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North Dakota has more wildlife refuges than any other state. Grafton, North Dakota, is near the Ardoch National Wildlife Refuge on the shores of Lake Ardoch, the Red River State Recreation Area, and the Kellys Slough National Wildlife Refuge. It has beautiful landscapes, including prairies and grasslands, and a wide variety of plants and animals. Here are some of the animal species you can see in the area. more Birds Image via Flickr by USFWS Mountain Prairie via CC BY 2.0 Birds thrive in Eastern North Dakota's prairies and marshes, and it's an ideal area for bird watching. The beautiful red-headed woodpecker is crimson, black, and white, and it breeds in oak, ash, maple, elm, and cottonwood forests in the summer. Raptors in the area include American kestrels, bald eagles, golden eagles, red-tailed hawks, Northern harriers, prairie falcons, burrowing owls, and short-eared owls. American kestrel males have a distinctive, rust-colored back and tail. Burrowing owls have big, yellow eyes, and they often use black-tailed prairie dog and Richardson's ground squirrel burrows as nests. The Kellys Slough National Wildlife Area is less than an hour away from Grafton, and 12 species of ducks nest there. More than 35,000 shorebirds visit every year, including mallards, gadwall, tundra swans, snow geese, blue-winged teal, green-winged teal, Northern shovelers, Northern pintails, redheads, canvasbacks, and wood ducks. Wading birds include great blue herons, American white pelicans, great egrets, American bitterns, black-crowned night herons, and sandhill cranes. You can also see yellow-headed blackbirds, marsh wrens, western meadowlarks, Hungarian partridges, greater prairie chickens, Nelson's sparrows, upland sandpipers, Eastern and Western kingbirds, tree swallows, sedges, Baltimore orioles, orchard orioles, least flycatchers, willow flycatchers, sharp-tailed grouse, and savannah sparrows. Near the parking area, there's a restroom and an elevated platform with a powerful telescope for viewing wildlife. Mammals Beavers live in lakes, rivers, creeks, and streams, and they often build dams to raise water levels. They live in wood and mud lodges with underwater openings and a platform inside above the water. Muskrats look like small beavers, and they build shelters from plants or dig burrows. You can also see bison, bighorn sheep, elk, moose, mule deer, and white-tailed deer. Pronghorn antelope are the fastest land mammals in North America, and they can run more than 40 miles per hour. There aren't many caves near Grafton, but you could still occasionally see bats roosting in rocky crevices. Native species include the big brown bat, the little brown bat, Townsend's big-eared bat, the long-eared bat, and the long-legged bat. You could also spot black bears, mountain lions, badgers, black-footed ferrets, bobcats, coyotes, foxes, gray wolves, raccoons, river otters, and minks. Reptiles and Amphibians Native reptiles and amphibians include Canadian toads, plains hog-nosed snakes, and smooth green snakes. Spadefoot toads have catlike eyes and small spades or spurs on their back feet that they use to burrow underground during droughts. Great plains toads are white with dark brown spots, and they can inflate their bodies to look bigger to predators. Northern leopard frogs are green, gray or brown with black spots, and they can leap up to 6 feet. In the winter, they hibernate underwater. Wood frogs are only a few inches long, and they hibernate underneath rotting logs, leaves, and rocks. They almost freeze solid in winter, and then they thaw in warmer weather and hop away. Boreal chorus frogs are even smaller than wood frogs, and they make a distinctive chirping sound during their mating season in spring. Prairie skinks, also called black-banded skinks, are covered in longitudinal black and brown stripes, and they can detach their tails to escape from predators. Snapping turtles can live for more than 50 years, and they're named for their powerful jaws. Fish Many people fish on Lake Ardoch for Northern pike, carp, catfish, and walleye. You can fish from the beach in the summer or go ice fishing in the winter. Icelandic State Park is on the shores of Lake Renwick in Cavalier, about half an hour away from Grafton. It has a boat ramp and a dock for fishing, and canoe and kayak rentals are available. You can catch bullhead, crappie, Northern pike, walleye, and perch. The park also has a 200-acre wooded area along the Tongue River, where you can see a variety of other wildlife species. Other fish you could catch near Grafton include rainbow trout, brown trout, salmon, sturgeon, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and rock bass. A fishing license is required for anyone over the age of 16. Plants If you don't feel like looking for wildlife that can often be elusive, you can check out the wide variety of wild plants that the area has to offer. Prairie roses are white or pink, and the rose hips are edible. They're closely related to domestic roses. Purple coneflowers resemble daisies, and people often use them in herbal supplements. You could also see bright reddish-orange prairie lilies or purple prairie clover, an important component in many types of hay. Black-eyed Susans are favorites in gardens, and wild bergamot has a lavender or pink color and a minty scent. It's also called bee balm or horsemint, and people use it in Earl Gray tea. Red baneberry is also called black cohosh, coralberry, and rattlesnake herb. It has fluffy white flowers and bright red, poisonous berries. People often plant it in gardens because it's resistant to pests. Running serviceberry has white flowers with five petals and edible, dark purple berries that look like blueberries and taste great in pies. Goldenrod has distinctive yellow flowers, and sugar maple trees are common sources of syrup. They also have beautiful fall foliage. Other native plants include wild plums, box elder, paper birch, juniper, and blue verbena. These are just some of the diverse species of wildlife you can see near Grafton. The area's beautiful landscapes also make excellent backgrounds for photos. What animals have you seen nearby? Contact Rydell Outlet and let us know what species you've noticed. We can also help you find a great ride to explore the area.

