Overview
Wahpeton is a town in the Red River Valley of North Dakota. It has a population of about 8,000 people (2020). It is the home of North Dakota State College of Science.
3 sights · 1 things to do · 12 places to eat · 1 bars & cafés · 4 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Wahpeton
Richland County Hisorical Museum
Chahinkapa Park and Zoo
Open May through September. Zoo features 200 animals, including Siberian tigers, kangaroos, otters, bears, snow leopards, and monkeys. Admission fee $5, $4.50 seniors, and $2 for children under 13
The Big Catfish
This 40-foot long catfish statue is visible from Highway 10 and is next to a dock. It is referred to locally as Wahpper. Locals claim it is the largest catfish sculpture in the world.
Snowmobiling
On the county's 200 miles of groomed trails.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: May–Sep. Summer highs reach about 82°F; winter lows dip to about 1°F. Cold months (Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov, Dec) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Jun and May. (climate data from nearby Fargo)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- FAR Hector International Airport, Fargo — 46 mi away. Directions
- ATY Watertown Regional Airport, Watertown — 97 mi away. Directions
- MSP Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport / Wold–Chamberlain Field, Minneapolis — 190 mi away (major hub). Directions
Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Richland County Hisorical Museum, Chahinkapa Park and Zoo
- Lunch Burger King
- Afternoon The Big Catfish, Snowmobiling
- Dinner China Buffet
- Evening Mug Shots
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Understand
Wahpeton, along with its sister city, Breckenridge, are referred to as Two States. Two Cities. One community.
Get in
- By car: exit 23 from I-29
See
See Richland County Hisorical Museum
Do
Eat
Drink
Sleep
Nearby
Breckenridge
City / town · 2 listings · 1 mi away
Abercrombie
City / town · 1 listings · 13 mi away
Tenney
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Barney
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Hankinson
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Fergus Falls
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Dilworth
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Moorhead
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My experience
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