rocks.
After my family spends some time exploring the Salem Sue hill, we head into the town of New Salem and stop at our favorite coffee shop. Metro Perk is located at 514 Main Ave, New Salem. It is attached to a small, locally owned bed and breakfast. The café service is top notch, the homemade desserts are delicious, and the cold coffee and tea drinks hit the spot after spending some time outdoors. My daughter enjoys playing in the kid’s corner while sipping on a strawberry smoothie. My son’s favorite is the caramel apple smoothie and although he isn’t as much of a fan of the Kidzone as he used to be, he does enjoy their checker table!
For more information about Salem Sue, check out her website here.
If you are planning a trip to North Dakota and are looking for more destinations similar to Salem Sue, North Dakota does not disappoint in its collection of large animal monuments. Here are a couple other recommendations of places to explore:
The World’s Largest Buffalo in Jamestown, North Dakota
If you have seen Salem Sue or decide to venture through North Dakota, I’d love to hear about it in the comments. Stay tuned for more Summer Destination Shoutouts in the coming weeks!
Jessica is a wife, mom, social worker, and writer. She is co-author of the blog The Unexpected Ever Afters.
Photo Credit: Personal Photos
the unexpected ever afters 
Pingback: Explore the Twin Cities – the unexpected ever afters