The next time you're in the Grand Forks area and craving a sweet treat, look no further than these bakeries, restaurants, coffee shops, and homemade candy stores. From customized specialty cakes to stuffed homemade cookies, there is something for everyone in your group to enjoy. Take your family out for some self-serve frozen yogurt and let the kids add on all sorts of candies, cookies, and sweet syrups. Meet up with friends for a delicious peach iced tea and an ice cream crepe dessert. Whatever you choose, you won't go wrong with these sweet treat favorites. more O For Heaven's Cakes Image via Unsplash by Brooke Lark O For Heaven's Cakes, located on Washington Street in Grand Forks, is a popular local bakery, well-known for its specialty cakes and desserts. Whether you have an upcoming wedding, a graduate to celebrate, or simply need a few extra pies for the Thanksgiving holiday, this bakery never disappoints. Along with creating unique cakes, they also offer cupcakes, cookies, bars, pies, cheesecakes, pastries, and more baked goods that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. The creative team behind O for Heaven's Cakes makes baking fun and delicious with their holiday cookie decorating kits. During Christmas, they provide everything you need to decorate sugar cookies and make lasting memories together. They also bake some amazing pies that include such flavors as pumpkin, cherry, Dutch apple, Boston cream, Key lime, chocolate silk, and banana cream. For those with diet concerns, they bake gluten-free pumpkin, apple, and pecan pies, as well as serve keto-friendly baked goods like their keto peanut butter chocolate chip cookies. Bully Brew Coffee You can't have a sweet treat without a cup of freshly brewed coffee. Thankfully, Bully Brew Coffee offers both at their convenient Grand Forks locations on Washington Street and Columbia Road. When you order one of their specialty lattes, an iced coffee with whip, or a flavorful cup of black coffee, be sure to check out their sweet treats, too. While their homemade macarons are their chief confections, they also specialize in breads, scones, caramel rolls, muffins, cookies, and bars. The macarons are also available gluten-free. Tea & Crepe! For a truly unique frozen treat, you have to try the Thai Rolled Ice Cream at Tea & Crepe! Located on Demers Avenue, this extraordinary dessert is exactly what it sounds like, little rolls of ice cream rolled up and packed into a cup, and then sprinkled with toppings of your choice. Try their local creations like Mango Tango, Purple Haze, Limelight, or Pink Lady. You can also build your own favorite combinations by adding bananas, strawberries, chocolate syrup, caramel drizzle, chocolate cookies, and of course, whipped cream. This local favorite also serves a wide range of fruit-flavored iced teas like passion fruit, peach, mango, and pineapple. They also build amazingly delicious ice cream treats using crepes as the cones. Try a Mango Raspberry crepe filled with vanilla ice cream and topped with slices of mango, raspberries, sliced almonds, and chocolate syrup. For a simply delicious afternoon pick-me-up, choose the Blueberry Vanilla crepe filled with vanilla ice cream and topped with plump blueberries. Cherry Berry Cherry Berry is a self-serve frozen yogurt bar that offers a huge selection of toppings so you can create your own special frozen yogurt concoction. Each day they have four flavors of frozen yogurt for you to choose from. With over 20 different candies and garnishes available, you can create a different dairy dessert every time you visit. They have gummy bears, multicolored sprinkles, a variety of nuts, peanut butter candies, crushed chocolate cookies, and many more. Don't forget to add caramel syrup, hot fudge, or whipped cream! Cherry Berry is located on 32nd Avenue in Grand Forks. Brick & Barley While Brick & Barley is a trendy bar and restaurant in downtown Grand Forks, they are specifically known for their gourmet stuffed cookies. That's right, these monster cookies are available in a wide range of flavors including Chocolate Peanut Butter, Chunky Monkey, Monster Junkie, and Strawberry Jam. Whatever you choose, be sure to add "The OG" to your order, which is a made-from-scratch Salted Bittersweet Chocolate cookie. Widman's Candy Widman's Candy, which can be found in downtown Grand Forks on 3rd Street, serves a huge selection of homemade candies and confections. Their claim to fame is their Chippers, which are rippled potato chips hand-dipped in creamy homemade chocolate. It's the perfect combination of salty and sweet! This item is by far the most popular sweet at Widman's, with several bags regularly shipped all over the world. Choose from Chippers dipped in milk chocolate, dark chocolate, white chocolate, and peanut butter. After you've tried one, or many, of their chocolate-covered potato chips, be sure to check out their other homemade candies. From Tutti Frutti Bites and Kona Toffee Chews to Chocolate-Covered Strawberries and Cocoa Bombs, there are several sugary snacks for you to bring home with you the next time you visit Widman's Candy. The Toasted Frog An up-and-coming restaurant and lounge in downtown Grand Forks, The Toasted Frog is known for serving amazingly delicious culinary creations like Gorgonzola Butter Filet Mignon, Mahi-Mahi tacos, Grilled Elk Burgers, and wood-fired pizzas. In fact, their popular Fried Cheesy Pickles were featured on The Cooking Channel and endorsed by Midwest chef Molly Yeh! Many may not know that The Toasted Frog also serves trendy and tempting desserts known as "Toastie's Sweets." For the pie-lover, order the Pear Pie that is baked in a pizza crust with sauteed spiced pears and topped with caramel sauce and cinnamon ice cream. Wood-fired S'mores are always a good choice. This sweet confection includes toasted marshmallows served with graham crackers, hazelnut chocolate, and raspberry sauce. There's also a Lemon Cake served with raspberry-infused goat cheese or the Flourless Chocolate Pudding Cake topped with vanilla ice cream, caramel syrup, and hazelnut chocolate sauce. What do you think of this list of bakeries and dessert shops? There are so many places in the Grand Forks area to find a sweet snack that will curb that sweet tooth. If we missed a favorite of yours, please let us know. We'd be happy to add it to our list.

When shopping for your next vehicle, you may come across some used models that have a lot of miles on them already. Seeing a lot of miles on a vehicle concerns you, and you're not sure if this is where you should spend your money. However, there are other things you should think about besides just the mileage. When you take other factors into consideration, you may discover that a high-mileage car actually makes sense. Below are some things to consider before making your decision. more Vehicle History Report Image from Pixabay by ImageParty First, you should get a history report on the vehicle you're considering. A vehicle history report will tell you important information such as whether the car has been in any serious accidents, has had flood damage, or needs major repairs. If you get a vehicle history report back that shows no other issues, then the high mileage doesn't matter as much. A vehicle with a lengthy accident history or that needs major repairs should be a bigger factors than the number of miles on it. The Age of the Car Another thing to consider is the age of the vehicle. There's a difference between a car that's 10 years old with 50,000 miles and a 1-year-old car with 50,000 miles. The first car was seemingly used sparingly throughout its life, while the second car was used extensively over a short period of time. The average car gets about 12,000 miles on it per year. Take this number and multiply it by the number of years to see if the car you're considering is above or below average. Brand of Vehicle Some car brands simply last longer than others. Whenever you're shopping for a used car, you'll want to consider the brand when trying to figure out how many more miles you'll be able to get out of the vehicle. Getting a car that's known for its reliability at high mileage can ensure that you are spending your money wisely. For example, both Toyota and Honda are known for producing vehicles that can reach over 200,000 miles. Therefore, a Toyota with 120,000 miles may be more attractive to you than a vehicle with the same number of miles from some other brand. Spend some time researching the brand and model of vehicle you're considering and see how long it can last. Maintenance History Whenever possible, you should get a maintenance history of the vehicle you're considering. Regular maintenance is one the best ways to keep a vehicle on the road for a long time. Learn what type of maintenance has been done recently and how often maintenance has been performed. Also, take into account the time between maintenance jobs and not just the number of miles. The reason for this because cars still need maintenance even if they are not used a lot. So, even if the last service update was 1,000 miles ago, if it's been a few years, it may need another service update to flush and replace fluids. Another thing to learn is whether the car has had major repairs recently. For example, if the vehicle has a brand-new transmission, this means your transmission has fewer miles on it than the rest of the vehicle. Since a transmission is one of the more expensive and likely repairs as a car gets older, having a new transmission would be something to consider when looking at a vehicle.. Price of the Vehicle Finally, it all really comes down to the price of the car. While a car may have high mileage, if you only need it for a short time and it's at a reasonable price, getting a high-mileage car may make sense. On the other hand, if you plan on driving this car for the next 10 years and it seems a little overpriced, getting this high-mileage car may not be the best idea. A good method is to use an online tool to determine the value of the vehicle. Then examine your car buying budget and see what you can reasonably afford. If the numbers are close, don't let the fact that the car has a lot of miles deter you too much. Whether you can afford the vehicle is typically much more important than the number of miles already on it. Should I Buy a Car or Truck with High Mileage? In the end, the answer to the question “Should I buy a used car with high mileage?” is “It depends.” Every car is different, and the number of miles is only one factor to consider. You may find a vehicle with 150,000 miles that's actually in better shape than one with 75,000 miles. When shopping for a used car, try to think about it in terms of how many miles you'll get out of a car rather than how many miles it already has. You're essentially paying for how long the car will last and not how long it's been around. Its history can help you determine how long the car may last, and therefore how much you should pay for it, but you're still paying for future use. Start the Car Buying Process in Grand Forks, ND If you're interested in buying a used car or truck, please turn to the pros at Rydell Outlet Center in Grand Forks, North Dakota. We have a wide range of used vehicles available, with all sorts of mileage numbers on them. Our team is always happy to take you through our inventory and provide you with any information you need about a vehicle's history to help you make a decision. Our team works hand in hand with customers, including those who are first time car buyers and know how to find the perfect car, truck, or SUV for you. To get started, you can browse our inventory of used vehicles online today. Also, be sure to check out our used car specials to get even more of a discount. Feel free to contact us with any questions or to set up a test drive. We know that buying a used car is a big decision, and we'll do whatever we can to make the process a little easier for you. Whether it's a car with 1 mile or 100,000, we'll help you find a reliable vehicle that's perfect for your situation.

