10 Small Towns in North Dakota to Visit for a Weekend Getaway

North Dakota is a state that is often overlooked. It may not have the epic mountainscapes found further west, and it certainly doesn't have any of the major metropolitan areas found on the coasts. This Mid-Western state certainly has its charms, however. All you need to do is know where to look. Some people appreciate its vast open spaces, and others visit precisely because it is off the beaten path.

Today, we will look at ten small towns in the "Peace Garden State" that are perfect for a weekend getaway. Whether you're looking to escape to see some natural beauty or looking to explore a historical landmark, read on to see how you can turn your weekend in North Dakota into an adventure.

Medora

Medora is a small town located in the Southwest portion of the state. It has a population of roughly 123 residents and was originally founded in 1883. What makes this small town unique is its close proximity to what is arguably North Dakota's most famous national park: Theodore Roosevelt National Park, a vast and pristine display of America's central grasslands. Here, there are countless opportunities to camp, hike, picnic, and see the rugged beauty of the prairies.

Are you more interested in history? Medora has some must-see landmarks nearby. This includes Chateau de Mores, a wonderfully preserved example of a 19th-century hunting lodge and summer home, initially built for legendary frontiersman Marquis de Mores.

Within the town limits of Medora, several independent and chain hotels and motels can be found, along with amenities such as grocery stores, cafes, restaurants, and outfitters.

Walhalla

Regardless of how you feel about Walhalla, its name is at least fun to say out loud. This town is located in the far Northeast of North Dakota, just a few short miles from the border of Canada near Winnipeg. With its somewhat remote location in the heartland of North America, it is no surprise that its population sits at only 893. But you're here to see what makes this town an excellent choice for a weekend getaway, right? Well, have no fear because some gems in Walhalla are worth exploring.

For one, North Dakota is perhaps the last place you would go looking for a ski and snowboard resort. You might be surprised to find that nearby Frost Fire Park does have a full-service ski resort equipped with lifts, restaurants, and even a lodge.

Many historical frontier landmarks are available in and around this town in the summer. These include many trading posts like one founded by famous explorer David Thompson or another just a mile outside of town known as the Gringras Trading post dating back to 1840.

Devils Lake

This ominously named town is quite a pleasant spot to visit for a weekend trip in North Dakota. Devils Lake is surrounded by some of the state's largest (and only) lakes, perfect for those who love the water. With a population of about 7192, this is another destination in the somewhat remote Northeast corner of North Dakota.

If you're into boating and fishing, this is the spot for you. With numerous boating docks and charter services available, Devil's Lake is a phenomenal jumping point for water sports enthusiasts in the area. You can launch at several nearby lakes, including Lake Irvine, Dry Lake, and Devils Lake.

Your typical amenities within the town area include hotels, restaurants, and even a regional airport.

Jud

Jud truly meets the "small" criteria, with a population of only around 65 residents. Besides the small-town charm, the numerous murals make Jud a place worth visiting. These famous murals cover at least a part of just about every building, to be exact. It appears that the residents, over the years, had found a way to kill some time and spruce up their town by adorning it with the dozens of beautiful and articulate works of public art that visitors can easily find.

The trip to this South-central town can also be made worth visiting its 118-year-old grocery store 'Dagen's Grocery" for some history or the Jud Bar and Grill for some non-nonsense food and drinks.

The nearest central town to find lodging for the night is Jamestown, about a 40-minute drive north.

Lisbon

Lisbon is another gateway town to a popular North Dakota national park, Sheyenne National Grassland. This town of 2023 residents has much more to offer on top of that, though. Filled with historical landmarks, Lisbon is great for nature lovers and history buffs alike.

For those who want to explore the area's natural beauty, the nearby Sheyenne National Park offers a peek into some of America's untouched grassland prairies—Want to stay in town? Sandagger Park provides ample picnicking areas and a staging area to canoe on the Sheyenne River.

However, Lisbon stands out because it contains America's oldest continuously running movie theater- the Scenic Theater, which first opened in 1911. Downtown Lisbon has many more historic buildings and tourist amenities such as hotels, bars, restaurants, and shops.

