7 of the Most Hospitable Small Towns in North Dakota

North Dakota, on the border of Canada, is known for its Badlands and the 70,000-acre Theodore Roosevelt National Park. This outdoor enthusiast's paradise has numerous attractions like the Missouri River and the Maah Daah Hey Trail. North Dakota is idyllic for someone looking for a slower pace of life and wide open spaces. The people that make up the community of these seven hospitable towns embody the best characteristics of North Dakota and the Midwest.

Walhalla

Known as the Heart of the Rendezvous Region, Walhalla is a small town in the northern part of the state near Canada. Walhalla has a beautiful history and a beautiful landscape. It is home to one of North Dakota's oldest buildings, the Kittson Trading Post, and other historical landmarks. 

Other sites to explore are the Gingras Trading Post State Historic Site and the Pembina Gorge State Historic Area. At Pembina, there are hiking and camping trails, and bird lovers will fall in love with the numerous photo opportunities. Another must-see is the Brick Mine Bridge, which runs across the Pembina River. It is an old-fashioned truss bridge and completes the gorgeous aesthetic that makes up North Dakota.

Jamestown

Jamestown is between Fargo and Bismarck and is home to Jamestown University. It is one of the best towns to visit in the state, and the town motto is "the heart of the North Dakota prairie." Notable Western author Louis L’Amour was born here, and it is easy to see how the vast open plains, crystal-clear night skies, and the small-town Americana influenced his writing. 

Though the buffalo do not roam as they once did, Jamestown does have the world's largest buffalo. The 26-foot-tall concrete statue has been standing guard over the plains since 1959. Other historical landmarks to explore are the National Buffalo Museum, the Stutsman County Memorial Museum, and Fort Seward. The fort overlooks the James River and was a military post from 1872 to 1877.

Garrison

Garrison, founded in 1905, was considered the Agricultural Gateway City due to its proximity to rich farmland. The Soo Line railroad established a depot here in 1905 to transport wheat and, in 1915, was the largest primary wheat shipping point in the United States. Garrison's claim to fame today is the Walleye capital of the world and North Dakota's Christmas capital. Garrison is an angler's destination due to Lake Sakakawea and The North Dakota Fishing Hall of Fame and Museum.

During the Christmas season, the downtown area transforms into a Victorian wonderland for its annual Dickens Village Festival. Main Street is also home to the North Dakota Firefighter's Museum and the Heritage Park Museum, located at the original 1905 train depot. Garrison is a pleasant town with a unique history and mid-west charm.

Hillsboro

Hillsboro is in the fertile Red River Valley and has a population of less than 2,000. It is a welcoming town offering golf, museums, and other community opportunities. The Clubhouse is an indoor golf simulator that puts green in the heart of town, and there is a 9-hole course at Goose River.

If golfing isn't your thing, head to the Plummer House and Museum or Heritage Park. Both are historical sites and are maintained by the Historical Society. The Historical Society also hosts an annual Christmas Extravaganza for the community at the Plummer House. Hillsboro is a tight community that is also welcoming to visitors. 

Dickinson

Dickinson is a warm and welcoming town small town in Americana. The town offers a walking tour through the downtown area to discover its architecture and history, with many buildings over 100 years old. The most popular attraction for visitors is the Museum Center. The complex has art and history exhibits and a dinosaur area with a Triceratops skeleton.

There are plenty of outdoor activities as well. The City Trails is a network of hiking trails throughout the community, which is a great way to connect with the townspeople. There is quite a lot to do in Dickinson, and the friendly atmosphere makes you want to stay longer.

Jud

Jud is a quaint town with a friendly community and artistic flair. Every building in town has a tasteful mural painted on the walls, done by the residents over the years. Walking around town feels like walking around an art gallery. 

Besides being known as "the city of murals," Jud's other claim to fame is having one of the oldest stores in North Dakota. Dagen's Grocery was built in 1905, just a year after the town was founded. Bluebird Lake is a popular picnic and recreational location, only one mile from the town center. A self-guided walking tour is the best way to see this charming and friendly town, allowing you to soak in the small town atmosphere and see the murals up close. 

Medora

There is no other town in North Dakota like Medora. It is located in Theodore National Park, so the town is enveloped by nature. Canoeing or kayaking down the Little Missouri River is an ideal way to experience the natural beauty of North Dakota's Badlands.

The friendly community has a population of less than 200, but there is always something to do. Strolling through town, you will come across the Chateau de Mores, a historical building belonging to the town's founder. This tight-knit and hospitable community hosts many town events. There is even a musical ranging from country to disco in the town.

North Dakota is a midwestern state dominated by expansive plains and unspoiled countryside. It is dotted with small, hospitable towns that are essentially the fabric of the state. These towns contain historic buildings, some of which take on a modern artistic flair, like the town of Jud, while towns like Medora are enveloped by natural beauty. What these small towns have in common is their charm and hospitality.