Once you decide to sell your car, there are usually two ways you can do it: either try to find a buyer yourself or sell it to a used car dealership. Although option number two is typically much faster and straightforward, before driving your vehicle to a dealer's lot there are some things you should know about the trade itself and how to get the best deal you can. more How Selling Your Car to a Dealership Works Although the odds of you getting a much higher offer from a dealer compared to a buyer that you find by yourself can be slim, the quick and hassle-free process can make it worthwhile. The huge amount of deals done by car dealerships over the years has resulted in a very efficient procedure, and the dealership is likely to do everything it can to help make things as smooth as possible. Once you arrive at a dealership, you will probably be greeted by a salesperson who will direct you to the employee in charge of used cars. Before offering you a price, the used car manager will ask you for all relevant information regarding the car and will then use an online vehicle history database to check for any previous issues. During this conversation, a mechanic may check the car's condition and even take it for a drive to look for any underlying issues. You're also likely to be asked if you want to trade in your old car for a new one, with attractive deals that typically offer you a higher valuation for your used vehicle than the valuation you'd get if you only want to sell your car for cash. However, most car dealerships are willing to do business with you and offer the same valuation even if you don't want to use their dealership to get a new car after selling the old one. Once your car has been verified, the dealership will make you an offer, based on how other similar cars are priced and on your car's condition. The offer may also be influenced by other factors, such as the number of identical cars they have on the lot at that moment or the time and money they need to invest in the car to make it sellable. Most dealers are totally transparent regarding the tools and methods they use to evaluate your car, so feel free to ask them and they will probably tell you about the entire process. After you agree to the offer that was made to you, the dealership will start preparing the paperwork, which can take up to 48 hours. The process may be longer if you still have an outstanding loan on the vehicle, as the dealership needs to contact your lender. This doesn't usually affect your car's price, with the main difference being that your loan will be paid off before any money gets to you. If your car is worth less than the outstanding loan, you will have to pay the difference if you want the deal to go through. Determining a Fair Value and Getting the Best Price for Your Car Image via Flickr by Moto@Club4AG via CC BY 2.0 Before taking your car to the dealership to get an estimate, you should at least have a rough idea regarding what it's worth. There are plenty of online tools that can help you do that, and all you need to do is put in the car's original price, along with details regarding its condition, mileage, and additional equipment. The offer you'll get from a dealer is likely to be close to the trade-in value that you previously determined, with a little space in there for the dealership to make a profit when they resell it. You should also look online for your car's history report, especially if you weren't its first owner. If the car has an accident history or if there are any issues with its paperwork, it's better to know about it than to hear it for the first time at the dealership, while trying to get the best deal you can. You can also get an instant cash offer online, but the companies offering that still require a physical inspection of the vehicle. However, it's a good way of finding out how much a dealership is actually willing to pay for it. Once you know roughly how much you can get for your car, you need to make sure that the dealership will not find any reasons to lower that estimate. The first thing you can do about that is to repair any minor damages, such as small scratches, faulty lights, squeaky seats, and other issues that are noticeable, but cheap to fix. If the car has any major problems it usually makes no sense to fix them yourself, as the repair is likely to cost more than the extra money you'd get from the dealership. Finally, before taking it to the dealer, you should make sure that the car looks as good as it can. Although professional car sellers are able to see a car's value beyond superficial details, like it being dirty or its cabin having a fishy smell, they are likely to assume that you didn't take good care of your car. It is usually a fair assumption, as drivers who neglect their car's looks are more likely to neglect aspects like regular inspections and oil changes. Although the entire process of preparing your car and taking it to the dealership to be evaluated can be stressful and time-consuming, you are likely to get a better deal if you shop around and visit multiple dealerships. You should especially be focusing on dealerships that regularly sell your car's brand, as your car may be more desirable for them. Selling your car to a dealership is a quick and easy way to get a decent price, but it helps to be familiar with the entire process. Visit Rydell Outlet and you can get a good price on your vehicle, as well as a great deal on another one.

Hey Walsh County locals! We've put together a list of the four must-try restaurants in your area, with a bonus for when you're closer to our neck of the woods. more Shenanigans Family Restaurant Known for their lunch buffet, which reportedly “always has lots of options,” according to one reviewer on Google, Shenanigans is open every day for dinner and for lunch on every day except for Saturday. It's located on 547 Hill Ave in Grafton, and according to their website, the eatery is popular for solo dining and has great coffee and dessert. Shenanigans has been around for more than 20 years. One Google Local Guide said, "the food is very, very delicious... the prices are right and you won't be disappointed.” Roma's Italian Bistro Image via Flickr by WordRidden Open Tuesday through Saturday, Roma's Italian Bistro is well-known to locals for their feels-like home atmosphere and menu. At 4.9 stars, fans on Google rave about the pasta and garlic rolls. Find Roma's on 120 E. 12th Street. They do lunch pastas specials Tuesday-Friday, served with their famous garlic rolls. Carry out is available through a drive through; call to ask about dine-in: 701 379-0156. “Wife and I wanted to try something new, so we took a chance and I'm glad we did, because this is easily our new favorite place to eat. AMAZING food and service! Will definitely be regular stop when in town!” said a reviewer. La Cantina With two locations serving North Dakotans, La Cantina features hand-cut carne asada, burgers, fajitas, sandwiches, wings, homemade Mexican sauces, classic or flavored margaritas, and more. Reviewers vouch for the kid-friendly menu, as well! One reviewer on Facebook said of the ribeye, “I will say it is nothing short of excellent. Very good flavor and nice cut of meat. This will definitely be my go-to meal there and I will highly recommend it to others. Job well done. Great eatery.” A Google Local Guide recommends you call ahead if your party is large and added, “...the next time I come back, hands down it will be the fajitas beef and chicken. They looked amazing and all I heard around me was how great they are. They also have many sides to choose from and even my grandkids liked the tacos. When you find yourself in Grafton, give La Cantina a try. I think you will go home full and satisfied." Find La Cantina in Grafton on 115 W 5th Street in Grafton. They are open at 11 a.m., Monday-Saturday. Last Chance Bar & Grill Reviewers rave about the pizza, burgers, Philly steak sandwich, and especially the service and friendly bartenders at Last Chance. Customer reviews average between 4.5 and 4.8 stars. “The bartender was extremely pleasant and informative... The Philly cheese steak sandwich was delicious!!! Thank you for a great night off from cooking,” said a reviewer on Google. “This place is very welcoming.... And the pizza was AMAZING!!! Thank you so much Last Chance!!” said another on Facebook. Located on 118 E 5th St in Grafton, this locally-owned is taking orders for dine-in or carry out at 701-352-9650. They're open every day starting at 11am on weekdays and noon on weekends. Bonus: Must-Try Eateries Near Rydell Outlet Have a trip planned to visit our used car dealership in Grand Forks? We've included our favorite spots within 15 minutes driving distance of our lot! Darcy's Cafe: A Local Treasure For some truly