7 Towns in North Dakota With Vibrant Downtown Areas

Known affectionately as the Flickertail State (named after the famous Richardson squirrels), North Dakota is home to a variety of small towns surrounded by vast wilderness, crystal clear lakes, large hills, and, surprisingly, the most unique and delightful small towns, one has ever seen. It is here in the state's natural element that there is always something to do and somewhere worth exploring, so to celebrate that fact, uncover seven of North Dakota's towns with the most vibrant downtowns.

Jamestown

The birthplace of the famed writer Louis L'Amour, Jamestown is a town very much appreciative of its past—and runs no short list of interesting and curious things to do. For one, the world's largest buffalo monument (which is now a historic landmark) draws in crowds as the behemoth stands 26 feet tall and weighs nearly 60 tons. And for a more picturesque time well spent, Fort Seward offers a glimpse of land once covered in plains of tall grass, open blue skies, and the history of the land.

But what about its downtown? The rarity of Jamestown is that it does offer a completely unique downtown—a piece of that being Frontier Village. It is a small but worthwhile replica of a town stuck in the 19th century that offers pony rides, a small shop experience, and much more.

Dickinson

A thriving large town of museums, education, and those famous American plains, Dickinson has an odd but welcome assortment of attractions and entertainment. One may expect something like the Dickinson Badlands Dinosaur Museum, with all of its awesome fossils, field reports, and exhibits galore. But no one can predict the unexpected Ukrainian Cultural Institute near the heart of its downtown.

This institute itself is more of a museum that serves authentic Ukrainian food after getting to tour a fairly sized building filled to the brim with cultural artifacts like instruments and clothing, all while also accompanied by friendly Ukrainian faces. They also have a small library, and the institute offers education through warm and smiling faces, sustenance, and history.

Wahpeton

Offering a different experience compared to most other towns in the state, Wahpeton has all the modern amenities and does them right. Its downtown is atmospheric and lively, and in the very center of this otherwise small strip of land (that is to say, its downtown) is Chahinkapa Zoo. Offering nearly 200 distinct animals of 70 species, this zoo has a reputation of putting on special events for the season and even offers the choice to sponsor any animal available. This spectacular display, perhaps even the pride of Wahpeton, always craves something new and refreshing for events on its grounds.

In yet another curiosity of gigantic, thoughtful, and interesting sculptures, Wahpeton is home to something comical. Meet Wahpper, the world's largest catfish. With 40 feet and 50,000 pounds of every fisherman's dream, Wahpper greets all and has become famous in his own right. Now a beacon for the roadside traveler and a native to the Wahpeton locals, he joins the ranks of yet another titanic figure that looms above a North Dakota town.

Medora

A town pulled straight from the Old West, Medora might as well be a living relic. There are no tall buildings, the roads are old, and perhaps more importantly, everything there is to do there requires a rustic and hardy spirit, while Medora itself radiates a kind of rough, western charm. Whether that be in downtown lodgings such as the Rough Rider Hotel (which too claims the Old West) or the apt North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame, the truth is this tiny town is somehow big enough for not only those locations but much more.

But what for sure deserves mention in its nearly perfectly idyllic downtown is The Teddy Roosevelt Show. A recurring event where the prime interpreter, acclaimed historian, and easily the best impersonator, Joe Wiegand, hosts personal events and even brunches while in full costume—mannerisms and all. Renowned for his dedication, Wiegand is a great addition to Medora.

Mandan

Mandan is like a small gateway to North Dakota charm and entertainment. Though the beautiful parks around the town and in the surrounding area attract a lot of attention (like Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park, a park nestled in green grasses that dance with the wind), downtown Mandan has a few spots of note—but they are worth gold.

One of them happens to be the Historical Fort Lincoln Trolley, right in the middle of Mandan's quiet streets. And much like the scenic land around Mandan, the trolley promises quality rides and tours throughout the town and makes stops at Fort Lincoln itself, bringing an experience otherwise unknown to most Americans. Car infrastructure be forgotten—for the trolley makes the best out of what Mandan and its state park have to offer, as its no mechanical contraption sitting in a room to rust but is very much running and teeming with life.

Admittedly, the majority of Mandan's attention comes from its very large neighbor, Bismarck, but rest assured that the small town is perfectly capable and worthy of its own recognition.

Valley City

Valley City is just as its name suggests: a serene valley filled with streams and scenic spots that make outdoorsmen swoon. Notably, the Sheyenne River Valley National Byway is the go-to spot to enjoy a moment by the shores of a natural, clear river. The light green prairies and woodlands close by seal the deal on this popular spot—where boats frequent the water on this 63-mile-long cruise of nature.

But Valley City also has a downtown that stands out—the prime representative of its vibrant center is the Barnes County Historical Society. The oldest county museum in North Dakota, among its collections are antiques from the Old West, huge fossils like 'Oliver' the triceratops, and a multitude of galleries on site that show the rich history of Barnes County.

Devils Lake

A truly underrated gem, Devils Lake sits right on the shores of its namesake, and while the lake itself offers a whole slew of activities on the largest natural body of water in the whole state, the real kicker is the historic downtown. A total of 14 of its buildings have found a cozy home on the national registry of historic places, and there is no short list of things to explore in this old and complex downtown—though the Lake Region Heritage Center (of all things Devils Lake) and The Sheriff's House Museum (a house from the early 20th century filled with wonders and antiques) deserve a closer look for their reputation and fame.

North Dakota is often viewed as a state to escape to—not for its modern cities or towns—but for its vast open spaces, clear skies, large hills, and prairies. But the truth of the matter is that North Dakota houses more than just beautiful nature, as its very man-made and historical appeal can sit right in an unsuspecting town or even one known for something else entirely (as in the case of Devils Lake). These marvelous places stand as cool proofs of the notion that a state can have it all, and no one can make the charge that North Dakota lacks in either nature or the environment of man.