8 Little-Known Towns In North Dakota

North Dakota, the 39^th State to be admitted to the Union, is a heterogeneous Upper Midwestern singly landlocked state esteemed for its sweeping flatlands dominated by badlands, rolling prairies, grassland plains, temperate savanna, and farmlands. The Peace Garden State, flaunting a historic legacy inspired by Native American tribes and American pioneers, seamlessly blends antique chic with the warm hospitality of North Dakotans.

Even though Fargo, the largest city, and Bismarck, the state capital, grab much of the tourist attention, North Dakota is often considered the least touristy state, attracting fewer holidaymakers than its neighboring states. Nonetheless, the many scarcely known communities sprinkled all over the state have a lot in store for excursionists and are waiting to mesmerize them on their upcoming getaway.

Valley City

Home to around 6,575 people, this shiretown of Barnes County sits in the Sheyenne River Valley in the southeastern part of the state, about 60 miles west of Fargo. Primarily labeled ‘Worthington,’ this lively college town, apart from being the location of the Valley City State University, artfully validates its motto: “City of Bridges” with regard to the myriad bridges that arch over the Sheyenne River.

Valley City’s most noteable point of interest is the Hi-Line Bridge—a 162 foot high and 3,860 foot long railroad bridge, which is currently one of America’s lengthiest and highest single-track railroad bridges. Also, be sure to stop by the Medicine Wheel Park, Bjornson Park Public Golf Course, or Valley City State University Planetarium. Then, grab a coffee at The Vault, a self-served coffee shop, before heading back for a relaxing stay at GrandStay Hotel & Suites Valley City. Be sure not to miss the North Dakota Winter Show, held every March.

Walhalla

Walhalla, the second-oldest community in North Dakota, sits by the Pembina River shores in Pembina County, about 45 miles from the state border with Minnesota and 5 miles from the international boundary with Manitoba, Canada. Acclaimed for the rich fur trading heritage of the Red River Valley, this 893-inhabitant town rightly lives up to its motto: "Heart of the Rendezvous Region."

While on a visit to the town, drop by the Gingras Trading Post State Historic Site, the 9-hole golf course of the Walhalla Country Club, Frost Fire Summer Theatre, and the Kittson Trading Post, the oldest building of the state situated in the Walhalla State Historical Park. Next, visit Walhalla-Masonic Scenic Overlook, Frost Fire Ski & Snowboard Area, and the Pembina Gorge State Recreation Area featuring acres of unpolluted wilderness and plenty of trails for hiking, ATVing, off-road motorcycling, and mountain biking activities.

Medora

Medora, the county seat of Billings County, is part of the Dickinson Micropolitan Area. Founded along the Northern Pacific Railway and named after Medora von Hoffman, wife of French duelist Marquis de Mores, this 121-person town is known for its Western heritage. Fringed by the unspoiled wilderness of the Theodore Roosevelt National Park’s South Unit, thrill-seekers can soak in the exquisiteness of the Badlands by taking part in plentiful family-oriented activities in addition to a scenic drive via the national park’s incredible landscapes.

Also, pay a visit to the Harold Schafer Heritage Center, Chateau de Mores State Historic Site, Old Town Hall Theater, North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame, and the Maah Daah Hey Trail. Savor appetizing dishes at Theodore’s Dining Room, and the Rough Riders Hotel is the best place to unwind after witnessing a Medora Musical performance at the Burning Hills Amphitheater.

Devils Lake

The administrative capital of Ramsey County, Devils Lake is a tiny town located around 90 miles west of Grand Forks in North Dakota’s northeast-central portion. Preliminarily surveyed and called Creelsburg in reverence of Heber Mansfield Creel, the American surveyor, this stunning town has been renamed after Devils Lake—the second-largest natural body of water in the state.

More familiar as the ‘Perch Capital of the World,’ Devils Lake—an endorheic lake has been publicly known for a long time as a fishing and aquatic sports haven. When in town, go golfing at the Creel Bay Golf Course, engage in outdoor activities at Grahams Island State Park and the proximate White Horse Hill National Game Preserve, and take a quick bite at Proz Lakeside At the Cove.

