North Dakota is an intensely beautiful place. It’s filled with wonder, intrigue, history, and all the natural wonders you’ll ever want to explore. But the most beautiful sight in the world isn’t one of the natural wonders in North Dakota, nor is it one of the most beautiful lakes in North Dakota. No, the most beautiful sight in the world is simply the sign that reads “Welcome to North Dakota,” it’s the most beautiful thing in the world thanks to everything it symbolizes (and everything that lies behind it, no matter which one you’re at).

Those four little words - welcome to North Dakota - mean so much.

Tony Webster/Flickr Of course, what it means to you is subjective, but we can tell you what it means to us.

Passing by one of these signs means entering one of the country’s most peaceful, quietest states.

Heather/Flickr North Dakota is the least-visited state in the United States, and honestly, we don’t get it. We’re pretty sure most folks just don’t understand - or realize - what it is they’re missing out on.

There is a multitude of designs, but every sign ultimately means the same thing.

Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr It means you’re entering a place of otherworldly beauty; somewhere that’s remained relatively undisturbed by human hands for centuries.

It means you’re coming into a whole new world, where nature rules king and natural wonders abound.

Bill Tanata/Flickr It means you’re entering the gateway to the Badlands, an incredibly unique landscape you won’t find anywhere else (except for South Dakota). It means dark skies, the northern lights, and decent weather for most of the year.

It means frigid winters and pleasant summers. It means you’re entering a world where 13 state parks are waiting for you.

Larry Syverson/Flickr The roads seem to stretch forever, and the scenic drives in North Dakota are just one more thing to add to your bucket list.

Seeing the signs that read Welcome to North Dakota really does mean a lot…

Heather/Flickr …but not quite as much as simply knowing this is home does.

What does seeing the “Welcome to North Dakota” sign mean to you? Tell us your thoughts in the comments, and let us know what you love about living in this incredible – and peaceful – little state. For even more things to love about our state, check out some of the most beautiful lakes in North Dakota!

Tony Webster/Flickr

Of course, what it means to you is subjective, but we can tell you what it means to us.

Heather/Flickr

North Dakota is the least-visited state in the United States, and honestly, we don’t get it. We’re pretty sure most folks just don’t understand - or realize - what it is they’re missing out on.

Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr

It means you’re entering a place of otherworldly beauty; somewhere that’s remained relatively undisturbed by human hands for centuries.

Bill Tanata/Flickr

It means you’re entering the gateway to the Badlands, an incredibly unique landscape you won’t find anywhere else (except for South Dakota). It means dark skies, the northern lights, and decent weather for most of the year.

Larry Syverson/Flickr

The roads seem to stretch forever, and the scenic drives in North Dakota are just one more thing to add to your bucket list.

…but not quite as much as simply knowing this is home does.

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