7 Picturesque Small Towns in North Dakota for a Weekend Retreat

What could be better for a few days away than the wide open spaces of North Dakota? There are no skyscrapers or smog in sight, just charming small towns, each with its own history, hidden gems, welcoming people, and local culture to explore, as well as, easy access to the stunning and serene natural world.

The small towns of North Dakota make beautiful locations for a weekend retreat and range from the frontier towns of the Badlands to hunting and fishing paradises. These towns may be small, but they all contain everything you need for a peaceful escape.

Watford City

On the edge of the badlands is Watford City, and though the town has a lot to offer, many visitors come for a weekend out in the wild, as it is a comfortable place to stay while taking in the immense Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Made up of three units covering over 70,000 acres, the park offers tons of ways to enjoy nature, from drives and hikes to visitor center exhibits to visiting Roosevelt’s “home ranch” along the Little Missouri River. The president's time in this area has been credited with helping shape his conservation policies.

The park hosts many camping options, but there are many of those outside the park as well, such as the comfortable cabins found at the Lone Butte Ranch.

There are plenty of indoor things to do in town, such as splashing around at the Wild West Water Park, or if the weather is rough, taking in a movie at the Six Shooter Showhall, shopping at Rhianna’s Boutique, or browsing art at the Door 204 gallery and coffee shop.

For a luxurious stay, the traditional choice is the Roosevelt Inn, which is home to some genuine Roosevelt memorabilia. It offers guests an indoor pool, sauna, spa, roomy outdoor courtyard, and room options for jacuzzi suites, romance packages, or off-site cabins.

Downtown and much newer is The Watford, which is a popular place for families who want to be close to it all.

Bottineau

Often called a “four-season playground,” Bottineau is found at the base of the Turtle Mountains. A popular place for people crossing the US-Canada border or visiting the International Peace Garden, it is also home to the last small-town ice cream parlor in the State, Pride Dairy. Nearby attractions include the huge Tommy the Turtle statue and Mystical Horizons, a place to observe equinoxes and solstices very similar to Stonehenge in England. It is also close to Lake Metigoshe and the Bottineau Winter Park and a stop on the Turtle Mountain Scenic Byway.

In order to go from rustic to luxurious, options for where to stay include everything from sites for tents to luxurious private rentals. At one end are campgrounds for tents and RVs like Tommy Turtle Park or Birchwood Village RV. Then there are the comfortable rooms at the Turtle Mountain Inn or Quilt Inn & Suites (which sells the quilts displayed on its walls). There’s the converted granary, now a private lodge at Homestead Lodge. With five rooms, it is a convenient place to stay and explore. Finally, there are the Cloverleaf Condos, two units right on Lake Metigoshe in the Turtle Mountains with a wood-burning stove, heated floors, and a private boat launch.

Jamestown

A ride in a horse-drawn stagecoach ride would certainly kick off a memorable retreat. This and more can be found at the historical frontier village of Jamestown, where many historic buildings and antiques were reconstructed to be an interactive preservation of history. Visitors can walk around and visit inside a frontier school, bank, railroad depot from 1880, and more. They can also tour the past haunts of famous Western writer Louis L’Amour.

Watching over the Frontier Village stands the World’s Largest Buffalo monument, which weighs 60 tons and is 26 feet tall. To learn more about the American bison and its cultural and ecological role in the Great Plains, the North American Bison Discovery Center in Jamestown is the place to go.

Meanwhile, outdoor enthusiasts can head to the Jamestown Reservoir, with two beachings, miles of trails, and multiple boat launches to explore its almost 2,500 acres of water.

There are lots of hotels and motels to choose from, as well as cabins and campgrounds with amenities like Frontier Fort Campground, Spiritwood Resort, and Lazy Fish at Pelican Point. Some unique places to stay include the Rust House Inn, a rentable house built in 1918 in the arts and crafts style that has been renovated with modern farmhouse touches. It has four bedrooms, a kitchen with double ovens and more. The Little Earth Lodge, meanwhile, is a 10-person cabin that offers views of Spiritwood Lake and access to it for fishing. Perhaps most unique is the Prairie Cottage, a renovated one-room schoolhouse adjacent to a working farm with cattle and chickens.

Devils Lake

Life in the town of Devils Lake (the “Perch Capital of the World”) is centered on the body of water that gives it its name, which, at over 180,000 acres, is the largest natural lake in North Dakota.

As involved as it is in the life of the lake itself, the Woodland Resort has a reputation for being the top hunting and fishing lodge in the state and is the lake’s only full-service resort. It features suites, motel rooms and cabins, a bait shop, boat rentals, and guided excursions.

