AGP Executive Report

Northern Lights Forecast: NOAA says there’s a 25–30% chance of a G1 geomagnetic storm Thursday night (July 30) that could bring faint aurora to northern-tier states near the Canada border—best for skywatchers who can get a clear view after dark. Community Cycling: The 30th annual Providence Bridge Pedal is set for Sunday, Aug. 9, with organizers expecting about 10,000 riders to cruise Portland’s iconic bridges early in the morning. Local Travel Disruptions: Memorial Highway reconstruction keeps shifting traffic—starting Wednesday, July 29, the Riverwood Avenue SE intersection in Bismarck closes for about two weeks (weather permitting), with access maintained via 3rd Street SE. Road Safety on the Move: A crash near McVille injured two drivers after dust from passing reduced visibility on a gravel road; both were taken to Altru Hospital in Grand Forks. Fuel Watch: GasBuddy reports diesel prices vary widely across North Dakota, with one Cass County station hitting $3.47 during the week ending July 18.

Memorial Highway update: The ND DOT says the Riverwood Avenue SE intersection will close starting Wednesday, July 29, for about two weeks for roadway and utility work, with access via 3rd Street SE and shifting traffic patterns along the corridor. Legion baseball: The Garrison Titans roll into the 2026 American Legion State Tournament in Lisbon with a 33-3 record, opening Friday, July 31, against host Lisbon Post 7. Wildfire watch: A lightning-caused wildfire near Almont was contained quickly thanks to staged resources, including a crew from North Dakota. Rural health spotlight: A new report warns rural maternity care is worsening and could mean longer travel and higher risk for expectant parents. Local travel & community: The Little Red Powwow (July 24-26) drew dancers and visitors for “Keeping Families Together.” Road safety: A crash near McVille injured two people after dust from passing reduced visibility on a gravel road. Fuel watch: GasBuddy reports LaMoure County’s lowest regular gas at $3.79 (week ending July 18).

Roadwork & Driving Alerts: The ND DOT says the Riverwood Avenue SE intersection on the Memorial Highway reconstruction in Bismarck will close starting Wednesday, July 29, for about two weeks, with access maintained via 3rd Street SE and traffic patterns shifting through the corridor. Rural Safety on US-85: McKenzie County officials report a multi-agency enforcement push along US85 near Watford City and through construction areas, aiming to cut crashes as crews widen and improve the corridor. Local Healthcare Spotlight: Watford City’s new gastroenterology/hepatology specialist, Dr. Mark Brewster, is being highlighted for a more targeted approach to care and caution around overmedication. Rural Crash Update: Two people were injured in a head-on crash near McVille when dust from passing reduced visibility; both were taken to Altru Hospital in Grand Forks. Hidden Nature Pick: A travel feature spotlights Harmon Lake Recreation Area near Mandan as a lesser-known summer stop for boating, fishing, and quiet shoreline views. Community Events: Valley City’s Music in the Park on Wednesday, July 29, features the Norsky Brothers at the City Park Bandshell.

Wildfire & Safety Updates: Officials are still assessing impacts after a week of major wildfire activity across two cities, with crews working containment and monitoring for flare-ups. Rural Healthcare & Travel Convenience: Watford City’s new gastroenterology specialist, Dr. Mark Brewster, is spotlighted for a more targeted approach to care—good news for patients planning trips for specialty services. Road-Trip Watch: A US85 enforcement push in McKenzie County targets speeding and risky driving through work zones tied to highway widening near Watford City and toward ND 200. Local Driving Disruptions: Bismarck’s Memorial Highway reconstruction adds a Riverwood Avenue SE intersection closure starting July 29 for about two weeks. Hidden Nature Getaway: Harmon Lake Recreation Area near Mandan is pitched as a lesser-known, scenic stop for boating, fishing, and quiet shoreline time. State Travel Mood: North Dakota ranks among the least stressed states, a reminder that the pace here can be part of the vacation appeal. Border Travel Shift: Canadians’ views of the U.S. and cross-border visits appear to be cooling, with Pembina-Emerson seeing fewer personal-vehicle arrivals. Crash Alerts: Fatal and injury crashes on ND highways (including Hwy. 2 near Tioga and a head-on near McVille) underline the need for extra caution on rural roads. Fuel & Budget Notes: GasBuddy reports mixed weekly prices across counties, with some of the lowest diesel and premium rates appearing in select areas. Tourism Tech: The Hub Convenience Stores rolls out a loyalty app in Dickinson, Hazen, Beulah, and New England—another small upgrade for travelers on the road. Attractions & Events: Music in the Park returns in Valley City with the Norsky Brothers, offering a low-cost summer outing.

