14 Most Beautiful Small Towns In North Dakota You Should Visit
Nestled along the Canadian border, with South Dakota to its south and Minnesota just to the east, lies the state of North Dakota. North Dakota is a large state covering 70,698 square miles of land. However, it is also one of the least populous states in the country, with 779,094 residents. With regions such as the Badlands, and Red River Valley, it is a state brimming with natural attractions, making it home to some of the most beautiful small towns to visit.
Bottineau
Tommy the Turtle is a gigantic statue residing within the charming town of Bottineau. Meant to emphasize its location near the Turtle Mountains, the 30-foot-tall statue is the world's largest snowmobile-riding turtle. The Mystical Horizons is a working sundial in Bottineau, first opened to the public in 2005.
Visitors often travel to Lake Metigoshe State Park for activities such as kayaking, canoeing, and bird-watching. The park also is home to over 12 miles of hiking trails. Prairie Dairy is a respected local establishment known for its quality Ice Cream menu, listing 21 flavors. In 2012, the new owner, Jeff Beyer, bought the brand as it was struggling. He subsequently played a role in expanding the business into a brand that sends its products around the world.
Medora
The cute town of Medora sits in the western region of North Dakota, 18 miles west of the town of Belfield. Medora is just south of the Theodore Roosevelt National Park, a 70,000-acre land with a multitude of hiking trails. The Painted Canyon trail is a 4.2-mile journey within the region, where travelers walk across the Painted Canyon Overlook, for a majestic view of the park. The Medora Riding Stables offers a horseback riding journey for people over the age of seven, taking riders through the badlands.
Golf enthusiasts can tee off on the Bully Pulpit course located in Medora. The 18-hole course lets players connect with the landscape of the Badlands. Medora is home to many quality dining experiences, including the Gospel Brunch. People attend the brunch for a showcase of upbeat gospel music, as they sample the delicacies such as egg bakes, and breakfast meats. The Teddy Roosevelt Show is an entertainment showcase at the local Town Hall Theater. Since 2012, audiences have witnessed Joe Wiegand perform his portrayal of the former American president to a modern audience.
Dickinson
Located in Stark County, 100 miles west of Bismarck, is the town of Dickinson. Nearby, the 1.9-mile Crooked Crane Trail is a path in the Patterson Lake Recreation area. Travelers can walk the trail to witness the diverse local wildlife. Dickinson Research Extension Center is home to diverse local floral species that can be explored through seasonal trails. A yearly event local to Dickinson is the Roughrider Days Fair and Expo. Featuring the rodeo, headliner concerts, and a Demolition Derby, the fair brings attendees together for a great experience.
To the south of town, White Lake National Wildlife Refuge is home to 250 different bird species. A trip to Dickinson Dinosaur Museum takes you past several unique exhibits, like a Triceratops skull, Tyrannosaurus fossils, and a full skeleton of an Allosaurus. Lastly, Fluffy Fields Vineyard and Winery produce is a must-stop for wine aficionados.
Valley City
Known as the "City of Bridges", Valley City is an unforgettable small town, situated in the eastern part of North Dakota. The High Line Bridge is one of Valley City's man-made wonders. Spanning 3,860 feet and rising 162 feet above the Sheyenne River, it is one of the longest and highest single-track railroad bridges in the country. The unique architecture of the bridge makes it a noticeable feature within the community. Running through the town, the Sheyenne River Valley National Scenic Byway is a 63-mile drive filled with regional history and awe-inspiring beauty.
Right in town, Valley City State University Planetarium is the only planetarium located in North Dakota. Visitors can get an accessible tour at no charge and learn about outer space while having a great time. Another feature unique to the Campus is Medicine Wheel Park, where visitors can watch the man-made sundial as it shows the Earth's journey around the Sun.
Devils Lake
In the northeastern section of North Dakota is the town of Devils Lake. The town is known for its fishing, home to a variety of species, from the northern pike to walleye. Visitors can taste the Fried Pickles at Proz Lakeside from either the indoor dining room or by a fire pit. Spend a day at Grahams Island State Park, home to an array of amenities, like a bait shop, boat ramp, and a fish cleaning station.
Old Main Street Cafe is a great place to eat, as diners can browse through the photographs on the wall presenting the town's history. Devil's Lake Doughnuts has a flavor for everyone, from classic doughnuts to apple fritters.
Walhalla
Placed in the Pembina River region, five miles from the Canadian border, is the pretty town of Walhalla. The Pembina Gorge is a 12,500-acre recreation area, with plenty of room for canoeing, and hiking. Within the Gorge resides 30 different plant species and 21 animal species. A Historic Walhalla Landmark is the Gingras Trading Post. Constructed in the 1840s by Antoine Gingras, the residing buildings are the oldest standing structures in North Dakota.
The Walhalla Country Club is a 9-hole course where they can play in harmony with the area's natural beauty. Howatt Hangar is a local Bar and Grill known for its homemade pizza and plenty of appetizers.
Jud
Referred to as the City of Murals, Jud is an underrated town filled with beauty. Located in the central region of North Dakota, Jud's residents, numbering less than 100, spent time painting murals on nearly every building in the town. Dagen's Grocery showcases the historical features of the town. Constructed in 1905, the store has served as various establishments, from Jud's first post office to a hotel. Today, Dagen's Groceries is a monument providing a nostalgic look at Jud's past.
New Salem
When driving in New Salem, North Dakota, visitors will be hard-pressed not to notice the large cow statue. Salem Sue is the world's largest Holstein Cow. The dimensions of the statue are 38 feet high by 50 feet long. The New Salem Historical Society/Custer Trail Museum serves the purpose of preserving the town's history. From a church to a Blacksmith shop to a 1910-era house, the Museum is an exhibit of life in a bygone era. New Salem has 1.5 miles of exploratory nature trails for a variety of purposes, such as walking or running. The town of New Salem sits in Morton County, 30 miles west of the state's capital, Bismarck.