Kenmare

A peaceful Ward County town, Kenmare, termed after its cognominal Irish settlement, is a part of the Minot Micropolitan Statistical Area. At the heart of this small town’s business district in the downtown park square is Kenmare’s most frequented site—a 1902 constructed Danish windmill that operated for 13 years.

Furthermore, you can learn more about the town's history at Lake County Pioneer Village Museum or admire the diverse toys at the V & R Toy Museum. Observe over 250 bird species and other wildlife along the 14-mile-long scenic byway of the 19,500-acre Des Lacs National Wildlife Refuge. Finish your day with yummy pizzas served by M&K’s Pizza Hub, and catch a movie at Kenmare Theatre.

Lisbon

This Ransom County seat occupies the Sheyenne National Campgrounds at the juncture of State Highways 32 (Main Street) and 27 (5^th Avenue). Labeled after the homeland of the town founder Joseph L. Colton’s spouse, Lisbon acts as an entryway to the Fort Ransom State Park and the Sheyenne River Valley National Scenic Byway’s southern terminus. One of the Red River of the North’s major tributaries, the Sheyenne River, which makes its way through the town draws attention to first-rate outdoor leisure activities that the area offers along with the enticing downtown jam-packed with dining establishments like The Bronc Bar & Grill, the renovated Lisbon Opera House, and America’s oldest continually operational movie theater—The Scenic Movie Theater.

Additionally, picnic-goers can observe kayakers paddle the streaming Sheyenne River at Sandager Park, merrymakers must attend the Ransom County Fair every August, while adventurists must not miss the Lisbon Bissell Golf Course, the picturesque Sheyenne River Speedway, the Sheyenne State Forest, and the proximate Fort Ransom State Park.

Bottineau

Bottineau, the county seat of Bottineau County, is named after Metis pioneer Pierre Bottineau. Located at the base of the Turtle Mountains, it’s just 10 miles south of the US-Canada border and near the International Peace Garden.

Bynamed “Four Seasons Playground,” this town founded primarily as an ‘overnight stagecoach stop’ in 1883, allures holidayers with its remarkable attractions including the Bottineau Country Club Golf Course, Lake Metigoshe State Park, and Bottineau Winter Park. Don't miss its quirky side with Mystical Horizons—an astronomical-themed spot, and the emblematic ‘Tommy Turtle’—the world’s biggest turtle statue. Enjoy your stay at Cobblestone Inn & Suites and try to be there at the Bottineau County Fairgrounds during the Bottineau County Fair.

Garrison

Christened after Garrison Creek, this 1,462-inhabitant town in McLean County is set by Lake Sakakawea’s northern shores. Vacationers on a visit to Garrison are welcomed firstly by the ‘Wally the Walleye’ statue on Main Street’s north end which aptly mirrors the native walleye fishing scene besides promoting the town as the ‘Walleye Capital of the World.’

After a photo session with Wally, head to tour Garrison’s other noteworthy sites of interest such as the Fort Stevenson State Park where you can partake in hiking and kayaking activities aside from traversing the park’s Arboretum Loop. Garrison Golf Course, North Dakota Fishing Hall of Fame, and the modernistic SACA KOTA Theater are must visits. Also, don't miss Big Gene - The Golfer Statue and North Dakota Firefighter’s Museum & Fallen Firefighter’s Memorial. Have a quick bite at the Four Seasons Restaurant & Ice Cream Parlor, spend the night at North Shore Inn & Suites, and try to attend the town’s annual Dickens Village Festival.

From the ‘Four Seasons Playground’ to the self-avowed ‘Walleye Capital of the World,' the countless lesser-known settlements in the nation’s 4^th least populous and 19^th largest state are waiting to be explored. Filled with prominent hotspots, jaw-dropping natural landscapes, riveting histories, and pure Midwestern magnetism, these North Dakota towns offer loads of leisure activities and palate-pleasing local cuisines.