delicious comfort food, try Darcy's Cafe on 1015 North Washington in Grand Forks. With a 4.8 star average on their Facebook page, where more than 300 local and out-of-town fans have chimed in about generous portions, menu variety, and the wonderfully friendly staff, we just couldn't leave Darcy's Cafe off this list! Open through lunch, this local favorite boasts a large, served-all-day breakfast menu, including omelets, specialty platters, sandwiches, and more. As one reviewer put it, “Breakfast is unmatched, but the burgers, chili, and soups are always top notch, too. Specialty pancakes like lemon-blueberry, pumpkin, and snickerdoodle are awesome.” Darcy's serves lunch Daily Specials on Monday through Friday. You can choose from two soup options, and the chili mentioned above is available every day. Another reviewer said, “What an incredible local cafe with the best people and always excellent comfort food. A local treasure.” This local treasure serves dine-in and curbside to-go. However, check with them about to-go orders; they may only take dine-in customers on peak-season weekends. The Toasted Frog Located at 124 N 3rd St in Grand Forks, The Toasted Frog specializes in dishes inspired by global influences. As a plus for gluten-free diners, the Toasted Frog is transparent about dish preparation and the full menu is available online. An out-of-town Yelp reviewer raved, “My steak was cooked to the exact temperature I requested. Honestly, everything I ordered was better than the first. I definitely recommend this place for some good wine, great cocktails, and a fantastic meal.” The Toasted Frog is open starting at 4 p.m. Monday-Saturday and is reserved for the 21+ crowd. Curbside pickup is available, though keep in mind they will prioritize dine-in clientele when there's a waiting list. The Blue Moose Bar & Grill Looking for a hearty meal along with a cold beer? Located just across the state line at 507 2nd St NW in East Grand Forks, Minnesota, The Blue Moose is sure to have something for you. Open every day from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., this locals' favorite has a rich menu with a variety of pasta, burger, salad, entree, appetizer, and dessert items. They feature a lounge area called the "Back 40," named after the 40 beers on tap available to guests. More than 800 fans have reviewed The Blue Moose on Facebook, giving it a 4.5 star average. Contact Rydell Outlet All right Walsh County, we want to know what you think. Did we miss one of your favorite restaurants? If we did, let us know! Drop us a line; we'll be sure to add it to our list.

Located in eastern North Dakota, Traill County boasts several small communities with unique businesses, some of which highlight cultural history. Boasting a population of approximately 8,100 people, Traill County has grown over the years and continues to welcome guests from all over to check out its many shops. At these retailers, you can purchase gifts for your loved ones, trinkets for your home, or even clothing. To help you figure out where to stop, we've compiled a list of must-visit local retailers. more Buffalo Coulee Wood Products 16171 7th St. NE in Cummings Image via Flickr by pdbreen If you're looking for rough-cut hardwood designs for your decor, Buffalo Coulee Wood Products is the place to shop. Located just south of Grand Forks, the store was founded thanks to arborists, Jared Johnson and Matt Weaver, who built a business creating pieces of art from wood planks. They purchased a circular sawmill in 2016 and produced their first creation just one year later. In addition to its designs, the men sell reclaimed wood and wood supplies for professional woodworkers and hobbyists. Over the years, the two men have created a stunning showroom highlighting their designs. It's filled with slabs of red mulberry, oak, red cedar, and sycamore pieces. They pride themselves on offering custom-made designs. To create their works of art, they obtain lumber from as far away as North Carolina and Kansas, but they've also been able to locate beautiful cedar and oak trees from Minnesota and both Dakotas. All of their designs are one-of-a-kind, so when you purchase one, you know no one else has a design exactly like yours. Countryside Creations 28 Main St. W in Mayville Countryside Creations is a family-owned and operated business that sells the finest floral arrangements and gifts. Its professional staff works closely with each customer, taking into account everything they want in an arrangement. Among the services the shop specializes in include contemporary and traditional arrangements, silk arrangements, gourmet and fruit baskets, gift baskets, candles, and greeting cards. It serves the following North Dakota cities: Arthur, Blanchard, Buxton, Clifford, Cummings, Galesburg, Hatton, Hillsboro, Hope, Hunter, Mayville, Page, and Portland. These areas are subject to a $3 delivery fee. As a service to its customers, the shop doesn't charge to deliver to the local nursing home, hospital, or funeral home. The shop is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. and on Saturday from 9 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. It does work with families on Sundays for funeral or anniversary needs. Geneva's Found Goods 7 North 3rd St. in Reynolds Geneva's Found Goods is a family-owned boutique run by sisters Jenny Curry and Emily Eisenbeisz. The two grew up in Buxton and named their shop after their late grandmother who showed them all a small town has to offer. In looking for an area to set up their shop, they settled on Reynolds, where they opened the doors in 2020. Check ahead before you venture to the store though, as its hours vary. It's mainly open on the weekends. The shop sells unique home decor, fair-trade jewelry, and gift items based on the season. Fair-trade jewelry is handmade by artisans, usually women, who live in some of the poorest communities across the world. The shop commissions the jewelry, and those who purchase it end up providing enough rice to feed the artisans' families for one week. The shop also sells a variety of local baked goods and refreshments. Hatton Granite Company 1205 Dakota Ave. in Hatton Established in 1904, the Hatton Granite Company is the state's oldest monument business. It began operations just 15 years after North Dakota gained its statehood. After emigrating with his family from Norway, Christian Ness began the business. In its early years, the company used a hand and chisel  method to inflict personal artistry and design on its monuments. Since then, the company has gone through five generations but continues to offer high-quality granite and memorial pieces. Its staff continues to travel directly to suppliers to choose inventory, including granite from Norway, Africa, India, and the United States. Since the shop purchases each piece from the quarry and sells it directly to the customer, they can offer some of the best prices in the area. Also, each piece is worked on directly in the shop, from the design through the installation phase. Its hours are Monday through Friday 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. and 1 to 5 p.m. SewBatik 879 Main St. W in Mayville If you're into quilting, check out SewBatik. The owners chose the name because "sew" means to create an item using a sewing machine, and "Batik" is the ancient art of hand dying and hand stamping cloth to create a unique design. At this shop, you will find all types of creations and materials from Bruce and Diane Magidson who opened the store in 2004. For traditional batik quilting cotton, the company offers the largest collection of batik backings in the industry as its extra-wide backings work with its 45-inch cotton collection. You can also purchase precuts and project kits. Specially designed garments include 44-inch-wide rayon batiks and 72-inch-wide cotton batik jersey kits. Head into this shop Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. 29 West Boutique 29 Westwood Dr. in Mayville Located in the home of owner Mindy O'Conner, 29 West Boutique offers a variety of affordable and comfortable clothes that you can wear every day. Peruse the selection of apparel, accessories, shoes, and bags to find the perfect outfit for a night out or at the office. You can also shop for clothes via its website where the owner shows off all the available styles. What Are Your Favorite Local Shops in Traill County? What do you think of this list of fun small shops you should check out in Traill County that Rydell Outlet Center put together? With so many places to choose from, we might have missed a specific place that you like to visit. If so, please let us know so we can add it to our list. We want to promote as many local shops as we can, so make sure you reach out to us today.