Local Food & Markets: FarDough Donuts is turning heads at Fargo’s Red River Market with scratch-made doughnuts in flavors like butter pistachio, mango tajin and lemon rose matcha—so popular they sell out fast. Historic Travel Spotlight: A look inside the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora, set to open July 4 as part of America 250, with photos and details on what visitors can expect. Safety Reminder for Outdoor Trips: Tourists are getting dangerously close to bison in national parks, including a viral North Dakota clip tied to Theodore Roosevelt National Park—another reminder to keep distance. Road News (Stutsman County): The North Dakota Highway Patrol identified two men killed in a head-on crash on Highway 20 near Courtenay; a passenger was seriously injured. Agriculture & Seasonal Scenery: North Dakota canola acreage hit a record 2.35 million acres, boosting the state’s signature late-summer yellow fields for travelers. Big Project Watch: North American Iron’s proposed pig iron plant would move Minnesota mine waste to North Dakota near Minot, aiming to create hundreds of jobs.

Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Opening: The new Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora is set to open July 4, with the America 250 celebration spotlighting the site’s new exhibits and photo-worthy spaces. Valley City Summer Music: The Norsky Brothers (Fargo-area veterans) play Music in the Park at 7:15 p.m. Wednesday, July 29, at the Valley City State University Bandshell; freewill offerings support the series. North Dakota Travel Weather Watch: The Old Farmer’s Almanac is calling for a warm, dry fall across western/central North Dakota—good news for late-season road trips and camping. Road Safety Reminder: A fatal head-on crash on Highway 20 near Courtenay killed two men and left a passenger seriously injured, underscoring the need for extra caution on rural stretches. Outdoor Caution Beyond ND: Viral footage shows tourists getting dangerously close to bison in national parks—another reminder to keep distance and follow park guidance. Local Food & Fun: Jamestown’s Buffalo Days lineup includes a new rodeo event and other family-friendly activities through Sunday, July 26.

Sunflower Season Push: North Dakota is rolling into peak summer color with sunflower and canola fields, as canola acres hit a record 2.35 million this year—up from 1.81 million in 2025—boosting the state’s already strong oil-crop tourism appeal. Big Industry, Local Jobs: A proposed pig iron plant near Minot would turn Minnesota mine waste into steel-making material, aiming for about 2 million metric tons annually and 650 permanent jobs. Travel Safety Watch: A “heat dome” is expanding across the central U.S., with heat advisories stretching toward North Dakota and other Plains states—plan outdoor time carefully. Road Trip Reality Check: Two men died in a head-on crash on Highway 20 near Courtenay; investigators say neither driver was wearing a seat belt, while a passenger was seriously injured. Food & Fun on the Calendar: The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora is opening Salt + Scoria, a wood-fired restaurant spotlighting Indigenous flavors and local ingredients. Community & Summer Events: Jamestown’s Buffalo Days runs through Sunday with a rodeo, mud run, and more.

Road Safety Update: North Dakota Highway Patrol has identified two men killed in a Friday head-on crash on State Highway 20 near Courtenay—Devin Moritz, 23, of McHenry, and Wyatt Ellingson, 54, of Edgeley. A 52-year-old passenger, Carrie Ellingson, was seriously injured and taken to Jamestown Regional Medical Center; investigators say neither driver was wearing a seat belt. Tourism & Outdoors: North Dakota’s sunflower season is in full swing, with the state harvesting more than 1 billion pounds in 2025 and peak blooms expected late July through August—an easy road-trip draw for photographers and outdoor lovers. Local Travel Experience: The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora has opened Salt + Scoria, a signature wood-fired restaurant spotlighting Indigenous flavors and locally sourced ingredients like wild rice and ethically raised game. Community & Summer Travel: The North Dakota State Fair continues to be a food stop for families, including Tubby’s, celebrating 50 years serving fair favorites. Family-Friendly Summer Travel Tip: A Peace Run torch passed through Sheldon during a 50-state journey tied to the nation’s 250th birthday.

