Not as bad as people say (there's a license plate slogan for you).

OK - so you know off the bat that it is cold cold cold in the winter. You know that it has a very low population density and diversity. You know that the scenery in much of the state is devoid of visual distractions such as hills and trees.

However, if you are a carefree tourist with a song in his heart and a carload of kids (like me, for instance), then go to Medora in Western North Dakota, and take a look around Theodore Roosevelt National Park. You may soften your view of the place - beautiful, understated scenery, gently reminding you of the dramatic Badlands in South Dakota. You will doubtlessly stop the car to look at the prairie dog towns and you will doubtlessly be stopped by the wild herds of buffalo roaming the park. If you are lucky, you may see elk and wild horses.