10 Of The Friendliest Towns In The US Prairies

The prairies of the United States cover a vast region encompassing several states, from Texas to Montana and beyond. Often overlooked as travel destinations, this sea of grass and badlands actually offer quite a bit in terms of things to see and do; and if you hate crowds, then many of theses towns will be right up your alley after all.

Discover 10 of the friendliest communities you can run into during your travels in the Prairies, all notable for their wealth of attractions and charming residents.

Medora, North Dakota

Medora is known to most as a gateway to Theodore Roosevelt National Park. The town is a worthwhile destination in itself and is celebrated for its welcoming spirit and fun attractions that help create a memorable experience. The small yet historic downtown area of Medora has a strong Old West charm, featuring restored buildings housing local businesses and eateries decked out in an old, Wild West style. Also located dowtown is the Rough Riders Hotel, a wooden structure that looks like it was pulled straight out of a cowboy movie.

Nature lovers are drawn to the scenic prairie beauty surrounding Medora. For example, the Maah Daah Hey Trail, one of the longest single-track trails in the country, begins near town and offers opportunities for extended hiking, biking, and horseback outings. As mentioned, there is a national park just outside of Medora as well with its fair share of activities and sights in this beautiful part of North Dakota.

Be sure to visit in summertime for the The Medora Musical, a beloved tradition, draws visitors with its outdoor performances and storytelling about the region’s longstanding history.

Lindsborg, Kansas

Lindsborg, often referred to as "Little Sweden USA," is known for its warm and welcoming atmosphere and, of course, its large population claiming Swedish heritage. This town in central Kansas celebrates its cultural identity with pride, and many of its traditions and landmarks reflect that.

The downtown area features colorful dala horse sculptures, a nod to Swedish tradition, and inviting storefronts that showcase artisan crafts, baked goods, and antiques. The Swedish Pavilion, brought from the 1904 World's Fair, now resides in Heritage Square Park as a testament to the town's history. Visitors can also enjoy the Birger Sandzén Memorial Gallery, which highlights works by Swedish-American artists, and the annual Midsummer's Festival, a vibrant celebration of Swedish culture.

Recreational activities are plentiful as well. Coronado Heights, a sandstone castle-like structure on a hill just outside of town, provides great views of the prairie and is a favorite spot for picnicking and hiking.

Sterling, Colorado

Sterling, the largest city in northeastern Colorado with a population of about 13,000, is known as the "Queen City of the Plains." Sterling is a notable community in what is considered the "High Plains region," where the vast plains of the United States begin to meet the Rocky Mountains.

Sterling’s Overland Trail Museum offers an engaging glimpse into the area's pioneer history, with exhibits and buildings that recreate life on the Colorado prairie. In town, Pioneer Park is another favorite spot, where community events and relaxation in the outdoors can be enjoyed by all who visit. One such event enjoyed by Sterling’s residents, the Sugar Beet Days Festival, is a lively showcase of local agriculture in this heavily rural corner of Colorado.

Although the bulk of Colorado's most notable parks and natural attractions are located in its mountainous western half, North Sterling State Park, where visitors can fish, boat, and hike along the reservoir’s shores, stands out in this area of the state.

Vermillion, South Dakota

Vermillion, home to the University of South Dakota, exemplifies small-town friendliness with its tight-knit community and welcoming atmosphere. With a population of around 12,000, the town balances its notable history with the lively energy of a college town, making it an inviting destination for a variety of visitors.

Here, you can find the National Music Museum. Located on the university campus, this cultural gem showcases rare and historic instruments and exhibits based on popular American artists. Locals often recommend a visit to nearby Prentis Park, a well-maintained green space ideal for walks year-round.

Events, such as the Dakota Days parade and Ribs, Rods, and Rock’n Roll festival, are what draw many Kansas residents to Vermillion. Those looking to simply spend some time outdoors too, can explore the banks of the Vermillion River, which flows through town, and the nearby Missouri River. Spirit Mound Historic Prairie, which lies just north of Vermillion, offers you the chance to explore the wild grass-covered prairies that used to encompass this entire region of the country.

Belle Plaine, Minnesota

Belle Plaine sits near the Minnesota River just south of Minneapolis. This historic community in the plains of Western Minnesota features landmarks such as the Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration, built in 1868. During your visit here, you should also make time for a trip to Hooper-Bowler-Hillstrom House, a museum showcasing life in the late 19th century when this region of the state was being settled by mainly northern European immigrants and farmers. Tours are available at this fascinating museum that gives a look into early American frontier life.

