5 Fun Facts about Thompson

Dec 9, 2021

The unique area of Grand Forks is home to wonderful people that take pride in their history and look forward to the future. Listen to some local people talk about Thompson, North Dakota, and you’ll see eyes twinkle with pride and excitement. Whether you just visit the area of Thompson, North Dakota, or are from here, you know there are a lot of things the people in the Grand Forks area have to be proud of. Read on to learn about the Rydell Chevrolet GMC family’s list of top fun facts about Thompson.

Homemade Chocolate Shop

Widman’s Candy Shop in Grand Forks, North Dakota, is an area legend and a necessary visit anytime you are in the area. Chocolate lovers rejoice to know that this mom-and-pop shop is still going strong after many years in business. Best known for their crispy and perfectly salted potato chips dipped in chocolate, Chippers, Widman’s ships all over the world. The good folks of Thompson and the Grand Forks County know what a gem this humble and inviting shop is.

You can go there to get everything from dark chocolate-covered coffee beans to milk chocolate delicacies, all made in a gleaming basement kitchen. Mr. and Mrs. Widman themselves have created most of the recipes and can be found behind the register most days or behind the counter giving out samples of their chocolate to customers. Widman’s Candy Shop can be found at 106 S Third St., in Grand Forks. They open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

This classic shop doesn’t have a website, so for information or to try and get some delectable chippers mailed to you, call 701-775-3480. You can also try their daughter’s store — Carol Widman’s Candy — in Fargo

Named for Famed Geographer and Astronomer

Just consult the State Historical Society of North Dakota, and you’ll quickly find out where Thompson got its moniker. The town is named in honor of David Thompson, an explorer and fur trader who worked tirelessly to document his travels and draw accurate maps. Thompson made the first map of North Dakota. Visit the David Thompson State Historic Site and marvel at the large globe atop a rectangular base in McHenry County. Erected in his honor, this immense granite monument sits overlooking the Souris River Valley and is inscribed with his name.

For more information, contact the State Historical Society of North Dakota by calling 701-328-2666 or email history@nd.gov. You can also swing by their museum store on Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The store sits at 612 East Boulevard Ave., in Bismarck.

Community-Oriented and Family-Friendly

Thompson, North Dakota, is arguably one of the best small cities in the United States. The slogan, it’s “cooler living in Thompson.” supports the fact that the Thompson community is proud and happy. Backyard barbecues, pools parties, and neighborhood get-togethers are a regular occurrence. With a large area, but a population of under 1,000, Thompson is a spacious city with room to grow.

With some of the lowest crime rates in North Dakota, Thompson, along with the surrounding area of Grand Forks, is the top safest area to live in North Dakota. The Thompson School District reports steady growth in enrollment, while the community continues to expand schools and support local education.

Residents have voted to begin work on a new gym, performing arts stage, more office space for school and district personnel, and more classrooms to decrease overall class size and student-to-teacher ratios. These steps will enhance the learning experience for students while ensuring that educators have the tools and environment they need to support learning.

Values Art and History

Visit the North Dakota Museum of Art, and see how valued art and history are to the community. One of the museum’s main missions — to ensure that art is nourished and flourishes — is evident in the intricate exhibits and attention to all art mediums equally. The North Dakota Museum of Art in Grand Forks serves as North Dakota’s official art museum according to legislative law.

The museum collects art in all mediums from the 1970s and onward. Serving as a visual display and account of the region’s history, it functions to educate students, children, and the public. You can visit the museum at 261 Centennial Drive Stop 7305 in Grand Forks. The museum’s hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. Parking is $1.50 per hour or $7 per day. For information about policies, call 701-777-4195.

Lively Experiences

With events like community theater, holiday showcases, Thanksgiving dinners, and live music throughout the town, Thompson, North Dakota, is a small city with big opportunities. Whether you like to dance, watch a duel between skilled pianists, or see live sports, Thompson has something for everyone no matter where your interests lie.

The UND hockey season schedule is out, and the university theater has productions year-round. Turtle River State Park is a favorite destination for nature lovers, with opportunities to hike or bird-watch, while Thunder Road Family Park is a prime location to take the kids and celebrate big and small victories. So whether they got an A on the math test, or won the state championship, a trip to this family-friendly destination will please. Let the family battle it out in a fun game of laser tag, get your giggles in on the bumper cars, or enjoy a round of mini-golf.

So there you have it. Rydell Chevrolet GMC has just shared with you five interesting and fun facts about Thompson, North Dakota, and the surrounding area. Rich in kindness and culture, Thompson is a great place to live in or visit. What do you think of our list? Did we miss your favorite trivia of knowledge about Thompson? If we did, let us know! Leave a message and we’ll be happy to check out your ideas.