Celebrities You Didn’t Know Were from North Dakota

Just a short drive northeast of Fargo, the city of Wahpeton offers a charming glimpse into the early life of actress January Jones, known widely for her role in “Mad Men.” Visitors can explore the Red River Valley Fairgrounds during the summer months, where the vibrant local culture still pulses much like it did during Jones’s youth. The fairgrounds host a variety of events, from rodeos to art shows, reflecting the community spirit that shapes many small-town North Dakotans. Walking the grounds, you sense the grounding of Midwestern values that helped shape this Hollywood star’s early years. The best time to visit is during the summer fair season when the area buzzes with energy and local traditions.
In Bismarck, about a two-hour drive west from Fargo, the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum offers an engaging way to connect with the state’s history and its famous native sons and daughters. The museum’s extensive exhibits delve into the life of Josh Duhamel, who grew up near Minot but often spent time in the state capital. This cultural institution provides visitors with artifacts and interactive displays that celebrate Duhamel’s rise from small-town roots to Hollywood fame. The science and natural history galleries complement the celebrity-focused exhibits, making it a unique stop any time of year, but especially rewarding in the colder months when indoor activities are preferred.
On the western edge of the state, Medora is famous for its Old West charm and its connection to actor Sam Anderson, who was born nearby. The Medora Musical, performed in an open-air amphitheater with the rugged Badlands as a backdrop, captures the spirit of the region and echoes the frontier stories that influenced Anderson’s character roles. Visitors can take in the show during the summer months, followed by a walk down the historic boardwalk lined with wooden storefronts and saloons, where the sense of place feels genuinely authentic. The panoramic views of the Little Missouri River Valley enhance the experience, turning a night under the stars into a Western cultural immersion.
Just west of Grand Forks, visitors can explore the University of North Dakota campus, a place linked to the early life of actor and comedian Josh Hartnett. The campus, with its blend of historic brick buildings and modern facilities, offers a quiet walk through collegiate life in the northern plains. The Ralph Engelstad Arena, nearby, is a hub for community events and hockey games, lending a spirited backdrop to any visit. Campus tours in the fall, when the leaves shift to golds and reds, provide a picturesque setting to imagine Hartnett’s formative years before he headed to Hollywood.
In the heart of Williston, roughly three hours northwest of Bismarck, the Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site stands as a testament to the fur trade era that shaped much of the Northern Plains’ history. This site connects to Bob Odenkirk, the beloved actor and writer known for “Better Call Saul,” whose family roots trace back to the rugged communities of western North Dakota. Walking the reconstructed fort and scenic trails along the Missouri River at sunset offers visitors a tangible link to the rugged frontier life and pioneering spirit reflective of Odenkirk’s heritage. Spring and early summer are ideal for avoiding the harsh winter winds and enjoying the blooming prairie landscape.
About an hour’s drive north of Fargo, the town of Grafton holds a subtle but significant place in the story of actress and singer Peggy Lee. The city’s historic downtown district features preserved early 20th-century architecture and quiet parks where Lee once found inspiration. The Walsh County Courthouse square hosts occasional music festivals that celebrate regional talent, offering a local flavor that connects to Lee’s jazz and pop legacies. The best time to visit is late summer when the community events bring the square to life, allowing travelers to soak up the small-town atmosphere that nurtured such a star.
Near the western border of the state, Dickinson’s Prairie West Museum offers insight into the life of famed country musician Roger Miller, who grew up in the region. The museum’s exhibits on local agricultural history and pioneer life provide context for Miller’s songwriting, which often reflected the humor and hardships of prairie living. Exploring the museum alongside the nearby Badlands Overlook Trail, which offers sweeping views of the rugged landscape, visitors get a sense of the environment that influenced Miller’s artistic voice. Early fall, when the badlands take on a golden hue, is the perfect time for hiking and reflection.
In downtown Fargo itself, the Plains Art Museum features contemporary works alongside exhibits devoted to North Dakota’s cultural icons. Actress and singer Kelsey Grammer grew up in the area, and the museum occasionally highlights local talent in its rotating exhibits. A visit here is an opportunity to connect with the artistic community that helped foster Grammer’s early ambitions. The museum’s vibrant galleries and sculpture garden provide a stimulating day out, best enjoyed in spring when the blooming tulips soften the urban landscape.
Each of these places invites travelers to explore North Dakota beyond its natural beauty, connecting them with the personal histories of celebrities who started their journeys here. From frontier forts to bustling museums and small-town fairgrounds, the state offers unique windows into the lives that helped shape American entertainment, all set against a backdrop of wide-open skies and welcoming communities.