With the price of new vehicles always on the rise, car buyers on a budget, or those with bad credit may wonder if they are priced out of the market. If you are looking for a good car for around $10,000, it might surprise you to learn that there are options out there. You can purchase a good and reliable vehicle that won't break the bank. At Rydell Outlet, we only specialize in reliable used vehicles under $10,000. Our goal is to help those car buyers on a budget find a vehicle from a brand they know and trust. As part of the Rydell family of stores, you will get the same customer service that you would expect at any of our other full-service dealerships. more How to Know Which Models Are the Best? Image via Flickr by bthai Numerous consumer agencies and publications have done all the hard work for you, so it's easy to search for the best vehicles under $10,000. Reliable publications such as Kelley Blue Book, U.S. News, and Consumer Reports have their top choices for the best vehicles to buy for less than $10,000. Here's a look at some of the options in various size categories. Best Compact Vehicles Under $10,000 Kelley Blue Book lists the 2014 Honda Civic as its top pick for compact cars under $10,000. The Honda Civic is reliable and provides excellent value. The Civic comes with many standard features and is easy to keep maintained. Another solid pick is the 2014 Toyota Corolla. Corolla has an excellent reputation, and it retains its resale value. You can expect reliability and high quality with this vehicle. U.S. News ranked the 2011 Chevrolet Volt as their top pick for a smaller car under $10,000. When it debuted, it was one of the most efficient cars available. With a decent electric-only range, you can save money on gas, too. Their second pick is the 2012 Honda Fit, which received top marks for its fuel economy. Consumers ranked it high for its spacious and versatile cargo area, good handling, and fun-to-drive experience. The 2014 Chevrolet Sonic gets high ratings and is one of the lowest-priced used vehicles. The Sonic comes in both a hatchback and sedan version. Enjoy some zip with your Sonic and its 138-horsepower four-cylinder turbo engine. The Sonic came standard with a five-speed manual transmission, but there was also an available six-speed automatic transmission. Try to find a used vehicle with the Chevy MyLink 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, plus a USB port. Both the sedan and hatchback seat five people with plenty of space. Best Midsize Vehicles Under $10,000 If you're in the market for a midsize family sedan, look for the 2011 Toyota Camry. The Toyota Camry maintains a stellar reputation for its dependability. The Camry offers comfortable seating for five, and the four-cylinder version has good fuel economy. There's also a V-6 option if you want a Camry with some extra horsepower. When you look at vehicles that are a little older, you can find some deals on larger cars, as well. The 2010 Hyundai Azera is one of these vehicles. The Azera has ample room for you and your family, plus plenty of features, including dual-zone climate control, power-adjustable driver's seat, and a six-speaker auto system. The top trim levels have navigation, 10-speaker Infinity audio system, sunroof, and leather upholstery. Best Luxury Vehicles and Sports Cars Under $10,000 If you're in the market for a luxury vehicle, consider the 2010 Cadillac CTS. There's a sedan or CTS Sport Wagon version available, with a V-6 engine with either 270 or 304 horsepower. A manual transmission was also an option for this vehicle, something not commonly seen with luxury sedans. You can even find a convertible sports car under $10,000. The 2010 Mazda Miata comes in well below that price. The Miata doesn't have the fast engine that some other sports cars do, but it has plenty of zoom. It is lightweight and only seats two, so it's not the right sports car for everyone. You can find both manual and automatic versions. If you're looking for an American muscle car, the 2010 Ford Mustang or 2010 Chevrolet Camaro will also fall under the $10,000 price tag. 2010 is when Camaro first returned to the market after a hiatus and came in both a V-6 and V-8. The 2010 Mustang comes in under $10,000 if you look for the V-6 or V-8 engines. Don't expect to score a Shelby GT500 for under $10,000 unless it was involved in an accident previously. Best SUVs Under $10,000 The 2010 Toyota RAV4 is a compact SUV that still has room for five people. You may be able to find the RAV4 with a four- or six-cylinder engine and either a front- or all-wheel drive. It has received good marks for safety and reliability. If you want a crossover, the 2011 Nissan Murano is a great option. It's a midsize crossover with plenty of room and an excellent array of features. Best Trucks and Vans Under $10,000 Minivans and trucks aren't cheap, but there are some deals to be had. Look for the 2010 Toyota Sienna, which can be found under $10,000. Because minivans hold their resale value so well, you have to go back a few years to find an affordable one. This van can seat either seven or eight passengers and came standard with front-wheel drive and a 256-horsepower V-6 engine. Depending on which trim level you find, the sliding door could be manual or power. Like minivans, trucks can hold their resale value well, so you need to go back a few years to find one under $10,000. You can find larger trucks such as a 2004-to-2014 Ford F-150 for reasonable prices. Given that the F-150 has been the best-selling truck in America for so many years, you are bound to find a wide selection of trim packages on the market. Contact Rydell Outlet in Grand Forks Are you ready to purchase a used vehicle? Contact Rydell Outlet today and check out our vast selection of used vehicles, all priced under $10,000. If you need a new car and are on a budget, Rydell Outlet can help.