Heat Safety for Travelers: A dangerous heat dome is keeping about 80 million people under heat advisories, with triple-digit temperatures and warm nights stretching into North Dakota—plan outdoor stops for early hours, hydrate, and check on kids and seniors. Road Trip Reality Check: A fatal head-on crash on ND Highway 20 near Courtenay killed two men and seriously injured a woman, underscoring the need for extra caution on rural highways. Tourism Spotlight: North Dakota is leaning into late-July travel momentum, with sunflower season drawing road-trippers and photographers across the prairies. Medora Dining Upgrade: The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library opened Salt + Scoria, a new wood-fired restaurant featuring Indigenous flavors and locally sourced ingredients. Family-Friendly Fun: Jamestown’s Buffalo Days runs through Sunday, July 26, with events like a rodeo and a mud run. Local Services Watch: High Plains Fair Housing Center says a delayed HUD grant could force staff furloughs—an issue that can affect housing stability for many North Dakotans.

Heat & Travel Safety: A heat dome is expanding across the central U.S., pushing temperatures above 100 degrees from Dallas to North Dakota, with about 70 million people under heat advisories—stay hydrated and seek air conditioning. Road Trip Reality Check: North Dakota Highway 20 saw a deadly head-on crash near Courtenay (two men killed, one woman seriously injured), a reminder to slow down on rural stretches. Fair Housing Funding Crunch: High Plains Fair Housing Center says HUD’s continuation grant funding is delayed, putting its only full-service fair housing work in jeopardy and risking furloughs—an issue that hits travelers and residents alike when housing stability is threatened. Local Flavor Stop: The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora opened Salt + Scoria, a wood-fired Indigenous-focused restaurant using regional ingredients. Summer Itinerary Idea: North Dakota is leaning into peak sunflower season, inviting visitors to drive the fields and explore communities tied to the state’s signature crop. Wildlife Caution: Viral clips keep highlighting bison danger near major parks, including Theodore Roosevelt National Park—give them space.

North Dakota State Fair Food Legacy: Tubby’s is marking 50 years serving fair favorites like steak sandwiches and chicken, with third-generation family staff keeping the recipes “all original.” Medora Dining & Culture: The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library unveiled Salt + Scoria, a wood-fired restaurant spotlighting Indigenous flavors and local ingredients like wild rice, grains, and ethically raised game. Tourism Season Spotlight: North Dakota is rolling out peak sunflower-season travel pitches, pointing visitors to scenic drives and farm-to-table experiences tied to the state’s huge 2025 sunflower harvest. Outdoor Safety Buzz: Viral clips keep attention on bison behavior—one video shows a massive bison popping a tourist vehicle’s tire in Yellowstone, a reminder to keep distance in big wildlife country. Road-Trip Logistics: ND Highway 200 is set for a temporary Mayville closure for emergency waterline work, and Grand Forks’ Skyway Bridge inspection brings daytime lane closures and reduced speeds. Community Events: The Sri Chinmoy Oneness-Home Peace Run passed through Sheldon during its 50-state journey.

Medora Dining Launch: The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library rolled out its new signature restaurant, Salt + Scoria, with wood-fired Indigenous-inspired dishes using North Dakota ingredients like wild rice, grains, and ethically raised bison and elk. State Fair Fun: Freedom 250 brought an America 250 Freedom Truck to the North Dakota State Fair, letting visitors digitally sign the Declaration of Independence and test their Patriot vs. Loyalist knowledge. Peak Sunflower Season: North Dakota tourism is leaning hard into late-July through August sunflower blooms, highlighting scenic drives and the state’s record sunflower harvest. Road & Bridge Updates: Highway 200 in Mayville is set for a temporary closure for emergency waterline repair, and Grand Forks’ Skyway Bridge inspection will close outside lanes July 29–30. Camping Picks: The Dyrt named 60 top campgrounds for 2026, with Dakota-area sites leading the Central region list—good news for travelers booking now. Wildlife Caution: Viral clips show bison causing dangerous vehicle damage in the region, a reminder to keep distance in parks like Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Local Travel Logistics: Bismarck road work will put University Drive traffic signals into overnight flash mode for about a week starting July 23.

