8 Of The Quietest North Dakota Towns
North Dakota is filled with wide open spaces and incredible sunsets that make it a desirable place to visit. It is also considered one of the safest and friendliest destinations to visit. The vast landscape of North Dakota also makes it one of the quietest places to visit. If you’re searching for a quiet, tranquil visit, make sure to stop by these 8 towns. They are rich in history and beautiful views but can also make you feel like you are the only person in the state.
Medora
Who would think a town with a population of 155 can hold so much to explore? But when you consider Medora and all it offers, this location should be added to your travel list. The town itself is surrounded by the breathtaking views and trails of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. The south unit of the park is less than a half mile from the center of Medora and is the largest unit in the park. The park may be large, but the town of Medora is a modest .4 square miles. If you find yourself in Medora, make sure to get tickets to the Medora Musical. It pays homage to the wildest days of North Dakota and is known to sell out most shows in the summer! To continue exploring the town’s history, visit the historical sites of Chateau de Mores and De Mores Memorial Park, which pay tribute to the town’s founder.
Bottineau
Often referred to as the Stonehenge of the Prairie, this astrological-themed park provides stunning views of prairie land just outside of the Turtle Mountains. The structures in this park are made of stone and cement and are positioned to view the summer and winter solstice and equinox. Experience a relaxing stroll around Mystical Horizons and take in the beauty of the immense land all around. If you want to visit the Turtle Mountains, just look for the giant turtle himself. Yes, turtle. Tommy the Turtle is a 30-foot-tall turtle that sits atop a 34-foot-long snowmobile and is the tallest turtle in the world. As peculiar of a site as he is, he is known for marking the gateway to the Turtle Mountains. Stick to the Turtle Mountains for an afternoon of solitude and hiking at Lake Metigoshe State Park. There are over 13 miles of trails for hiking and biking. There are also multiple lakes within the park for kayaking and canoeing. If you want something more relaxing than hiking or kayaking, spend the time animal watching for unique species along the woodlands and wetlands.
Devils Lake
Enjoy the calm of the ever-changing shores of Devils Lake at Grahams Island State Park. The park is surrounded by plenty of woodlands for a secluded feeling and rests upon miles of lakeshore. The lake is open year-round, so depending on when you visit, you can take a dip in the water or walk on top of it. If you prefer to learn more about the history of the area, make a stop at The Sheriff’s House, an early 1910s home with trinkets and antiques from local families. There are three floors to visit and see artifacts from over 100 years ago. If you want to stick with the calmness of visiting a museum, make your next stop at the Lake Region Heritage Center. Made up of exhibits, art shows, activities, and events, this museum really dives deep into the local history, culture, and art. Enjoy the indoors or outdoors in this rich, historic town.
Valley City
Located on Valley City State University’s campus, Medicine Wheel Park was constructed in 1992 as a class project. It is now one of the state’s most desirable tourist attractions. The installation encompasses 30 acres, with its largest circle measuring 213 feet around. 28 spokes jut out from the center, and they stand for the number of days in the Lunar Cycle. Take a tranquilizing walk around the structure and visit other highlights of the park, including 12 Native American Burial Grounds, as well as a Meridian Calendar. To continue an outdoor solitary stroll, visit the Hi-Line Prairie Gardens and Orchard. What was once an overgrown desolate lot has blossomed into four acres of native plants and fruit trees that you can view walking along the path. The fruits are also available for visitors to pick. A final trip to make while in Valley City is a car ride down the Sheyenne River Valley National Scenic Byway. 63 miles of rolling hills punctuated with towns and farms are located along the road and provide beautiful sites of recreation, culture, history, and archaeology. So, take a drive and make sure to stop and enjoy the views along the way.
New Town
Enjoy breathtaking views at the Crow Flies High State Recreation Area. Overlooking Lake Sakakawea, the town on Sanish can sometimes be seen during times of low water, otherwise it remains completely covered by the lake. Enjoy a peaceful walk along the area, or sit for a bit and enjoy the silence. Four Bears Memorial Bridge can also be seen from the recreation area, so after viewing it from afar, take a visit down to it. A portion of the bridge is dedicated to Mato Tope, the Mandan Chief Four Bears. It holds considerable cultural meaning to the area and is a breathtaking site. To learn more about the culturally significant history of the area, spend some time at the Three Affiliated Tribes Museum. This museum is located on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation and pays homage to the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation.
Wahpeton
Wahpeton is a town you’ll want to visit if you’re looking for some unique and slightly bizarre attractions. Make your first stop at the World’s Largest Catfish. Although it is not an actual live catfish, it is an oversized replica of one. Measuring 40 feet long and 12 feet tall, “Wahpper”, the 5,000-pound catfish can be found at Kidder Recreation Area. To see more interesting sculptures, stop by Chahinkapa Park and walk around the sculpture garden there. The garden displays work from regional as well as local artists and includes dinosaurs, sunflowers, moose, turtles, and hearts. Stroll amongst the sculptures and take in the details of each individual piece. If you want a more traditional leisure activity, visit the Bois de Sioux Golf Course. This course is the only one in the US that straddles two states. Start in Wahpeton and finish the back nine holes in Breckenridge, Minnesota.
Rugby
This one particular monument in Rugby may not offer a lot to do, but it does hold quite a bit of significance. As of January 1931, this specific location in Rugby was declared the center of North America by a US Geological Survey. The spot is marked with a cairn and measures 21 feet high and 6 feet wide. It sits upon a heart-shaped foundation. Stop and snap a picture at this distinctive location. After a geographical stop, make a historical one at the Prairie Village Museum. This site has 20 historical buildings that have been relocated to form a village square. Amongst the buildings are a jail, a schoolhouse, a train depot, and more. Stroll through the village and silently admire them while learning about life in Rugby over 100 years ago. While in Rugby, enjoy a round of golf at the Rugby Golf Club. This 9-hole course offers beautiful views and a challenging course for all skill levels.
Garrison
Garrison features more of the state’s big fish! Known as the Walleye Capitol of the World, Garrison is home to Wally, a 26-foot sculpture located in the city park. Within Garrison, Lake Sakakawea offers abundant fishing, which helped with the town’s claim. Stay along Lake Sakakawea and visit Fort Stevenson State Park. Enjoy the beautiful views at the park and learn about the military affiliation of the one-time fort, which served as a supply depot under the same name. And since Garrison is the Walleye Capitol of the World, spend some time fishing while there, or stick to the trails and enjoy a relaxing hike. One last stop to make in Garrison is the North Dakota Firefighters Museum and Fallen Firefighters Memorial. This museum has displays of firefighter’s gear, vintage trucks, and other related memorabilia. The museum prides itself on preserving the rich history and traditions of firefighters and the men and women who put their lives on the line daily.
The Peace Garden State offers just that. Visit this incredible tribal land and take in all that these quiet towns provide. Show respect and appreciation for what this state has to offer by learning about its past and those who came before. Take tours either with a group or on your own to get the most enjoyable experience. Enjoy the landscapes and picturesque views while learning about what made this state the historic landmark it is today.