Cooperstown

Cooperstown, with a population of 983, has one of the coolest yet morbid nearby historical landmarks on this list. This landmark is the Ronald Reagan Minuteman Missile Site, a full display of an actual nuclear missile launch center. What many people may not know is that because of its strategic global position (in America's case, it being relatively close to Russia as the crow flies), North Dakota is home to many such missile bases. This one can be found a short drive just north of Cooperstown.

What else can you do while you're in town for the weekend? Cooperstown has a lively downtown core that is easily explorable on foot. Within it, you can find a wide assortment of restaurants, shops, bars, and places to rest your head at night.

Dunseith

Dunseith is a town near the Canadian border with around 632 residents. It has a wide variety of historical landmarks in and around it that are perfect for any weekend road trip in the northern reaches of North Dakota; most notable is its border station. Unlike most border patrol stations, which are fairly drab, this one shares a cross-border "peace garden" with Canada. The International Peace Garden contains an array of ornate flower beds, fountains, and even an interpretive center. Just south of the garden grounds is the North American Game Warden Museum, where you can explore the area's history of hunting and conservation. A little further south is the International Music Camp, which hosts several music and cultural events throughout the year.

The town of Dunseith has many amenities for visitors, including a main street with shops, restaurants, and fuel stops. This town also hosts a sizeable native powwow yearly at the Cheif Little Shell Pow Wow Grounds.

Garrison

Garrison is a charming small town that was first built during one of the American railway booms of the early twentieth century. It is located in a very central location of North Dakota and has a population sitting at around 1462 residents.

Besides having a downtown core containing many excellent restaurants, shops, and hotels, Garrison is next to a vast and noticeable widening of the legendary Missouri River known as Lake Sakakawea. You notice it on a map of North Dakota as that giant blue scar smack dap in the middle of the state. However, this "scar" is an incredibly scenic and vast reservoir that is a popular recreation area for boating, camping, fishing, and hiking.

History fans should check out the historic Fort Stevenson State Park, the site of one of North Dakota's largest depots and military outposts of the late 1800s. If you want to explore more of the local wildlife on your trip, the Audubon National Wildlife Refuge is a short drive from Garrison. This massive park is a refuge for migratory birds and hosts various local plant life. 

Stanley

Stanley is a charming town of 2194 residents located in the Northwest corner of North Dakota. It is easily accessible from neighboring Montana and the Canadian border, just a bit further north. It has all the hallmarks of a fun little town on the prairie: a small and walkable downtown core loaded with cute mom-and-pop shops and a prosperous economic history associated with oil extraction.

Check out one of Stanley's most famous culinary treats, Whirla-Whip ice cream. This delicious frozen dairy concoction is one of the last of its kind and can only be found at Stanley's very own Dakota Drug CO. There was a time in America when drug stores also acted as ice cream parlors. If you know what summer can sometimes be like in North Dakota, you will make this a must-stop on your weekend road trip to cool off and maybe stock up on some Pedialyte. 

For visitors interested in learning more about the history of this area, the Flickertail Village Museum is an elaborate outdoor pioneer museum with several displays including homesteads, a jail, and a country store. Nature lovers can visit the nearby Lostwood National Wildlife Refuge, an excellent spot for bird-watching and hiking.  

If you plan to stay the night, there are several hotels, motels, and other options to sleep in and around Stanley.

Rugby

Rugby is another North Dakota town near the northern end of the state. It has a population of approximately 2509 and was founded back in 1886 as a junction for the Great Northern Railway. What makes this place truly interesting is that it is considered the geographic center of North America. In a continent that is so vast, it is a pretty unique thing to say that you've been there. An obelisk near town marks this exact location.

If you'd like to learn more about this prairie town's history, visit the Prairie Village Museum, which preserves some of the county's original buildings and artifacts. For bird-watching fans, just south of the town lies many lakes and natural areas, including the Seil Waterfowl Production Area, Bakken Waterfowl Production Area, and many more.

Make Your Weekend Getaway in North Dakota Unforgettable

Here are ten small towns you should visit during your weekend getaway in this often-overlooked state. The beauty of North Dakota is that it is jam-packed with many more towns that carry that no-nonsense small-town charm that is a much-needed break from big-city life (if you usually live in a big city, of course). All you have to do is get out there and explore. You might be surprised at what else you can find here. I was shocked by the sheer amount of unique and fun places available in this state during my research for this article.