If you want to buy a vehicle, you need to decide if you wish to purchase a new car or a used one. The question doesn't have an easy answer. Both have pros and cons that people view differently. That's why we created this article to help you understand the differences between used and new car ownership to make an informed decision. more Pros To Buying a New Car Photo by Arvid Skywalker on Unsplash The pros to buying a new car vary somewhat from person to person. We've listed some of the more common advantages that come with this decision. Lower Maintenance Costs - Today's cars are engineered better than ever before. New vehicles run better, longer than a car that may be 3-5 years old. Fewer breakdowns equate to lower maintenance costs. Warranty - Manufacturers offer vehicle warranties covering various parts of the car, from the powertrain to complete bumper-to-bumper coverage. These warranties vary in both years and miles driven, but you can drive off the lot with confidence knowing your new purchase has the manufacturer's backing should anything break down. That New Car Smell - Nowadays, you can buy air fresheners with the new car scent, but that doesn't quite capture this pro. When you buy a new vehicle, you get to enjoy a brand new vehicle. Everything works perfectly, and you get the joy of owning a new car. No matter how well somebody maintained a vehicle, it has wear and tear. The seats may be a little worn, or the carpet might have a stain. Minor imperfections in used cars aren't there in a new one. New Technology - Modern technology has elevated the driving experience in most new cars, and it continues to add new features year after year. Buying a new vehicle allows you to experience the latest in-vehicle tech you won't find on a used car. Easier To Buy - Manufacturers and dealerships constantly offer special pricing and interest rates on new cars to entice people to buy. You can get anything from zero interest to no payments for six months just to buy a new car. Some dealerships throw in free services like oil changes and tire rotations for the life of the vehicle. Pros To Buying a Used Car You Save Money - Let's face it. Buying a used car can save you thousands of dollars in the sticker price. If you finance, that translates to a much lower monthly payment. In some cases, you can save hundreds of dollars in monthly payments alone. Used Cars Depreciate Slower - A 3-to-5-year-old car has already undergone the most precipitous depreciation. Because of this fact, a used car holds its value longer than a new vehicle. If you decide to sell a used car in a few years, you'll have more equity built up than you would with a new car. Lower Insurance Premiums - Your used car costs less to replace should it become damaged or stolen. Therefore, the cost to insure it lowers. Cons To Buying a New Car Financial Commitment - Buying a new car costs more than buying used, sometimes tens of thousands more. Most people finance the purchase of a vehicle. The terms of the loan on a new car typically run between 5-6 years. That's a long time to be paying for a vehicle, so you need to be confident your budget can handle the commitment. Depreciation - New cars depreciate quickly, as much as 30% in the first few years. That drop in value could land you upside down on your loan if you decide to sell or trade the vehicle. Insurance Premiums - It costs more to insure a new vehicle, especially when you finance. Lenders want protection against theft or damage and will require comprehensive coverage and gap coverage. You could end up spending $100 or more each month in insurance premiums. Cons To Buying a Used Car Increased Maintenance Costs - Older cars have more wear and tear on them, so the likelihood that they will break down increases. Depending on the age of the vehicle, you could end up spending a few thousand dollars every year on repairs. If you don't have that kind of money in reserve, you may want to consider buying a new car. Less Warranty Coverage - Most dealerships will transfer existing warranties to the people buying used cars from them. Warranty coverage varies depending on the age and mileage of the vehicle. A 50,000-mile powertrain warranty on a three-year-old vehicle driven 15,000 miles per year will only have 5,000 miles remaining on it. You can protect yourself by purchasing extended warranties from the dealer, but not always. More Time In the Shop - A used car breaks down more often. Thus, it spends more time in the shop getting repaired. Can you live without a car for days at a time while your mechanic fixes the latest transmission malfunction? Things To Consider A good tip would be to calculate what you can afford before you shop. A careful review of your budget will reveal what you can absorb in a monthly payment. Don't forget to calculate fuel costs and insurance premiums. Another piece of good advice would be to create a list of those features you need and want and those you don't care about. This list will help you avoid buying a car and paying for features you don't need or won't use. A four-wheel-drive truck costs thousands of dollars more than a two-wheel-drive truck. But if you never take the truck off-road, why pay the extra money? It would help if you shopped around for car loans before shopping for a car. At Rydell Outlet Center, we can get you pre-approved for a car loan before shopping for a vehicle. Pre-approval will help keep you focused on those vehicles you can afford and prevent you from over-reaching financially. Contact Rydell Outlet in Grand Forks Ultimately, the decision to buy new or used comes down to your particular needs and budget. You can save quite a bit of money buying a used car from Rydell Outlet Center. If you don't have the budget for a new car payment, we can find a deal that works for you. You can contact us online with any questions. Our team will work to get you the right car at the right price.

Buying a used truck allows you to get the pickup you have been yearning for at a bargain. However, price is not the only thing you should consider when looking to purchase a pre-owned truck. It is important to look past the surface and avoid getting blinded by the bells and whistles, so you can make a smart, thoughtful purchase. Here are a few recommendations from mechanics, dealers, and other used-car experts regarding what to look for when buying a used truck. more Shop Used Trucks Browse Used Truck Specials Pay Special Attention to Diesel-Powered Trucks Image via Flickr by RL GNZLZ Diesel-powered engines and vehicles are often more costly to repair than gas-powered options, so you should take extra care to check for issues with diesel trucks before making your purchase. You should also take extra care when inspecting trucks with more than 60,000 miles. Start by verifying whether the truck's coolant overflow reservoir, cap, or the coolant itself show any signs of diesel fuel. Any presence of fuel shows that the truck may have issues with the head gasket, exhaust gas recirculation cooler, or oil cooler, all of which are expensive to repair. Also, verify that the injector lines or injectors do not have leaks and that no leaks are present around the turbocharger. It's good to look at the vehicle's past history of accidents to see whether you can get proper insurance coverage. Verify the Warranty It is always advantageous to buy a truck whose drivetrain and smog system parts are still under warranty. Check the truck's drivetrain and verify that it matches the mileage and also verify the federal emission warranty, which offers a lengthy coverage for some pickups, extending up to 80,000 miles or eight years. Having a warranty is especially important in cases where a truck has very high mileage as it will be extremely costly to repair the transmission, computer, and engine when they are out-of-warranty. For extra peace of mind, consider buying the pickup from a dealer who offers an additional limited warranty for trucks that are fully inspected and serviced by their mechanics. Ensure That No Parts Have Been Removed or Disabled There are diesel owners who are notorious for removing certain parts from their trucks, like the muffler, diesel particulate filter, and the EGR cooler. Others might block or remove the EGR valve while attempting to make their trucks have more power. While those actions may offer enhanced power, they are against federal emissions laws. Anyone who had them removed should have replaced them before they put their truck up for sale, but you should take the time to check. If they have not been replaced, ask for a lower price, since they will cost thousands to replace. Use All Your Senses During the Test Drive Going for a test drive allows you to verify how the truck really performs while out on the road. Ensure that the transmission and engine perform correctly, work the brakes, and accelerate hard. Any potential suspension, steering, and drivetrain issues should be noticeable within the first 20 minutes of your test drive. Engage all your senses to see, hear, or smell red flags and also feel how the truck handles. Don't Forget the Transmission System Never forget to pull out the automatic transmission's dipstick before you agree to buy a used truck. Check the color of the fluid and start raising questions if it is anything other than reddish with minimal smell. The smell of burned metal and a brownish color are some of the signs that the transmission system is damaged. For manual transmission, short-shift into high gear and step on the accelerator energetically during the test drive to check if the clutch is working well. Chatter or slippage are indicators of issues within the gearbox. Play With the Gears Shifting gears allows you to check for odd sounds or grinding of transfer cases. Ensure that you check the appropriate gears, for example by putting a 4X4 truck into four-wheel drive. If you can, drive off-road and ensure that the front wheels are driving with the front hubs locking well. Check the rear wheels too by spinning them when the truck is in the two-drive mode and verifying whether the limited-slip functions properly. Crawl Under the Truck Get under the truck and check for fluid leaks, especially at the front. Leaks under the engine could mean serious problems in the water pump, front main seal, or a deteriorating gasket. Check for oil leaks near and around or under the axle housings and transmission. Also check the backside of the wheels for oil leaking from axle bearings or brake lines. It is best to do this check after the test drive since it is when most serious leaks will be evident. Ask for Service Records A detailed service record or logbook and receipts of work help to substantiate a seller's claims about their truck. It shows how well they maintained the vehicle and that they are making zero effort to conceal anything. It also indicates that the engine and transmission might have longer life spans due to consistent maintenance. Conduct Background Checks Use online tools and websites to conduct background checks on any truck you consider buying. These resources can show whether the vehicle has previously been involved in a crash, for instance, and whether the owner reported the repairs to their insurance company. Check the pickup's identification number too, in case it is the subject of outstanding recalls. Avoid Flood-Damaged Vehicles Flood-damaged vehicles should ideally be scrapped, but unscrupulous individuals can refurbish and seek to sell them. Such vehicles have damaged or weak electrical, fuel, and mechanical systems. You can avoid them by checking for signs of corrosion under the hood or carpets. Water marks on seatbelts, mold, bubbles under the paint, or mud or rust anywhere are also indications of flood damage. Contact Rydell Outlet to Schedule a Test Drive When you want to buy a used truck, it is best to buy from a trusted dealer who gives you a chance to inspect the vehicle properly and take it for a test drive. Contact us to schedule a visit to our Grand Forks, North Dakota, used car lot today to review our vast collection of certified pre-owned trucks.

