10 Prettiest Towns to Visit in North Dakota

North Dakota is a quintessential Mid-Western state big on natural beauty and historic allure. Across its small towns are hosts of rivers, lakes, mountains, historic landmarks, forests, and pristine downtowns, all inviting visitors to explore. From Devils Lake, with its massive natural waterbody teaming with adventures to the mountains above Medora, towns in North Dakota are delights to all kinds of travelers. Ready to explore quaint hidden gems without the crowds? Head to these 10 prettiest towns in North Dakota today.

New Salem

New Salem is a laid-back, scenic town in Morton County where visitors can explore nature undisturbed. Once here, a good starting point for the adventurous mind is the Fish Creek Dam, where opportunities for fishing, boating, picnicking, and camping are abundant. Visitors here will also get to see Salem Sue, the World's Largest fiberglass statue of a Holstein Cow, built as a tribute to the town's dairymen.

For a healthy dose of history, the New Salem Historical Society/Custer Trail Museum features schoolhouses, an old depot with artifacts, a stone house, and a blacksmith shop, all reflecting the town’s early days. When hungry, wine and dine at The Field, which includes an alfresco dining option.

Walhalla

The historic little town of Walhalla lies along the Pembina River, where it beckons tourists to come to enjoy its slice of Midwest charms. Here, one will be met with the Pembina Gorge, a naturally endowed region characterized by massive oak woodlands and an unspoiled vast river valley. Activities in the gorge include canoeing, kayaking, hiking, horseback riding, and birdwatching.

For the less adventurous visitor, head to the Masonic Scenic Overlook, perched 1,555 feet above sea level, to savor dreamy views of the Pembina River and Gorge. Proceed to spice things up with history at the Gingras Trading Post State Historic Site, where the logs and home of an eminent fur trader are preserved. Before leaving, enjoy a music show at Frost Fire Summer Theatre.

Mandan

Mandan is one of the most populous towns in North Dakota, situated along the Upper Missouri River. While its location makes it naturally gorgeous, the town also charms hearts with points of interest like the North Dakota State Railroad Museum, where the state’s railroad history is preserved. The town also hosts the family-friendly Raging Rivers Waterpark, where visitors can unwind with tube slides, a lazy river, and an aqua play area.

More adventures await north of the town at Harmon Lake, where opportunities for swimming, boating, kayaking, and canoeing abound. Art lovers can always kick back at the Art Workshop to explore various creative paintings and get busy with the brushes on empty canvasses.

Medora

Medora is a charming small town famous for being home to the south unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Hence, there are adventures galore once in this town as the park hosts biking and hiking trails as well as wildlife such as elk and bison. Sully Creek State Park is another exciting attraction near the town, where visitors can kayak or canoe along the Little Missouri River to see more of the state’s famous badlands.

For history buffs, Medora hosts the Chateau de Mores, built in 1883 and featuring permanent exhibits of the house owner Marquis de Mores who founded the town and named it after his wife. For more excitement, visitors are invited to enjoy shows at the Old Town Hall Theater, eat at Cowboy Café, or grab ice cream at the Fudge and Ice Cream Depot.

Bottineau

Bottineau is a pretty little town close to the US-Canadian border and at the foot of Turtle Mountain. It is renowned as a four-season playground, making it as inviting as ever. Here, visitors will get to explore Tommy the Turtle Park, which features picnic shelters and playground areas. Tommy the Turtle is the world's tallest turtle statue at 30 feet.

The town is also close to Lake Metigoshe State Park, where adventurers can have fun kayaking on the water or hiking and biking to spot birds and wildlife. For more adventures and scenery, visitors here can ride on the Turtle Mountain Scenic Byway, which winds through farmsteads, recreational areas, gorgeous lakes, and more. When it’s time for dining, storm the Family Bakery and Restaurant or enjoy a sumptuous pizza at Denny’s Pizza.

Killdeer

A town with a unique name like Killdeer is sure to be exciting, especially with its location near a massive mountain of the same name. While numerous attractions beckon for indulgences, visitors here can start with the Killdeer Mountain Wildlife Management Area, where sights of wildlife such as deer, wild turkey, antelope, and big horn sheep are common.

Afterward, head to Lake Ilo National Wildlife Refuge to fish, picnic, watch birds, and admire wildlife. Before leaving town, visit Dunn County Historical Museum for a brief history of the area and then recline at The Pipe for tasty meals.

Garrison

Garrison is a pretty, small town in McLean County on the north shore of the enchanting Lake Sakakawea, the largest manmade lake in the state. By default, the lake is the showpiece outdoor attraction of the town, lavish with boating, kayaking, canoeing, paddling, and fishing activities. Notably, the most popular fish in the lake is the walleye, making Garrison the Walleye Capital of the World. The town even has a 26-foot-tall Wally the Walleye Sculpture in its City Park to celebrate this title.

Nearby, Lake Audubon is a scenic outdoor location for more water sports and fishing. The town also has the North Dakota Fishing Hall of Fame, which preserves North Dakota fishing. For more fun, visitors are invited to the Heritage Park & Museum to learn about the town’s bygone days.

Devils Lake

Devils Lake is an adorable town named after its nearby namesake lake in Ramsey County. Typical of small towns, endless outdoor pursuits await tourists here, especially with the largest natural waterbody in the state nearby, where opportunities for swimming, fishing, boating, and kayaking abound. These activities are best experienced at the Graham Island State Park on the lake, featuring boat ramps, picnic facilities, and campsites.

For history enthusiasts, visit the Lake Region Heritage Center Museum to learn about the town and the lake region through various displays and programs. After a long day of exploring, relax at the Fort Totten Little Theatre in St Michael to enjoy musical performances, and dine at Old Main Street Café to refill lost energies.

Minot

Minot is a much larger and bustling town that promises to charm visitors with its mesmerizing combination of natural scenery and Scandinavian heritage. Here, visitors are invited to the Scandinavian Heritage Park to explore stunning structures honoring Scandinavian countries. Famous structures in the park include a 25-foot Dala Horse, and a replica Stave Church, among others.

Minot is also famous for its Air Force Base, making it a haven for those curious about military aircraft. Additionally, Roosevelt Park is in town with hiking and biking trails, a swimming pool, a water slide, a skate park, and picnic areas to spice things up. The Roosevelt Park Zoo is also nearby, inviting all animal lovers to see up to 135 animals representing 68 species.

Jamestown

Jamestown is an ancient university town in Stutsman County that flaunts its natural beauty and historic charms in unique ways. The town is positioned at the confluence of James River and Pipestern Creek, and it hosts the Jamestown Reservoir. Together, these water bodies offer a myriad of mind-blowing adventures and make the town incredibly scenic. On the corridors of history, the town is home to the North Dakota Sports Hall of Fame, an enduring tribute to the illustrious sportsmen from the state. For more history, visitors can head to the National Buffalo Museum to learn about the history of the North American bison or check out the St. James Basilica (built in 1882). For something different, head to the Frontier Village to admire the 26-foot-tall World’s Largest Buffalo Sculpture. Don’t forget to stop at The Arts Center downtown to explore an art exhibition gallery, enjoy various stage performances, and relax in a beautiful garden.

For lovers of uncrowded destinations, visiting these small towns in the Peace Garden State will be a delightful experience, as they are some of the least-crowded places in the country. In these towns, visitors will be welcomed by the picturesque views, unique charms, and a myriad of attractions offering lots of fun. Overlooked but worthy of attention, these towns should be on your next travel list as they promise to be worth every time spent in them.