6 Most Laid-Back Small Towns In North Dakota

The word “Dakota” comes from the Sioux people and means “friend” or “ally.” Not only does the International Peace Garden encapsulate this idealism perfectly, but the most laidback small towns in North Dakota also express an amicable atmosphere for locals and tourists aplenty. Whether you are visiting Medora, where President Theodore Roosevelt raised cattle, or observing massive buffalos in Jamestown, these lackadaisical destinations will woo your worries away. Go out of your way from the big cities of Bismarck or Grand Forks and brave the peaceful prairies and lush valleys and rivers of North Dakota’s most laidback small towns.

Devils Lake

Devils Lake may sound like the kind of vacation spot you do not want to visit, but this delightful small town in North Dakota happens to be one of the most pristine spots for boating, kayaking, and fishing. From Devils Lake itself to Creel Bay, you can partake in a plethora of recreational activities in this heavenly town. Go hiking and trekking through Grahams Island State Park’s numerous trails, or witness more bison and grazing elk at the White Horse Hill National Game Preserve. Fort Totten contains numerous historic structures and other tidbits from the Lake Region’s past, whereas the Lake Region Pioneer Daughter’s Museum gives you a more direct appreciation of Devils Lake's pioneering and military history. There is more to uncover in this hospitable small town, but a good rest at one of Devil’s Lake’s excellent establishments, such as the Devil’s Lake Sportsmans Lodge, Devils Lake Inn, or Fort Totten Trail Inn, will keep you rejuvenated for the trip.

Bottineau

Revitalize your childhood spirit in “The Four Seasons Playground” in the town of Bottineau. Situated at the foothills of the Turtle Mountains, Bottineau offers seasonal attractions for your daily and yearly leisure. From the Mystical Horizons—the “Stonehenge of the Prairie”—to the numerous lakes in the area, such as Lake Metigoshe, Lords Lake National Wildlife Refuge, and Pelican Lake, these destinations are hallmarks to many more landmarks close to the US-Canada border. Why not first take a selfie or groupie beside Tommy the Turtle, a gigantic turtle statue riding a snowmobile? Or how about purchasing delicious snacks and treats at the last small-town creamery in North Dakota, the Pride Dairy? Whatever you wish to do in Bottineau, you should definitely book a room at either Turtle Mountain Inn or Cobblestone Inn & Suites.

Jamestown

Experience “The Pride of the Prairie” from the confident town of Jamestown. Situated beside the James River and Pipestem River in a valley riddled with prairies, Jamestown is often surrounded by vast herds of the beloved American bison or buffalo. Their mascot, a 26-feet-tall buffalo monument called Dakota Thunder, is hailed as the World’s Largest Buffalo which you can take pictures of before or after sightseeing real buffalos in Jamestown’s prairies. The National Buffalo is a good place to start learning all about these national animals, and when it comes to yearly events, Kite Fest in June and James River Rodeo in July are experiences and opportunities that should not be missed. Only about midway between the cities of Fargo and Bismarck, let the warm hearths and hostels like Gladstone Hotel keep you satisfied in Jamestown.

Medora

When President Theodore Roosevelt was journeying through North Dakota, he came upon a small village called Medora on the Little Missouri River. It was there that he raised cattle in the Maltese Cross Cabin, and since then has referred to Medora as “the romance of his life.” Other fauna, such as wild elk, prairie dogs, and bison, can all be seen in the badlands of the Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Meanwhile, the Perception House is a mesmerizing and illusory abode for those intrigued by the physics of perception, whereas the Von Hoffman House dabbles into the history of one of Medora’s founding members. Should you wish to stay a bit longer in Roosevelt’s romance of his life, then consider stashing your belongings at either the Rough Riders Hotel, Hyde House, or Wooly Boys Inn.

Minot

Want to experience one of the three countries of Scandinavia in the middle of America? Then, travel two hours from Devils Lake to the town of Minot. Dozens of Nordic-themed structures dominate the Scandinavian Heritage Park. Among these unique Scandinavian-style structures are a Danish windmill, a stabbur (storehouse) similar to those from Norway, a sauna that hails from Finland, and a Dala horse that was inspired by other Dala horses in Sweden. Not only is Minot a great place to sample Scandinavian attractions, but it also contains many artifacts from the US Air Force, as best seen in the Dakota Territory Air Museum. There, one can admire World War II aircraft that won the Allies the war for the skies. So, if you are enthusiastic to see more of what Minot has to offer, you should definitely seek a place to stay, such as the Sierra Inn, the Hotel Revel, or Hyatt House.

Valley City

Valley City, situated deep in the Sheyenne River Valley and about 60 miles from Fargo, entreats newcomers to a hotbed of natural, historical, and scenic attractions. At the Barnes County Museum, learn all about Valley City’s agrarian and pioneering past, whereas Gundy the Triceratops welcomes visitors to all the prehistoric wonders found in the Sheyenne River Valley. More history can be gleaned from the Camp Sheardown State Historic Site and Fort Ransom State Park, while the Sheyenne River Valley National Scenic Byway contains over 63 miles of photographic landscapes for you to capture and be captivated by. See the impressive workmanship of Baldhill Dam, which manages the flows of Lake Ashtabula and the Sheyenne River. Finally, seek accommodations at the AmericInn, Grand Stay, or Three Oaks Guest Inn.

Over 90% of North Dakota’s land is prioritized for agricultural productivity, and most of the produce being made in North Dakota is honey. So, while you are passing through some of the most laidback small towns in North Dakota, you should definitely stop in between to admire both the vast agricultural fields of the state and some of the honey farms to be found there. Perhaps sample your jar of honey or a vegetable or fruit in Minot’s Scandinavian abodes, Valley City’s historic structures, or Bottineau’s scenic landscapes. Whatever you intend to accomplish in North Dakota, keep things chill and relaxed in the most laidback small towns in the state.