The City of Grand Forks lies at the confluence of the Red River and Red Lake River. The name of the city is therefore a clever allusion to its geographical location. Unlike many other cities in North Dakota that developed around the construction of railroads, the history of Grand Forks is indelibly intertwined with the Red River of the North, as it was first an important steamboat port. Apart from being the third-largest city in the state of North Dakota, Grand Forks is also the oldest. There are 60 buildings and historic sites of interest in the city, and they are listed in the National Register of Historic Places in Grand Folks County. Here's a short overview of the history of this captivating city. more Early History Image via Flickr by Ross Griff Long before Europeans started to inhabit the region where Grand Forks is located, it functioned as a place where Native Americans congregated and traded goods. The first Europeans to arrive on the scene were French fur traders, explorers, and trappers. They decided on the name "Les Grandes Fourches," which means "The Grand Forks," for the trading post they had set up. Les Grandes Fourches was a bustling fur-trade center for the French until the French and Indian War brought an end to their operations. Alexander Henry, who was a British fur trader and a representative of the North West Company of Montreal, established a permanent post at Les Grandes Fourches in 1801, and by the 1820s American companies had also started to conduct business in the area. As the ox cart trails that ran from Minneapolis to Winnipeg passed through the area, Les Grandes Fourches was functioning as a refreshment station along this route during the mid-19th century. In 1879, when the first post office was opened, Les Grandes Fourches was renamed "Grand Forks." A Town Is Born In 1870, captain Alexander Griggs' steamboat froze in the Red River where Grand Forks is located, and Griggs and his men had to set up camp for the winter. They obviously found the months they spent there quite pleasant, as Griggs claimed a piece of land of around nine acres by the time spring arrived. This piece of land became the townsite and in later years, the downtown area, which is why Griggs is known as the "Father of Grand Forks." Grand Forks grew quickly in those early years. The steamboat traffic on the river spurred growth, and merchants and professional people flocked to the area from Minneapolis and other cities. In addition, the cheap land in North Dakota drew thousands of settlers who wanted to start their own farms in the area. The arrival of the railroad in the 1880s led to further expansion. The early 1880s saw the arrival of the St. Paul, Minneapolis, & Manitoba Railway, while the Northern Pacific Railway arrived in 1887. Until the railroads came in the 1880s, the development of the town grew mainly alongside the river. But now the town started to expand to the west along the railways. Within a few years, the downtown area, which previously offered only a few saloons and hotels, became populated with banks, fancier hotels, and a range of sophisticated shops. Grand Forks Becomes a City On February 22, 1881, Grand Forks was officially incorporated as a city. The city grew quickly, and within only a few years boasted a hospital, a police department, and a fire department. In 1882, the doors of Central School were opened, and shortly after, those of Belmont and Wilder Schools. By 1883, the University of North Dakota was established. Whereas the population was just over 3,000 in 1881, there were 7,653 residents in the city by 1900. During the first half of the 20th century, Grand Forks grew steadily, with people from surrounding areas increasingly moving to the city. A new air force base, which was developed just west of the town in 1954, provided new work opportunities that prompted an influx of thousands of people into the city. The increasing population and the arrival of federal highways led to the development of new residential neighborhoods south and west of downtown. Fires and Floods In the history of Grand Forks, there have been many fires and floods. In the 1890s, fires destroyed nearly all the oldest commercial buildings in the city. The buildings that were erected subsequently were constructed from bricks to prevent the quick spread of fires in the future. So much construction took place in the early 1900s, that five local brickyards were needed to supply the required amount of bricks. The threat of fire was such a concern that when the new Country Courthouse was built in 1913, the woodwork throughout the building was substituted with metal. Since they still wanted the look of wood, they then faux-painted all metal fittings to look like quarter-sawn oak. As Grand Forks is located in a flat region called the Red River Valley, flooding was also a constant concern for the city, with the low-lying areas experiencing floods every year. The Red River, which functioned as the main source of development for Grand Forks in its early days, ironically also turn out to be the biggest threat to the survival of the city. In 1897 and 1950, the city was hit by very destructive floods. After the flood of 1950, a dike was erected, and temporary dikes were also erected each spring in an attempt to control the river. However, in 1997, the river broke through the dikes and flooded the city. More than 50,000 residents were evacuated, which was the largest single-city evacuation in the U.S. since the civil war. After this event, the government started the construction of a new levee system to protect the city which took 10 years to complete. Today, Grand Forks is a thriving city that has recovered from these devastating events. Since the flood, many public and private developments have been constructed in the city, including two large venues, a 13-story hotel, and a water park. Ultimately, the story of Grand Forks is one of innovation, resilience, and victory over adversaries. Contact Rydell Outlet in Grand Forks When you're ready to explore Grand Forks for yourself, our team at Rydell Outlet is happy to help you find the perfect vehicle to tour the sights in this historic city.

The area around Thief River Falls, Minnesota, is known for its diverse and abundant wildlife. The city lies in close proximity to many stunning parks and wildlife refuges where you can spot anything from a prairie chicken to an elk or a bear. Here are a few places you can visit in the area to view beautiful natural habitats and the wide variety of animals that live there. more The Pine to Prairie Birding Trail Image via Flickr by kdwood2 The well-known Pine to Prairie Birding Trail, which is a 200-mile trail featuring 51 viewing sites, winds through the Thief River Falls area. Along this trail, birdwatchers can view many of the 275 species of birds that inhabit the diverse ecosystems of northwest Minnesota. These include majestic trumpeter swans, various owl species, the iconic common loon, and majestic bald eagles. If you're new to the game of birding, the easiest way to access the Prairie Birding Trail is by visiting one of the nearby national wildlife refuges, such as the Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge. The best times to spot birds are at dusk and dawn, since this is when they're feeding and most active. Those who are experienced birders and want to view rarer and unique species, such as the great gray owl or three-toed woodpecker, should head towards the north end of the trail. Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge The Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge, which is located a 26-minute drive out of Thief River Falls, was founded in 1937 to provide a breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife. Today, this is still the primary function of the 61,500-acre refuge. It boasts diverse landscapes and habitats, including one of America's most endangered ecosystems, namely oak savanna. This ecosystem provides a habitat for various mammal, bird, and insect species, including black bears, red-headed woodpeckers, American kestrels, and eastern kingbirds. The refuge also features sedge meadows, which are wetlands consisting of rushes, sedges, and water-loving grasses. Sedge meadows have become increasingly rare due to agricultural production and development. Since the reestablishment of this ecosystem in the refuge, many bird species have flocked to the area. These include the sharp-tailed sparrow, sedge wren, and Le Conte's sparrow, which use these wetlands for foraging and nesting. You'll easily spot the red-necked grebe, which is a distinctive medium-sized waterbird that builds its nest within or close to emergent wetlands. These birds have a loud mating call and can be seen swimming in the wetlands of the refuge with their babies on top of their backs in the summer months. Other animals that you may see in the refuge include deer, wolves, and moose. Glacial Ridge National Wildlife Refuge About a 39-minute drive outside of Thief River Falls, you'll find Glacial Ridge National Wildlife Refuge. This beautiful landscape is