Belle Plaine also offers easy access to miles of nearby trails and the tranquil waters of the Minnesota River. Located within the river valley just north of town is the Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area, a popular location for cyclists, hikers, and horseback riders.

For something closer to town, Court Square Park, located in the heart of Belle Plaine's dowtown area, is a favorite gathering spot for its farmers' markets, outdoor concerts, and festivals like the Belle Plaine BBQ Days.

Canyon, Texas

Canyon resides in the Texas Panhandle, located just minutes from Palo Duro Canyon State Park, the second-largest canyon in the United States. The city of Amarillo sits just north of town and is a plains city full of character that is definitely worth a visit too, if you find yourself in the area.

Palo Duro Canyon State Park is renowned for its hiking and horseback riding trail, and camping amid its beautiful rock formations and desert views. In summer, the park’s outdoor amphitheater hosts performances of Texas, a musical celebrating the state’s history, which draws visitors and locals together in this historic part of the Lone Star State.

Downtown Canyon contains more fascinating Texan History. The Randall County Courthouse, for example, is a wonderfully preserved example of Western architecture. Moreover, the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum, the largest history museum in Texas, offers a comprehensive look at the region’s art, paleontology, and pioneer heritage.

Glendive, Montana

Glendive, a town in the far eastern side of Montana, is a place that many look over when visiting this vast northern state. Located along the Yellowstone River and surrounded by the rugged badlands of Makoshika State Park, Glendive offers its visitors a convenient gateway to Montana’s little-known eastern scenic and cultural heritage.

Makoshika State Park, just outside of town, is Montana’s largest state park and a highlight for tourists. Known for its striking rock formations and fossil beds, it draws dinosaur enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike. As a must-visit near Glendive, you should definitely try out some of the park's short trails, or play a round at its incredibly scenic disc golf course.

Downtown Glendive is home to the Frontier Gateway Museum, which features a collection of artifacts from the town’s frontier and railroad history. The nearby Glendive Dinosaur and Fossil Museum provides a deeper look at the prehistoric life that once thrived in the area (including many fossil samples picked from Makoshika).

Wamego, Kansas

Wamego sits in the rolling Flint Hills of Kansas just west of Topeka and has a vibe that combines Midwestern charm with its expansive prairie landscape. It is particularly famous for its ties to The Wizard of Oz. The heart of Wamego is its cozy downtown, where residents and visitors gather at the Oz Museum, a trove of memorabilia celebrating L. Frank Baum’s classic story. The adjacent Columbian Theatre, built in 1893, hosts local performances and art exhibits, and often enough, The Wizard of Oz, whether in film form or live onstage.

Nearby, Wamego City Park is a favorite spot for family outings, with its picturesque Dutch Mill and lush green spaces. Each spring, the town comes alive during the Tulip Festival, where music, art, food, and newly grown tulips abound.

Fairmont, Minnesota

Fairmont nicknamed the “City of Lakes,” is a friendly town in southern Minnesota that is situated about a 2-hour drive east of Sioux Falls. With five interconnected lakes located within its borders, residents and visitors in Fairmont can enjoy a plethora of water-based activities year-round. Many come here to enjoy Fairmont’s many parks and natural areas surrounding the lakes.

Cedar Creek Park offers hiking and picnicking opportunities, while Lake Sisseton is ideal for boating and fishing. In the winter, ice fishing is an incredibly popular activity on these bodies of water when they freeze over, with a number of tournaments taking place throughout the season. Downtown Fairmont is a hub of fun activity too, featuring shops, restaurants, and cultural landmarks such as the Fairmont Opera House, a still-functioning venue built in 1901.

Beatrice, Nebraska

Beatrice, located in southeastern Nebraska just south of Lincoln, is a welcoming town near the Homestead National Historical Park, making it a must-visit for those interested in the history of westward expansion. Other nearby parks include Chautauqua Park. Located along the Big Blue River, this is a picturesque spot for picnics, walking trails, and community events.

Besides the draws of nearby parks, the core of Beatrice exudes small-town charm with its old-school flat brick storefronts that cover several blocks. Here, you should walk over to the Gage County Historical Society and Museum. Housed in a former railroad depot, this fantastic museum provides a deeper look into the area’s past, often with locals volunteering to share their unique insights and knowledge of the town.

Experience the Charm of the Prairies for Yourself

Whether you want to explore the grasslands where buffalo once roamed on foot, want to check out a museum, or simply need a place to rest your head for the night, these towns should definitely be added to any itinerary for those exploring America's plains region. Covering a wide variety of states, it appears that your options are seemingly endless, with these merely accounting for 10 of the many friendly towns one can find here.