Road Work & Detours: ND Highway 200 will temporarily close in Mayville for an emergency waterline repair, with a signed detour and expected completion this week. Bridge Update: The Skyway Bridge inspection on DeMers Avenue in Grand Forks is set for July 29-30 (moved from July 27-28), with outside lane closures 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and reduced speeds. Outdoor Safety: Authorities are searching for a missing hiker in the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, using tracking dogs; officials ask the public to call the Montrail County Sheriff’s Office with any info. Local Culture at the Fair: The Mandan Hidatsa and Arikira (MHA) Dancers are performing at the North Dakota State Fair, with daily shows at 2:30 and 5:30 in West Park. Tourism Spotlight: Medora’s summer scene continues to draw visitors, and the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library is seeing leadership change as CEO Edward O’Keefe steps down after the July 4 grand opening. Family Travel Events: A historic military vehicle convoy tied to the Lewis & Clark route is staging in Bismarck and will roll out Sunday, with a stop in Garrison overnight. Travel Planning: For travelers, the latest “What to do July 25-31” guide highlights week activities across the region.

Historic Military Convoy: A Lewis & Clark Westward Convoy of about 50 restored military vehicles is set to roll out of Bismarck Sunday, with an 8 a.m. departure and an overnight stop in Garrison before continuing across North Dakota toward Montana and beyond. Tourism & Culture: The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora is in a new leadership chapter as CEO Edward O’Keefe steps down Sept. 18 for a media job, with the library’s grand opening just weeks earlier. Outdoor Safety: Authorities are searching for a missing hiker in the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park after last seeing him on surveillance video Sunday morning near New Town. Roads for Travelers: ND Highway 200 will temporarily close in Mayville for emergency waterline repair, with a signed detour and work expected to finish this week. Local Sports & Community: North Dakota State football opens fall camp next week with a record number of transfers and 29 freshmen, while Dickinson Dolphins Swim Team welcomes new head coach Lexi Duchsherer and aims to grow community participation. Agritourism & Innovation: NDSU will host the third annual North Dakota Controlled Environment Agriculture Conference Sept. 17-18 in Fargo, featuring tours and talks on greenhouses, vertical farming, and year-round production.

Tourism Numbers: Montana logged 13.2 million visitors in 2025 (down 4% from 2024) but spending rose to $5.6B, with “Glacier Country” leading regional spend at $1.79B. Skywatch Planning: A total solar eclipse on Aug. 12 won’t be visible from the U.S., but many states will catch a partial eclipse, and the Perseids peak the night after. Wildfire Smoke Impact: Ely, Minnesota, is seeing a tourism slowdown tied to wildfire smoke fears—business is “almost like winter tourism.” Health Alert for Travelers: U.S. measles cases hit 2,260 across 44 states, with summer travel flagged as a major driver of new spread. Local Travel & Culture: Medora’s Burning Hills Amphitheatre welcomes magician Murray SawChuck through Aug. 9. Road Trip History: A “History in Motion” convoy of about 50 historic military vehicles will travel from Bismarck to Fort Stevens over 21 days. Family Fun: Jamestown’s Eagles Nest opens year-round baseball training for JAYBAL. Rural Spotlight: UN marks 2026 as the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists, putting Western North Dakota ranchers in the global spotlight. ND Outdoor Safety: Smoky skies and unhealthy air quality hit the Fargo-Moorhead metro.

Public Health & Travel Safety: The U.S. has hit 2,260 confirmed measles cases across 44 states, with summer travel flagged as a key driver of new spread—making airports, arenas, schools, and houses of worship higher-risk during outbreaks. Outdoor Tourism Trend: A new national look at “soft adventure” highlights how travelers are choosing glamping, historic lodges, cabins, and RV campgrounds to enjoy national parks with more comfort and easier access. Badlands Entertainment: World-famous magician Murray SawChuck is bringing his mix of illusions and comedy to Medora’s Burning Hills Amphitheatre through Aug. 9, adding another reason to visit western North Dakota this summer. Road Trip Planning: NDDOT will hold public hearings on expanding U.S. Highway 52 to four lanes (Minot July 27; Velva July 28) and will also run a routine Skyway Bridge inspection in Grand Forks July 27–28 with lane closures and reduced speeds. Local Community Events: Jamestown Area Youth Baseball is now training year-round at the Eagles Nest indoor facility, keeping the baseball season going even through North Dakota winters.