located where ancient glacial Lake Agassiz once lay between 9,000 to 12,000 years ago. On its eastern edge, the refuge is bordered by lakes and hardwood forests, while its western edge borders on the Red River Valley, which is tallgrass prairie land. The refuge forms part of the Mississippi Headwaters/Northern Tallgrass Prairie ecosystem, which consists of a mix of small wetlands and surrounding upland prairies and woodland savannas. The area provides vital breeding habitat for many migratory birds, such as shorebirds, songbirds, and waterfowl. Another animal that uses the wetlands to breed is the northern leopard frog. The adults are semi-terrestrial and can be found in the tallgrass prairie or damp wooded areas in summer. In the winter, the frogs return to the wetlands where they hibernate until spring. An animal you might easily spot in the prairies is the greater prairie chicken. This is a large land bird that was nearly extinct by the 1930s, as they didn't adjust well to the roads, power lines, and agriculture of the modern world. The restoration of tallgrass prairies in the refuge has provided a much-needed home for these animals, and their numbers are steadily increasing. Get up at dawn if you want to see the mating dance of the males, which is quite the show. Beltrami Island State Forest Beltrami Island State Forest, which is located in Thief River Falls, also forms part of the area where glacial Lake Agassiz existed. When you visit the state forest, you can view the ancient shorelines of the lake, which are now low, sandy ridges covered in pine trees. The rest of the area consists of low flatlands and peat bogs, which are interspersed by "islands" of woody growth. A unique feature of the state forest is that it boasts seven scientific and natural areas, which are areas in Minnesota that feature natural plant communities and rare species. A rich variety of animals and insects have made the state forest their home. Birders have spotted more than 250 birds in the area, including gray jays, white-winged and red crossbills, northern goshawks, great gray owls, and northern hawk owls. Other animals you might see in the area include gray wolves, red foxes, black bears, bobcats, white-tailed deer, beavers, and snowshoe hares. There are also moose; however, their numbers are sadly declining in the state forest, and also in the larger area of Northeastern Minnesota. Scientists have been studying this phenomenon and are contributing their decline to various factors, such as warmer temperatures, parasites, and wolves. These are just a few of the many spots in and around Thief River Falls that you can visit to view abundant and diverse wildlife. Now that spring is here, dust off your hiking boots and spend some time inspecting the beautiful landscapes of the region. Contact Rydell Outlet If you don't live in the area but are planning a visit to get to know its fauna and flora up close and personal, feel free to contact Rydell Outlet. We will gladly help you find the perfect vehicle so that you can drive to all the beautiful natural sites in and around Thief River Falls.

When your teen starts learning to drive, it's a very exciting time for them. Getting your own car, and the extra independence that comes with it, is a major step in growing up. But as a parent, you may have concerns about what the best vehicle is for your teen, and what driver assistance features they'll need to keep them safe. Or perhaps your teen is buying their first car, and you want to help guide them. On top of our first time car buying tips, we've put together a list of some of the best vehicles for teen drivers. You'll be happy to hear that purchasing a safe vehicle doesn't need to break the bank, since there are many used car options for you to choose from. more Mazda3 Image via Flickr by crash71100 Any Mazda3 from the 2014 model year and on is a great choice for a teen driver. And with a used price tag under $10,000 – around $7,000 to be precise – you can get one on a tight budget. The Mazda3 has been selected by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) as a Top Safety Pick. The IIHS gave it the best marks in all six of its crash tests, while the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded it top marks in its frontal crash, side crash, and rollover tests. With a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine in most models, the Mazda3 also possesses sufficient power to offer a solid ride. Your teen driver will benefit from good fuel economy numbers, with the Mazda achieving 28 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. Subaru Impreza From the 2014 model year and on, the IIHS recommends the Impreza as a top choice for teen drivers or college students. It provides an estimated retail price for a used Impreza of $8,700. The 2021 Impreza received five out of five stars from the NHTSA in its safety tests. The IIHS also gave this vehicle top marks in its crash tests. The Impreza comes with standard all-wheel drive, which makes its strong gas mileage all the more impressive. To get the most out of its 2.0-liter V-4 engine, you'll need to look for a used Impreza with a continuous variable transmission (CVT). This power train setup is good for 28 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. Toyota Corolla The Toyota Corolla hatchback is another solid pick for a first time driver. The IIHS recommends the 2019 model year or newer, and attaches an estimated retail price of $15,800 for a used Corolla. The Corolla has an excellent predicted reliability rating of 4.5 out of five, which is a measurement of how likely it is to be involved in crashes or present problems. In its latest round of safety tests, the NHTSA gave the car five out of five stars in its front crash test and four out of five stars for its rollover test. One standout feature in the Corolla is its wide range of standard safety systems. These include automatic emergency braking, front collision warning, and lane keep assist, which will come in handy for your teen when they're on the highway. Honda Accord If you want your teen to learn to drive in a slightly larger car, the Honda Accord might be the right choice. Available in a sedan or coupe, the IIHS recommends it from its 2013 model year and on for teen drivers. A used Accord has an estimated retail price of $9,200. The 2021 Accord obtained five out of five stars from the NHTSA in its three safety tests. You'll find Accords equipped with either a 1.5-liter turbocharged V-4 or a 2.0-liter turbocharged V-4. Both engines will supply plenty of power to provide your teen with an interesting drive. Volkswagen Passat The IIHS recommends the Passat's 2016 to 2018 models for teen drivers. Used Passats have an estimated retail price of $11,000. The IIHS gives the Passat excellent crash test scores across the board, and this mid-sized car features a good selection of standard safety features to support your teen driver. These include front collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection. Buick Encore While SUVs can be more challenging to handle for a young driver, they have the advantage of offering your teen more protection if they get into an accident. The Buick Encore, from its 2016 model onwards, is one of the best small SUV choices for young drivers. The IIHS lists its estimated retail price at $10,600. The 2021 Encore got a good predicted reliability rating of 4.5 out of five stars, and received five out of five stars from the NHTSA in its safety tests. Its 1.4-liter V-4 engine offers a solid ride while delivering good fuel economy for a small SUV. Honda CR-V Another strong SUV option is the Honda CR-V. The IIHS recommends the 2015-16 model years, or any CR-V from 2019 onwards. It estimates the cost of a used CR-V at $12,200. Both the IIHS and NHTSA gave the CR-V top overall marks in their tests. This Honda SUV has strong standard safety features, and with a minimum weight of 3,300 pounds, it will provide your teen with plenty of protection in the event of an accident. Toyota RAV4 RAV4s from the 2015 model year onwards are well suited to teen drivers. The estimated retail price for a used RAV4 is $13,800. The RAV4 gives you excellent fuel economy numbers for an SUV at 28 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway, which should help your teen save some money on gas. On top of that, newer Rav4 models are good for off-roading if that's important for your family. Nissan Rogue Try to find a Rogue from the 2017 model year or newer for your teen. The IIHS provides an estimated retail price for a used Rogue of $13,400. The Rogue has a strong selection of standard features, and a good predicted reliability rating of four out of five stars. Its 1.8-liter V-4 engine provides decent power for your teen's daily driving needs. Buy Used Cars in Grand Forks, ND We hope this list of safe and reliable used cars for teen drivers has helped you in your search. Here at Rydell Outlet, we have used cars like these at reasonable prices. If you'd like to arrange a test drive or look at our inventory, contact us today to get started!