Garrison
Located near Lake Audubon and Lake Sakakawea in McClean County, North Dakota, is the town of Garrison. A popular local ice cream establishment is Ye Olde Malt Shoppe, particularly known for its 18 delicious flavors. The Heritage Park and Museum highlights the history of the community, featuring two fully furnished homestead houses. Just outside of Garrison is the Talking Trail. An interactive experience, the journey notifies your mobile device when you are approaching a location of significance.
The Audubon National Wildlife Refuge is a 14,739-acre region home to numerous species of migratory birds. Visitors can explore the south shore of the Lake on an 8.5-mile scenic drive. The North Country National Scenic Trail is another way to explore the refuge, with 13 miles of trails. The Dickens Village Festival is a unique Christmas tradition for Garrison. The community comes together to transform itself into a bygone era and prove why it's considered the Christmas Capital of the state.
Killdeer
The town of Killdeer resides in the western region of North Dakota, south of the Fort Berthold Reservation. In 2022, Killdeer celebrated its Centennial festivities of the Mountain Roundup Rodeo. Over four days, residents were treated to scheduled activities culminating in a fireworks show on the final evening. There are 45 miles available within Little Missouri trails to connect visitors to the Badlands region, whether on foot or by horseback. The Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail is an infamous journey taken two centuries ago by legendary explorers. A section of the trail crosses through the Killdeer Region. The Lost Bridge is a historic site located 22 miles north of Killdeer. Today, visitors come across a memorial commemorating the existence of the bridge that was bulldozed in 1994.
Not far from town, the Badlands Trail Rides is an 18-mile horseback riding experience. On July 28, 1864, a skirmish in the US-Dakota war occurred at Killdeer Mountain. The American Fleet was commanded by General Alfred Sully and fought against a tribe of Sioux Indians. Today, the Mountain has been turned into a historic site, preserved with a monument commemorating the battlefield and headstones to honor the dead. The Killdeer Mountain Four Bears Scenic Byway is a 64-mile trail that takes you through the beautiful state.
Hillsboro
Located in the eastern region of North Dakota, between the locales of Fargo and Grand Forks, is the town of Hillsboro. One of the historical features of Hillsboro is the Traill County Courthouse. Built in 1905, the Courthouse was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. The Traill County Historical Society, located in Hillsboro, operates to preserve the history of the community.
The Plummer House tour is one of the features offered by the Historical Society. The Hillsboro Cafe is a popular community establishment known for its quality food, like the grilled chicken sandwich. Hillsboro is in the process of adding to its locale with the Riverwalk Development plan. This new community will have two available miles for hiking and 10 acres of land designated for park construction, promoting a lifestyle of positive living.
Lisbon
Residing in the Sheyenne River Valley region of southeast North Dakota is the town of Lisbon. The 509-acre Sheyenne River State Forest is home to the state's only waterfall. The Mineral Springs Waterfall can be accessed on the 4-mile section of the National Scenic Trail, local to the region. Featuring an eight-foot drop, the falls are a beautiful North Dakota treasure to witness during your stay. Lisbon is home to one of the oldest continually operating movie theaters in America. Established in 1911, the Scenic Theatre in Lisbon. Established in 1911, the Scenic Theatre still presents cinematic entertainment to this day, 112 years later.
The Sheyenne River Speedway has operated in Lisbon since 1974. On this 1/4 mile race track, the Speedway has long treated attendees to an evening at the race track. A great place in Lisbon to eat at is the Pizza Ranch. The restaurant hosts a party room with a 40-seat capacity. Here you can taste their specialty pizzas, like the bacon cheeseburger covered with beef, red onions, pickles, and bacon.
Beulah
Located in central North Dakota, where Highways 49 and 200 intersect, is the town of Beulah. The town is home to the Mercer County Historical Museum, featuring exhibits depicting life in the earlier years. On the South Shore of Lake Sakakawea, the Beulah Bay Campgrounds are the site of the annual Walleye Fishing Tournament. Other visitors to the Bay can also enjoy their day at the park by boating, swimming, or simply spending time in the sun.
The Helmuth Pfennig Wildlife Museum is a collection of 175 different species, such as bears and zebras. The museum was named after a local farmer with an interest in traveling the world and hunting. It is the largest collection of wildlife in North Dakota. The Black Sands is a 9-hole par 70 golf course local to Beulah, featuring water hazards and elevation changes. In operation since 1953, the course is a fun day outdoors, hitting the links. Beulah is also home to the Freedom Mine, a popular location showing tourists how coal gets mined. The Freedom Mine is one of the largest coal mines in the United States.
Grafton
In the Walsh County region of northeastern North Dakota lies the town of Grafton. Local to Grafton is Leistikow Park Campground, with 70 available campsites and five cabins for visitors. The Park also has different activities for its visitors, from hiking the 1.5 miles of trails to playing on the tennis courts or the basketball courts. Another place to spend your day outdoors is at Buster Schumacher Park. Visitors can spend time on the playground or play sports such as soccer or hockey in the winter.
The Walsh County Historical Society preserves the history of the region. Heritage Village is a creation of the society local to Grafton. Attendees explore a collection of buildings from a country church, log cabin, or a furnished farmhouse meant to show the life of the early settlers. One of the most well-respected restaurants in Grafton is La Cantina, for quality Tex-Mex cuisine.
North Dakota is a large land filled with beautiful architecture and awe-inspiring scenery. From a visit to the Tommy the Turtle statue in Bottineau to the High Line Bridge in Valley City, North Dakota, it is a land with plenty of experiences. So don't wait any longer. Plan your trip to the Peace Garden State today.
