7 Most Vibrant Towns in North Dakota
North Dakota stretches 340 miles along the nation's northern border, housing a large tract of nature, including national parks, natural habitats, and spectacular scenery. Natural beauty is not all that makes the Peace Garden State appealing, though, as its small towns abound in local delights, such as annual events, storied histories, and unique attractions and entertainment. The vastness of North Dakota is impressive in itself, but some of its small towns hold the most vibrant, detailed stories and events that are sure to make for a memorable getaway. Plus, each small town offers easy access to some of North Dakota's most beautiful natural sights, from the Sheyenne River Valley to Theodore Roosevelt National Park, adding to the list of reasons why they deserve a visit.
Valley City
Valley City is one of the best small towns to visit in North Dakota, situated within the heart of the Sheyenne River Valley. The town is known as the City of Bridges, home to a collection of historic bridges, such as the 3,860-foot-long, 162-foot-high Hi-Line Railroad Bridge, used to transport soldiers and supplies during both World Wars. Travelers may tour along the trail of bridges, explore the winding roads of the Sheyenne River Scenic Byway, or pay a visit to Lake Ashtabula for fishing, boating, tubing, skiing, swimming, and more.
There are also several annual events, such as the North Dakota Winter Show, featuring rodeos, tractor rides, and concerts, as well as the Sheyenne Riverfest, which is the Sheyenne River Valley's largest watercraft festival, drawing in visitors from all over each year.
New Salem
New Salem is one of the best small towns in North Dakota to chill out, home to the 38-foot-tall, 50-foot-long fiberglass cow. Salem Sue is the World’s Largest Holstein Cow and the largest of the animal monuments in the State, situated at the top of the town's only hill. She honors New Salem's dairy farmers and champion cows, offering a unique and unforgettable photo op.
Salem Sue is not the town's only attraction, as travelers also visit the New Salem Historical Society/Custer Trail Museum, where visitors may tour through historical buildings such as a school, a church, a blacksmith shop, a 1910 house, a railroad depot, a replica barn, and more. A trip along the Historic Old Red Trail, which runs through New Salem, promising scenic views, opportunities for birding, and trail signs that detail the history and present-day life of the Old Red Trail.
Dickinson
Dickinson is one of the most welcoming towns in North Dakota, and also the gateway to Theodore Roosevelt National Park at the end of Old Red Old Ten Scenic Byway. With such proximity to an outdoor playground, many visitors partake in hiking, camping, and stargazing. There is plenty of fun within the town's borders, though, with access to history at the Dickinson Museum Center, which displays fossils and dinosaurs.
There are also several cultural activities and local events, including Roughrider Days Fair and Expo, featuring a rodeo, carnival, derby and more, the Badlands Art Gallery, Bandshell Concert Series, mystery dinner theater, local craft shows, and more.
Williston
Williston is one of the friendliest towns in North Dakota, home to charming local attractions such as the Williston Area Recreation Center, featuring an indoor surfing pool and waterpark, or Eagle Ridge Golf Club, the ideal destination for a game of 18-holes. The whole family may enjoy a trip to the Thunder Valley Speedway Go-Karts, while Fort Buford State Historic Site and Fort Union Trading Post share a glimpse into the town's past, once a United States Army Post at the confluence of the Missouri and Yellowstone rivers.
History and art collide at the James Memorial Art Center, once the town's public library built in 1911, and now home to regular galleries, art festivals, and workshops. Outdoor lovers are sure to find excitement at Lake Sakakawea, partaking in activities such as boating and fishing.
Minot
Minot, the "Magic City," sits in the scenic Souris River Valley and is one of the top-rated small towns in North Dakota. The town sits within driving distance from six national wildlife refuges, such as the Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge, where visitors may explore the great outdoors and keep their eyes peeled for wildlife. The town takes much of its architectural inspiration from Scandinavian countries, such as the Stave Church, and houses the Scandinavian Heritage Park, which honors the five Scandinavian countries: Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden.
Minot even has a 65-piece symphony orchestra, as well as attractions like the Roosevelt Park Zoo and the Dakota Territory Air Museum. Local annual events include Norsk Høstfest (Norwegian Fall Festival) and the North Dakota State Fair, drawing in visitors from all over.
Jamestown
Jamestown is one of the most picturesque towns in North Dakota, situated midway between Bismarck, the state capitol, and Fargo, the state's largest city. Similar to New Salem, Jamestown houses the World's Largest Buffalo, Dakota Thunder, as well as the National Buffalo Museum, and travelers may even be so lucky as to spot a traveling herd of wild buffalo.
For those with an interest in the area's military history, visit Fort Seward Military Post, while the Stutsman County Memorial Museum displays memorabilia from the area. The Jamestown Reservoir promises a lovely day in the great outdoors, with several boat launches, picnic shelters, two beaches, and hiking and biking trails.
Fort Ransom
One of the prettiest towns in North Dakota, Fort Ransom is a hamlet located on the Sheyenne River Valley National Scenic Byway, near Fort Ransom State Park. The town's history dates back to the late 1860s, having once been a military post supporting settlers. Fort Ransom State Park preserves several of the first settlements, but it also offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventure, including scenic drives, camping, canoeing, horseback riding, hiking, and more.
Travelers may even stay overnight in the park in historic buildings such as the 1879 Bjone House. Other unique sites for discovery include the Ransom County Historical Museum, the hilltop Viking statue, and the Bjarne Ness Memorial Suspension Bridge.
Enjoy a Trip to North Dakota!
The state of North Dakota runs deep with natural beauty, but its vibrancy lies in its small towns, home to their own unique sights, events, cultures, and histories. Though small towns offer an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, there is no shortage of excitement and enticement in the Peace Garden State. From the hilltop Viking statue of Fort Ransom to the World’s Largest Holstein Cow in New Salem and the annual Sheyenne Riverfest in Valley City, adventure awaits in the most vibrant towns of North Dakota.