Cobblestone Hotel and Suites is another popular option, as its options include suites, accessible and hearing impaired rooms, a fish cleaning room and freezer for guests’ use, a free dog kennel, and a complimentary exercise facility.

For a break from the water, many visitors head to Grahams Island State Park or the White Horse Hill National Game Preserve. Others check out the Lake Region Heritage Center to learn a little more about the area, Creel Bay Golf Club for a round of golf, or the Spirit Lake Casino to try their luck. Many enjoy the food and music at the Proz Lakeside at the Cove, while The Liquid Bean is the place for a really good cup of coffee.

Medora

Found in the visually striking area known as the Badlands, the Old West frontier town of Medora has long been a haven for horseback riders. In addition to the scenic rides outside of town, it is also home to the popular celebration of cowboy history found at the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame.

Visitors to town can easily access the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park for a chance to spot wild horses. The park offers biking and hiking trails throughout, and other wildlife, such as prairie dogs, deer, and bison, are common. Many head right for the panoramic views of the Painted Canyon from its Visitor Center.

Golfers are in for plenty of scenic beauty at the Bully Pulpit Golf Course, while audiences of all tastes find something to love at the Medora Musical, held every night of the summer at the Burning Hills Amphitheatre, an outdoor venue on the bluffs above the town.

Also on the bluffs, sitting right next to the amphitheater, is the popular steak restaurant Tjaden Terrace. Other popular dining options include the Boots Bar and Grill, the Badlands Pizza and Saloon, or Theodore’s Dining Room, which is found in the Rough Riders Hotel, where many visitors stay.

For those who prefer a quieter atmosphere and more naturally breathtaking views, the Spirit of the Badlands offers accommodation at the head of a canyon adjacent to the National Grasslands.

Rugby

Then there’s the town claiming to be at the geographical center of North America: Rugby. The spot is marked by a 21-foot-high pyramid-shaped monument. Also celebrating the town’s geographic location is the Northern Lights Tower and Interpretive Center, with interactive exhibits dedicated to the phenomena also known as the aurora borealis.

The town is home to the Victorian Dress Museum, the Niewoehner Bell Tower, and the historic Prairie Village and Museum, with over 20 restored buildings and exhibition halls. For sports fans, there’s both real golf at the Rugby Golf Course and a golf simulator at the 3rd Street Station restaurant.

In terms of hotels, families (and anyone else) looking for an affordable option go to the Northern Lights Inn, which is just an 8-minute walk from the Geographic Center of North America Monument. All basic needs are covered on-site, including a pool and hot tub. The Dakota Farms Restaurant is attached.

To be a little closer to nature, some prefer the Oakwood Inn and Campground, which offers both serviced sites and 30 air-conditioned rooms.

Independent-minded travelers opt for the ND Hunt House, a four-bedroom, recently remodeled home that can sleep up to 12 people. It’s very popular with hunters and fishers as there is space for cleaning catches in the heated garage.

Valley City

Many head to Valley City for a weekend of calming outdoor activities. Known as the City of Bridges, they can all be taken in by a nice long walking tour. At almost 4,000 feet long and over 160 feet high, the visually stunning Hi-line Bridge is one of the longest and highest of its kind in the US.

For a walk with a bit more activity involved, there’s the picturesque Bjornson Park Golf Course. And if some local history would add to your day, there are the burial mounds and massive solar calendar at Medicine Wheel Park. The town is also a hop-on point for both the North Country National Scenic Trail and the Sheyenne River Valley National Scenic Byway.

For more insight into any of these things, the Rosebud Visitor Center offers exhibits both inside and out, as well as a unique preserved 1881 railcar that was basically a tiny home for the railroad’s superintendent as well as his cook and secretary.

For an indoor break with an outside feel, there’s the Valley City State Planetarium. There are also unique shops downtown, such as the Catwalk Boutique and Unique Antiques.

In addition to several beautifully preserved bed and breakfasts as well as entire houses like the Cozy Cottage to book, a popular place to stay is Valley City State University President's house. On the campus of Valley City State University, it’s a large Victorian home now used as a guesthouse.

For more modern amenities, the newest hotel in town is the GrandStay. With 58 rooms and suites with kitchenettes, it is close to the Valley City State University campus. It also offers a patio area with a fire pit, an indoor pool, and a whirlpool.

There’s nothing more relaxing than getting away from the crowds and business of big cities for a few days. One of the best places to escape to is a town that is only a step away from natural wonders. All of these North Dakota towns offer plenty to fill the belly and the mind and occupy those moments that aren’t given over to rest, as well as comfortable places to stay at night.