7 Most Scenic Small Towns in North Dakota
North Dakota is located in the Upper Midwest region of the United States and is bordered by two Canadian provinces and four American states. Broad prairies, temperate savannas, and waste badlands and farmlands characterize the region. The state is also enriched by multiple water bodies such as the Red River, The Missouri River, Devils Lake, Sheyenne River, and many others. This combined landscape and waterscape beauties give cities in North Dakota a natural charm unique to this region. Tourists venturing into the quaint towns in this state will find not only tree-lined streets, rolling hills, rustic farmsteads, and gentle rivers but also a community shaped by history and traditions from its past.
Medora
Medora is located in Billings County, North Dakota and its close proximity to the Theodore Roosevelt National Park makes it such an attractive tourist destination. The Theodore Roosevelt National Park is a sweet haven for outdoor lovers, with mesmerizing trails for hiking and biking, camping sites, and wildlife-watching opportunities. After spending a relaxing day outdoors, head to the Painted Canyon to get a spectacular view of the Badlands, which is a flat desert landscape interceded by unique wood and rock formations. To learn more about the Old West heritage of the town, plan a visit to the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame, which displays the interpretive history of the northern plains and North Dakota’s western life. Golf enthusiasts can enjoy an 18-hole golf round at the Bully Pulpit Golf Course and those who find themselves in Medora in the summer should make sure to attend the outdoor musical spectacle, the Medora Musical.
Valley City
Valley City is located in the Sheyenne River Valley and is famous for the numerous bridges that cross over the Sheyenne River and offer breathtaking views of the natural landscape. Discover this City of Bridges by taking a walking tour of the town, which will take tourists through the 162-foot-high Highline Bridge, the 150-foot VSCU suspension footbridge, and numerous others. Then, head to the Medicine Wheel Park to overlook the scenic town, read a solar calendar, and visit Native American burial mounds. Dive into the pioneering past of this town at the Rosebud Visitor Center where insightful exhibits, including the original 1881 motorhome of the Superintendent, illustrate railroad history and teach visitors about the entrepreneurs who have made farming a booming industry. Finish by catching a show at the Valley City State University Planetarium where visitors can see up to 2,500 stars and astronomical shows from reclining seats.
Jamestown
Jamestown is located at the confluence of the James River and Pipestem Creek and is the ninth most populous city in the State. Start your trip at this town's most popular tourist attraction: the World’s Largest Buffalo. The Dakota Thunder, as this humungous buffalo is known, is a 26-foot-tall, 60-ton concrete giant that was built by the sculptor Elmer Petersen in 1959 and is definitely worth taking a picture with. Then, get your cellphones out and embark on the Jamestown Talking Trail that will take tourists through 70 stops, including the Frontier Village, the National Buffalo Museum, the St. James Basilica, and more, and immerse them in the stories of the surrounding community. Those looking for artistic inspiration should take the Louis L’Amour Walking Tour to follow in the footsteps of the legendary local author. The Jamestown Reservoir has sandy shores, watersports, swimming areas, and more to cool off. Visitors can also delve into this town's pioneering and military history at the Fort Seward Military Post and the Stutsman County Memorial Museum.
Bottineau
Bottineau is a small town located just over 10 miles from the Canadian border and is situated at the Turtle Mountains' foothills, giving it a beautiful natural landscape. Mystical Horizons, also known as the "Stonehenge" of the prairie, should be the first stop for anyone visiting this scenic town. Here, visitors will get a breathtaking view of the farmland and Turtle Mountains and the stone and cement structures designed to view the equinox and summer and winter solstices. Take a picture with the unique 26-foot tall structure of the town’s mascot, Tommy the Turtle, riding a snowmobile. Outdoor enthusiasts can kayak, canoe, and swim in Lake Metigoshe in the summer and ski and snowboard at the Bottineau Winter Park in the summer. The nearby Turtle Mountain Scenic Byway is also a picturesque drive for those wanting to see the forested hills in north-central North Dakota. Don’t forget to grab an ice cream from Pride Dairy, the last small-town creamery in the state and one of the country's top 50 ice cream parlors.
Devils Lake
Devils Lake is named after the lake it sits on, the largest natural body of water in North Dakota, and one of the best fisheries in the country. Grab your fishing rods and boats and head out onto the ‘Perch Capital of the World’ to catch an abundance of perch, walleye, northern pike, white bass, and other fish species. Stay at Woodland Resort or use their boat and ATV rental services to explore the region in a unique fashion. Get dirty outdoors by camping or hiking in the Grahams Island State Park, or relax and watch wildlife at White Horse Hill National Game Preserve. The Spirit Lake Casino is a must-try for all those wishing to get lucky on the shores of Devils Lake. It even has various entertainment shows throughout the week. End the trip by understanding the history of the town through the showcases of lifestyle at the Lake Region Heritage Center or the preservation of 19th-century living at the Fort Totten State Historic Site.
Walhalla
Walhalla, also known as the ‘Heart of the Rendezvous Region,’ is located on the banks of the Pembina River and is the second-oldest community in North Dakota. Learn about this rich heritage at the Gingras Trading Post State Historic Site, which has been restored to the original appearance of the 1840s home and trading post of Antoine Blanc Gingras. Take a trip to the stunningly beautiful Pembina Gorge State Recreation Area, which is one of the largest uninterrupted blocks of woodlands and the longest segment of the unaltered river valley in North Dakota. Visitors can kayak through the waters, ride a horse through the woodlands, explore the forest on ATVs or dirtbikes, hike and bike numerous trails, and much more. In the winter, tourists can enjoy snow sports in the Frost Fire Ski and Snowboard Area, and in the summers, outdoor productions at the Frost Fire Summer Theatre are a must-see.
Lisbon
Lisbon is a valley town in the Sheyenne National Grasslands, making it a gateway to the Fort Ransom State Park and the Sheyenne River Valley National Scenic Byway. As the Sheyenne River flows freely through the town, there are numerous opportunities for outdoor recreation, which can be explored just by taking a walk downtown along the riverside and indulging in the unique shopping and dining experience. Kayak the gentle waters of the river or go hunting for trophy whitetail deer at the Dragon Creek Ranch. Take a historical walking tour to take you through some quaint buildings on Main Street, such as Teal’s Market, Hodenattés Cafe, and even the historic Scenic Theater from 1911. Then, stop for a show at the Lisbon Opera House, still standing since the 1890s. Racing enthusiasts can witness drivers take laps around the quarter-mile Sheyenne River Speedway, and golfers can head for a 9-hole course along the Sheyenne River at the Lisbon Bissel Golf Club.
North Dakota offers many natural wonders, a rich history, and vibrant communities that beckons travelers to explore its diverse landscapes and charming towns. From the rugged beauty of the Badlands in Medora and the serene waters of Devils Lake to the picturesque bridges in Valley City and the historic charm of Walhalla, there is a unique experience waiting to be discovered in each of these small town destinations. Whether seeking an outdoor escapade, a new cultural experience, or a tranquil retreat, North Dakota promises to fulfill every bucket list through its diverse landscapes and welcoming communities.
