The hub for Pride of Dakota products in Watford City
Editor’s Note: On February 26, North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong proclaimed March 2025 as Pride of Dakota Month. The Farmer wishes to support local businesses that feature Pride of Dakota products with a guest column through the month of March. This week Chloe Meyers, manager of The Merc at Long X talks about Watford City’s local gift shop and its products leading up to Pride of Dakota Day - Thursday, March 6. If your business features Pride of Dakota products, please contact The Farmer at mcf@watfordcitynd.com
Chloe Meyers
Manager, The Merc at Long X
The Long X Visitor Center is more than just a stop on your way through the western edge; it’s a showcase of North Dakota pride!
The Merc is the expanded gift shop located inside Watford City’s Visitor Center featuring locally made art, Pride of Dakota products and books by regional authors. We are the first place tourists, newcomers and locals alike, turn to when they’re looking to find community and all things Watford City.
Whether you’re looking for a souvenir to remember your trip, a one of a kind piece of art or a dirty soda to kick off your Saturday afternoon, The Merc offers a true window into western North Dakota.
Beyond the wide range of products, Long X Arts and The Merc play a vital role in the support of regional artisans and small businesses. One of our main goals is to provide a space to showcase all the talent that resides in our community and to help network artists with each other as well as visitors near and far. Aside from word of mouth, the Pride of Dakota website is one of our main sources of outreach to bring in new products, especially edible treats!
Some of our most popular products include regional jams, jellies and syrups from Berry Dakota out of Buchanan, N.D.; Roasted Coffee by Dakota Dirt out of Milnor; Freeze Dried Marshmallows and Ice Cream Sandwiches from Hurt Ridge Candy out of South Heart; and more recently, Bison Berry Blends from Pemmican Patty out of Bismarck.
By featuring locally made goods, Long X Arts and The Merc not only offers guests a taste of North Dakota regardless of how long they’re staying; we also help sustain the vibrant creative energy, rooted culture and entrepreneurial drive of our growing community. Every purchase of locally handcrafted goods at The Merc directly benefits artists with all proceeds going right back into our community, reinvested into creative programs and opportunities for all ages!
Visit www.watfordcitynd.com and subscribe to the McKenzie County Farmer today!