7 North Dakota Towns With A Slower Pace Of Life

North Dakota, with its badlands and wide-open spaces, is synonymous with a slower pace of life. Almost every town in the Peace Garden State is small, relaxing, and laid-back. That said, a slow pace of life, however appealing, is not the only attribute that makes a town endearing. Chances are, you want an eclectic dining scene, beautiful parks, and access to awe-inspiring outdoor venues. Starting with Devils Lake, discover below seven such all-encompassing towns in North Dakota.

Devils Lake

Devils Lake is a slow, tranquil community that reclines on the lake that lends it its name. Although known as the "Perch Capital of the World,” the lake is filled with several other aquatic delicacies, including walleye, northern pike, and white bass. Residents enjoy driving around the lake, relaxing in one of the town's beautiful parks (such as Roosevelt Park), and ice fishing in the winter. If you enjoy grazing your way through the town and sampling the culinary scene, spots such as Old Main Street Cafe will tingle your taste buds. Many consider it the best soup bar in the region.

Valley City

Valley City is a quiet, beautiful town in the heart of the Sheyenne River Valley. The Sheyenne River, which flows through the town, is the longest river located entirely within the state. The river offers fishing, boating, and several other recreational opportunities. You can drive through the Sheyenne River Scenic Byway and enjoy heartwarming views on every side, stroll through the quaint downtown area, or enjoy freshly crafted beer at one of the best locations to hang out: the Brockopp Brewery. This fun, friendly space is right on Main Street and, hence, is close to many other eateries and shops. Just don’t miss the Medicine Wheel Park on the campus of Valley City State University. It is an interesting space that features Native American burial grounds, a stone replica of the solar system, and a nicely paved trail for strolling.

Washburn

Washburn is a small, slow-paced town conveniently close to the longest river in the United States: the Missouri River. This town moves at its own pace and does not exhibit any hint of the rat race synonymous with America’s mammoth cities or metropolitan areas. The exciting part is that residents are minutes away from several small but beautiful lakes (such as Lake Williams) as well as big names such as Lake Sakakawea, a wonderland for outdoor enthusiasts, especially anglers, swimmers, and boaters. Spend some time at the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, a rest stop on US-83 with a museum that depicts the Lewis and Clark expedition in evocatively fun and memorable ways. If good food is high on your list, Dakota Farms is a country-style small-town restaurant that whips up exceptionally yummy pancakes.

Medora

Medora is a beautiful, criminally underrated town that many associate with one of the most sublime outdoor venues in the Midwest: the Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Although this park lacks the terrifying majesty of the Grand Canyon, its gentle beauty will still leave a first-time visitor completely blown away. Yet, Medora has a dash of the eclectic. From music to bison to steaks, you have a varied menu of offerings to work with. The Medora Musical, billed as “the Greatest Show in the West,” is a live outdoor spectacle with a thrilling variety of acts to enjoy. If you want to explore Medora’s food scene, check out Pitchfork Fondue, a one-of-a-kind outdoor dining experience known for its hand-trimmed steaks. The only downside is that it opens in summer.

Bottineau

Tucked away on the sloping hills near the heart-melting Lake Metigoshe, Bottineau is a slow, relaxing oasis with a lot to offer. For starters, Bottineau is close to the prettiest part of North Dakota. It is backdropped by the Turtle Mountains and a scintillating scenery that features rolling hills, mixed hardwood forests, and shimmering lakes. Start your adventure at the 5th & Main Bakery & Restaurant, a wonderful bakery that serves thick and meaty bacon. Alternatively, Pride Diary, right on Thompson Street, has been named North Dakota’s Best Ice Cream. After this, it will be time to explore several outdoor venues around the town, including the Turtle Mountain State Recreation Area (check out its woody trails), Mystical Horizons (for seeing stars on a clear night), and Thompson Lake.

Dickinson

Although Dickson is a small, laid-back town that gradually puts residents and visitors in a relaxing mode, it packs a punch. For instance, the town's food scene is surprisingly varied and impressive for its size, especially because it boasts Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese, and Mexican options. For example, if a nicely made beef pho is among your favourite delicacies, Lemongrass is an authentic Vietnamese restaurant and among the best places to eat in town. Not just that. Dickinson is surrounded by beautiful scenery with lots of shimmering lakes, including Patterson Lake, where one can swim, boat, or reel in a yummy catch. For avid golfers, options include Jaycees Park, Dickinson Disc Golf, and Patterson Lake Disc Golf Course. What's more? The Theodore Roosevelt National Park is just minutes away.

Garrison

Garrison is a cute, dainty town with scenery that anyone would die for. It is in central North Dakota, just a few miles away from Highway 83. Lake Audobon and Lake Sakakawea are among the area’s most loved attractions and provide a delicious range of outdoor adventure opportunities, including fishing and boating. Garrison’s Dickens Village Festival, which runs through the Thanksgiving Weekend and the next two Fridays and Saturdays, often transforms Garrison into a quaint Victorian town from the era of Charles Dickens. There’s Fort Stevenson State Park, whose swim beach is the dream of any water enthusiast. On a related note, consider spending the night at the Douglas Creek Campground and Recreation Area, especially to get in tune with nature and enjoy some downtime.

The Takeaway

In several respects, North Dakota is the ultimate state to wind down in. Like a relaxing bath, a weekend spent here is often the best antidote for stress and anxiety. Whether you pick a small, charming town around Lake Sakakawea — or go with those that give access to the Theodore Roosevelt National Park, the therapeutic scenery and rhythm here is hard to find anywhere else. Fill your car tank, pack a pair of shoes with a good grip, and experience the unusual beauty that defines one of the most underrated states in America.