6 Coziest Small Towns in North Dakota
Despite being the USA's fourth least-populated state – at last count, its population was just 774,000 residents – North Dakota has a surprising number of interesting small towns worth visiting. Spread across the "Peace Garden State" (a nickname ND earned for the unique border park it shares with Canada) are numerous small communities that offer the adventurous and the curious alike no-end of fun things to do.
Whether you're interested in meeting new people or exploring new places, our list of the six coziest small towns in North Dakota will provide you with the ideas and inspiration to start exploring.
Walhalla
Walhalla, population just 896 residents, is located just a few miles south of the border with Manitoba, Canada. The state's second-oldest community, Walhalla, was originally settled as St. Joseph in 1845 and served as an important fur trading post. The name change, a variation of the mythical Norse paradise for fallen warriors, came about in 1871 to reflect the area's natural beauty, which you can explore for yourself in the Pembina Gorge State Recreation Area.
Historic Walhalla attractions to visit include Gingras Trading Post State Historic Site, a 19th-century landmark that was the home of businessman and fur trader Antoine Blanc Gingras. This site offers a glimpse into the early days of Euro-American settlement in North Dakota, as well as the fur trading era. Walhalla's oldest building, the Kittson Trading Post, was built in 1844 and is a great place to cozy up if visiting in the cooler months.
Hatton
With a population of only 714 people, how could the small town of Hatton be anything other than cozy? Established in 1882 and named after the USA's Assistant Postmaster General, Frank Hatton, this charming farming community was also the birthplace of 20th-century explorer and aviation pioneer Carl Ben Eielson, who famously became the first person to fly over both the North Pole and the South Pole.
The fascinating story of the man and his achievements are celebrated at the Hatton-Eielson Museum, set in the stately home built in 1900 where Eielson was born and raised. Tours of this historic home are available.
Bottineau
Marketed to tourists across the Midwest as North Dakota's "Four Seasons Playground," Bottineau is making a name for itself as a cozy weekend getaway destination. Located near the Canadian border, Bottineau is surrounded by picturesque rolling hills and dense forests, creating a perfect backdrop for outdoor activities throughout the year. Whatever time of year you visit, look for the 26-foot-tall Tommy the Turtle statue. The world's largest turtle, Tommy, sits astride a huge snowmobile and symbolizes the town's position as the gateway to the Turtle Mountains and the Peace Garden Snowmobile Trail.
In the warmer months, the area's many lakes and wildlife refuges offer opportunities for water sports, hiking, and wildlife spotting, while when the snow lies, it becomes a winter wonderland for skiing, snowboarding, ice fishing, and snowshoeing.
Jamestown
Although the largest of our North Dakota small towns, Jamestown's 16,000 residents are justifiably proud of their community's small-town vibe. Known as the "Pride of the Prairie" for its welcoming character, it's here you'll find the "World's Largest Buffalo," a huge 26-foot-tall sculpture named Dakota Thunder. It's located at the National Buffalo Museum, a must-visit for those interested in the history and significance of these majestic beasts that also feature live bison herds, including the rare albino bison.
The Jamestown Frontier Village is another major attraction and includes original buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, complete with period furnishings and artifacts. The village also hosts re-enactments and other events that bring the history of the American West to life. For the ultimate in cute and cozy fun, partake in one of their goat feeding sessions. You'll also have a chance to see the Louis L'Amour Writer's Shack, the cozy small shack offers where the famous author did much of his writing.
Valley City
Valley City's location on the I-94 makes it an ideal spot for a layover for folks traveling the Midwest states. Known as the "City of Bridges," this cozy small town of just under 7,000 souls is well-known for the stunning scenery of the Sheyenne River. As its nickname suggests, the town's most distinctive features are its 13 bridges, eight of which are of historical importance.
The best known, the Hi-Line Bridge, was built in 1908 and is notable for its role in transporting soldiers during the World Wars, while the photo-worthy West City Park Bridge dates back to 1929 and is included on the National Register of Historic Places, adding to the town's historical significance. A free, downloadable Historic Bridges Guide, along with other trail and tour ideas, can be downloaded from the Valley City Tourism office.
Garrison
Known as the "Walleye Capital of the World," Garrison is a delightful small town that's proud not just of its fishing heritage but also of the many other outdoor recreational activities on offer here. Situated on the shores of Lake Sakakawea, this pride is reflected in the town's mascot, Wally the Walleye, the statue of which makes for an excellent selfie spot. Lake Sakakawea, known for its abundant walleye, pike, and smallmouth bass, is also popular for swimming, kayaking, and boating.
Check out the North Dakota Fishing Hall of Fame, which celebrates the state's fishing legends, and the North Dakota Firefighters' Museum & Fallen Firefighters' Memorial, which pays tribute to the bravery of firefighters. Looking for fun winter activities? Garrison gets downright cozy in the lead-up to the holiday season and has earned itself the title of the "Christmas Capitol of North Dakota." Highlights include the Dickens Village Festival, a Victorian-themed event with parades, horse-drawn carriages, costumed figures…and plenty of hot chocolate to warm you up afterward. Now that's cozy!
While well-known for its stunning scenery, North Dakota is also where you'll find no end of cozy small towns to visit. Bursting with unique character and civic pride, they're the perfect antidote for those seeking rural tranquillity and a taste of authentic Americana. Learn more with our list of six of the coziest small towns in North Dakota.
