7 Picturesque Towns in North Dakota for a Weekend Retreat in 2024
North Dakota is a beautiful state of towering mountains and stunning views. To really bask in the charm of the Peace Garden State, look no further than these picturesque towns. Secluded far from the noise of the bigger cities are towns ripe with history, friendly locals, and unmistakable Upper Midwest charm. Curl up with a book on the shore of Patterson Lake in Dickenson or explore the iconic North Dakotan Badlands. So, pack your bags and get ready to explore some of North Dakota’s most tranquil and delightful small towns!
Dickinson
As a part of the thriving Bakken oil region, Dickinson has seen a boost in the local economy while maintaining its historical roots and charm. Its blend of modern features, unique attractions, and picturesque beauty make it a popular North Dakota destination. Located near the Badlands, be sure to stop at the Badlands Dinosaur Museum to learn about the prehistoric creatures that once roamed the area. Be sure to plan your stay in the fall during the annual Dickinson Fall Festival. While the downtown area has plenty of shopping and attractions, the real beauty lies just outside of town.
The Patterson Lake Recreation Area is a popular spot to relax and unwind. Take a boat out on Patterson Lake for a day of fishing, or hit up the local beach for a lazy day on the shore. You can also hike the nearby lakeside trails for amazing views of the area. Dickenson is also known as the Gateway to Theodore Roosevelt National Park, which is a short 30-minute drive away. Visitors can set up camp at Camp on the Heart or one of the many cozy and affordable hotels.
Wahpeton
Located on the Minnesota border, the humble city of Wahpeton is one of those hidden gems with so much to discover. It’s home to the World’s Largest Catfish called “Wahpper” (Don’t worry, it’s made of fiberglass!). Snag a photo with Wahpper, then get ready to explore this sleepy little town. The Chahinkapa Zoo is a great place to spend the day exploring animal exhibits. Be sure to stop by the Prairie Rose Carousel, a 1926 wooden carousel restored to its former glory.
The Otter Tail River runs through the heart of Wahpeton, giving visitors the opportunity to spend the day out on the water. It’s a great place to canoe, fish, or kayak, and it offers amazing views of Wahpeton. Be sure to stop by the seasonal Twin Towns Gardeners' Market for fresh produce, homemade treats, and locally-made crafts! For a real treat, stay at one of Wahpeton’s comfy B&Bs like The Lakeview Inn or The Squire House.
Jamestown
Jamestown, aka Buffalo City, is ripe for exploration! It earned its nickname because it’s home to the World's Largest Buffalo Monument and the National Buffalo Museum. The museum hosts Native American artifacts and exhibits about the bison population in North Dakota. Just outside the museum is a 200-acre stretch of land that houses live buffalo herds. If you’re lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of a rare white bison! To really get into the buffalo spirit, make sure to catch the Buffalo Days in July, which celebrates everything buffalo.
Next door to the National Buffalo Museum is Frontier Village, a picturesque recreation of a prairie town. Walk back in time as you explore a recreated general store, schoolhouse, and blacksmith. There are also so many scenic spots worth checking out. The Jamestown Reservoir is a popular spot among the locals to boat, fish, or camp over the weekend. If you want to hike around the reservoir, stop by Jamestown Reservoir Nature Trail for amazing lake views. Stay at the Gladstone Inn & Suites, which is close to all of the fun in Jamestown.
Medora
As the entrance to the iconic Theodore Roosevelt National Park, Medora is a small town with a giant heart. It is surrounded by the North Dakota Badlands, a dramatic landscape of canyons, unique rock formations, and rolling hills. For a better view of the area, the Painted Canyon Overlook provides fantastic views, and it’s a must-see for travelers! To really explore the area, the Maah Daah Hey Trail is a stretch of 140 miles of scenic trails through the iconic Badlands. The rustic Badlands Motel is a fantastic place to rest at the end of a long day.
While Medora lies in the heart of North Dakota's most amazing landscapes, there are plenty of things to do in town. Explore the stunning Château de Morès, which was a former hunting lodge of the Marquis (a French aristocrat). Today, it’s a state historical site and a museum offering guided tours. The Billings County Courthouse Museum is another popular stop with artifacts from early settlers of the Badlands. If you’re visiting in the summer, you can even catch the Bluegrass & BBQ festival, which celebrates great music and even better food.
Williston
Far removed from the bustle of the bigger North Dakota cities is the lovely city of Williston. This humble little town has some of the best attractions and outdoor activities that are great for the whole family. Explore the historical sites in the area such as the Fort Buford State Historic Site or the beautiful Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site. You can even snag a photo of yourself at the state line marker between North Dakota and Montana.
If you want to spend the day on the waters of Lake Sakakawea, take a short drive to Lewis and Clark State Park. Hike the scenic Eskers Trail, Coteau Trail, or the Greenhorn Trail and admire the rolling prairies. Or, rent a kayak or canoe at the Lewis & Clark Marina for a day on the water. After a fun day of adventure, take a stroll through the seasonal Williston’s Farmers’ Market in the heart of town.
Devils Lake
Looking to spend the weekend in nature? Then look no further than Devils Lake. With picturesque water views, historical attractions, and friendly locals, it’s an amazing place to take the whole family. Relax along the calming shores of Devils Lake, North Dakota’s largest natural body of water. Grahams Island State Park is popular among locals and tourists and offers lakeside trails with scenic views, as well as campgrounds and a picnic area. Fort Totten State Historic Site is another excellent spot to explore with historic buildings and exhibits teaching visitors more about the area. And if you need a place to stay for the night, the Devils Lake Sportsmans Lodge is friendly and affordable.
A popular spot among tourists is the White Horse Hill National Game Preserve. Fun fact: the land was initially reserved by President Theodore Roosevelt to help preserve native animals of the region: the bison and elk. Today, the land has auto tours to drive through the sprawling landscape, as well as hiking trails. It even has an Outdoor amphitheater with rotating educational programs! If you find yourself in the area during the winter, you can’t miss the Devils Lake Winter Festival. It hosts fun events like snow sculpture contests, ice fishing, and snowmobiling.
Valley City
Valley City is yet another hidden gem of North Dakota far removed from the bustle of bigger cities. Known for its beautiful bridges over the Sheyenne River, visitors can take a self-guided walking tour over all of the city's bridges. However, the most famous of Valley City’s bridges is the Highline Bridge, which is one of the longest (and highest!) single-track railroad bridges in the United States. Or take a walk at the lovely Medicine Wheel Park. Investigate the Native American burial grounds, solar calendar, and breathtaking views.
After admiring the landscape of Valley City, be sure to check out the Valley City State Planetarium, the only Planetarium in the state. The Barnes County Museum is a great place to explore natural history, as well as the origins and early settlers of the region. A must-stop in the summer is the Valley City Farmers Market, which is open from June through September and showcases local produce, baked goods, and crafts. And if you need a place to stay, the Grand Stay Hotel offers cozy accommodations.
If you need a quick getaway from the chaos of the day-to-day, these towns have you covered. With friendly locals, exciting community festivals, and engaging attractions, your stress will just melt away. Lose yourself among the wild buffalo herds at the National Buffalo Museum in Jamestown (and don’t forget to snag a photo with the World's Largest Buffalo Monument!), or walk the iconic Highline Bridge in Valley City. No matter what you love, these North Dakota towns prove why it's also called the Peace Garden State.
