Today we will delve into the chilling encounter of Christian Gross, a resident of Ashley, North Dakota, who found himself thrust into the realm of the unexplained on that fateful evening of January 11, 1988: a UFO sighting in North Dakota.
A note from Jack and Kitty…
Today on our travel blog we continue our “Weird Wednesdays” series called “Mystery in the North Dakota Skies”. In this weekly episodic blog series we explore UFO sightings, aliens and unusual extraterrestrial encounters in the Peace Garden State…and highlight the people and places where these strange events occurred. Visit us every Wednesday for a new chapter…to find out just what the heck is going on in the skies above North Dakota. Today, we’re focusing on a UFO sighting in North Dakota.
As darkness descended upon his humble abode, Gross became an unwitting witness to an otherworldly spectacle that would forever etch itself into the annals of paranormal history. Unveiling the enigmatic shadows that danced beyond his bedroom window, this spine-tingling tale invites us to unravel the perplexing secrets that lie shrouded in the mysterious skies above Ashley. Prepare to be captivated by a haunting mystery that defies conventional explanation and continues to baffle both believers and skeptics…a true story of a UFO sighting in North Dakota!
Ashley, North Dakota: Tranquil Charm…
Welcome to the picturesque town of Ashley, North Dakota, nestled amidst the rolling prairies and endless skies. As you drive along the serene country roads, the tranquil charm of this hidden gem unfolds before your eyes. Ashley captivates visitors with its warm hospitality, where the tight-knit community greets you with genuine smiles and a welcoming spirit.
Immerse yourself in the authentic small-town atmosphere as you stroll down Main Street, lined with quaint shops and inviting cafes. Don’t miss the opportunity to savor the flavors of North Dakota’s hearty cuisine, with farm-to-table delights that will leave your taste buds craving for more. For nature enthusiasts, the surrounding countryside offers breathtaking vistas and outdoor adventures, from hiking the scenic trails to capturing stunning sunsets over the vast prairie lands. Discover the hidden wonders of Ashley, where time seems to stand still, and the genuine warmth of its people makes you feel right at home.
Ashley’s tranquil charm was interrupted…by mysterious visitors from the skies.
A Hotspot for UFO Sightings
The town of Ashley, North Dakota sits near the the North and South Dakota border towards the center of the state. As the county seat of McIntosh County the sleepy town of around seven hundred residents was something of a hotspot for UFO sightings throughout the 1980s.
So much so that area newspapers had grown tired of the constant reports of strange objects in the skies above Ashley. Most of the townsfolk had seen the occurrences and word-of-mouth served as a more reliable source of information than the newspaper.
Oddly enough, one report ended up making its way from Ashley north to Bismarck. In April, the Tribune printed a small story about something very, very strange that had happened in Ashley months earlier.
In the early morning of January 11, 1988, an Ashley resident named Christian (“Christ”) Gross saw an unidentified flying object.
And what Gross saw was definitely not your average saucer.
Dark Stripes Outside His Bedroom Window?
He described in detail what he witnessed: “three stationary dark stripes” outside his bedroom window.
“The stripes were about 150 feet in width and about 600 feet apart,” he added.
Presumably, the stripes materialized in this stationary position.
They were silent and unmoving. They were also mesmerizing. Gross watched for quite awhile before the strange stripes simply vanished into thin air. Dematerializing as easily as they had emerged hours earlier.
Gross didn’t report the incident for several months. But with all the sightings in and around Ashley increasing, he finally felt safe enough to come forward with his story: “I didn’t report the UFO earlier because I thought people might think I had just had a dream.”
But this was no dream. It was real life. And it remains to this day, yet another mystery in the North Dakota skies.
Conclusion
As we conclude our exploration of the chilling events that unfolded outside Christian Gross’ bedroom window on that unforgettable night in Ashley, North Dakota, the enigma lingers, casting a shadow of intrigue and curiosity. The haunting mystery continues to defy logical explanation, leaving us questioning the nature of our reality and the vast possibilities that lie beyond our comprehension.
Gross’ experience serves as a haunting reminder that there are realms beyond our understanding, where shadows in the sky whisper secrets and the boundaries of our known world become blurred. The legacy of this inexplicable encounter lives on, sparking contemplation, inspiring fervent discussions, and reminding us that, perhaps, the mysteries of the universe are meant to remain unanswered. Shadows in the sky, a haunting enigma forever imprinted in the realm of the unexplained, leaving us with a lingering sense of wonder and a deep fascination for the unknown.
What did you think of this story of a UFO sighting in North Dakota? Let us know in the comments!
This article is an excerpt from the forthcoming book “Mystery in the North Dakota Skies: UFO Sightings, Aliens and Unusual Extraterrestrial Encounters in the Peace Garden State” by Jack Norton. This blog is reader supported. If you’d like to help us out, please consider becoming a Patreon or visit the “Support” section on our Contact page if you’d like to send a one-time gift. This article and all supporting images (unless otherwise noted) are copyright © 2023 by Jack Norton and Kitty Norton.
About the Authors
Jack and Kitty Norton are Emmy Award winning travel experts. They have spent a lifetime on the road: as traveling musicians, documentary filmmakers and television producers. They now focus on writing for their travel blog (JackAndKitty.com) and making fun videos for their YouTube channel. Jack and Kitty offer travelers fun and quirky things to do in Minnesota, the Midwest and beyond. High school sweethearts turned married soulmates, the couple lives in the small college town of Winona, Minnesota and would love to have you over for some hotdish.