8 Secluded Towns in North Dakota
The Peace Garden State is largely secluded except for its few big cities like Fargo and Bismarck, where the population soars above 50,000 people. However, there are still more secluded towns in this Midwest state with one of the smallest populations in the country. But don't be fooled; because what these small towns lack in population, they overcompensate in many areas, like stunning natural scenery, rich Midwest history and cultures, and a welcoming atmosphere. Even more exciting, these towns are gateways to iconic attractions while also serving as cozy escapes for tourists avoiding the crowds. From Medora, with about 100 residents, and Walhalla, below 1,000, find eight secluded towns to visit in North Dakota.
Rugby
Rugby is an ancient town in Pierce County, notable as the Geographical Center of North America. However, the town also has other things to love, like its quaint atmosphere and historic attractions like the Pierce County Courthouse (1980), where one can admire the refined Renaissance-style architecture. The town also hosts a 21-foot-tall monument marking the Geographical Center of the continent. The Northern Lights Tower is another iconic monument in Rugby to admire as it honors the beautiful Aurora Borealis usually seen in the town’s night skies.
Additionally, the town is home to the Prairie Village and Museum, hosting 20 historic buildings, six exhibition halls, and thousands of artifacts that detail the stories of early pioneers who lived in the North Dakota plains. Meanwhile, when it’s time for lunch or dinner, Dakota Farms Restaurant is always a great stop.
Devil’s Lake
Devil’s Lake has nothing to do with evil or the Devil. It’s just a lovely town close to its namesake lake, which is the largest natural water body in North Dakota. At 180,000 acres, this lake is a massive playground for fishing and other water sports. In addition to that, visitors are always welcome to Grahams Island State Park on the lake, offering endless opportunities for fishing, swimming, hiking, picnicking, and wildlife watching. History enthusiasts are invited to travel back in time through various antiques and artifacts from the lake region at the Sheriff’s House Museum.
More historical experience beckons at the Lake Region Heritage Center Museum, featuring a variety of displays on the region’s yesteryears and several historic programs year-round. Tourists can even add a little spark to the visit by watching a show at Fort Totten Little Theatre inside Roosevelt Park before leaving.
Walhalla
The scenic town of Walhalla lies on the pristine banks of the Pembina River, near the Canadian border, in serenity and peace. Visitors to this town will easily forget its secluded and almost empty ambiance at the nearby Pembina Gorge State Recreation Area. This park is a critical draw to the state and centers around the Pembina River Gorge, which is defined by imposing cliffs, wetlands, and flourishing forests. Activities in the park include hiking over 30 miles of trails, kayaking on the Pembina River Trail, and horseback riding.
For more scenic and relaxed views of the Pembina River and Gorge, visitors can head to Masonic Scenic Overlook or drive on the Rendezvous Region Scenic Backway. History enthusiasts can visit the Gingras Trading Post Historic Site to see the 1840s home of Gingras, a renowned fur trader in the region. When hungry, dine at the Waters Family Restaurant and Bakery.
Valley City
Valley City is a unique town remarkable for its many bridges over the Sheyenne River which have earned it the title - City of Bridges. Even more interesting, the town hosts the 3,860-foot-long and 162-foot-high Hi-Line Railroad Bridge, representing one of the longest and highest single-track railroad bridges in the US. Admire views of this bridge, which is also on the National Register of Historic Places, and rent a kayak to explore the Sheyenne River Trail.
Alternatively, rent a bike and cycle along the Sheyenne River Valley National Scenic Byway to savor incredible outdoor beauty. Art fans can stay back in town to enjoy shows at the Center for the Arts and explore its art museum. Don’t miss the 30-acre Medicine Wheel Park, featuring a solar calendar, Indian burial mounds, an overlook, and perennial gardens.
Medora
Medora, in Billings County, is quite secluded, with just 121 people in the town. However, the town is worth visiting any time as it is home to the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, the only American national park named after an individual. The park is in the remote badlands of the state, and the Little Missouri River flows through it. Wildlife sightings such as bison, coyotes, mule deer, wild horses, and badgers are common within the park. For history lovers, the park’s visitors center and Roosevelt Maltese Cabin are close to Medora and invite visitors to a detailed look into the life and times of America’s 26th president.
Also, visitors can head to the Billings County Courthouse Museum to glimpse at the past via exhibits and artifacts used by the area’s pioneers, including military materials, a courtroom, and a jail. If there is still time, tour Chateau De Mores, a 26-room mansion built by a ranchman in 1883. Afterward, catch a show at the Old Town Hall Theatre.
Garrison
Garrison might be a small town, but, surprisingly, it has an airport, which makes a visit here pretty seamless. Get on the next flight to this town to enjoy its laid-back atmosphere and impressive outdoor attractions like the Fort Stevenson State Park. This park sits on a peninsula on Lake Sakakawea and houses a partial replica of Fort Stevenson. Activities in the park include fishing, boating, picnicking, and hiking its non-motorized trails.
In addition, the park has an arboretum on the lake’s north shore for plant lovers to explore. Away from the park, Garrison invites visitors to delve into the state’s fishing history and heritage at the North Dakota Fishing Hall of Fame and Museum. The North Dakota Firefighters Museum and Hall of Fame is another historic highlight in town to visit as it preserves and interprets the state’s firefighting heritage while paying tribute to its foremost firefighters. Before leaving the town, remember to grab souvenirs at the Teal Door.
Grafton
Grafton is one of the most populated towns in North Dakota even though its population is just around 4,000. Thankfully, this town still maintains its serenity and has a host of things to do and see, especially for visiting families. Once here, visitors can enjoy a movie with the family at Strand Twin Theatre, and then grab smoothies at the Nutrition Station. Next, head outdoors to have fun at Leistikow Park, featuring a family pool, an expansive playground, picnic shelters, basketball and tennis courts, and access to Park River for kayaking.
Spice the experience with a dash of history by visiting the Historic Elmwood House, a magnificent Victorian home along an oxbow curve of the Park River. Also visit the Heritage Village and Jugville Museum to see an array of artifacts and historic structures like farm buildings, a log cabin, a country church, and a working carousel.
Hillsboro
Hillsboro is a laid-back town on the banks of the Goose River in the Red River Valley, with a small population and a handful of interesting things to offer. For history enthusiasts, the town hosts the Traill County Courthouse (1905), featuring an elegant Beaux Arts design and domed tower. The town also has the Traill County Museum Complex, which is home to many historical buildings and attractions, including a log cabin, a pioneer museum, a centennial building, and St. Olaf Chapel.
In addition to the historic draws, Hillsboro invites visitors to kick back with popcorn and enjoy movies at the Traill Theatre on the main street and snack up at the Hillsboro Cafe later. Meanwhile, don’t leave town without a visit to Woodland Park by the river, as it offers a public swimming pool and fishing opportunities.
Seclusion and low population can be a draw, and the small towns of North Dakota have this unique appeal. But even while they may seem remote, they have loads of fun things to offer, from iconic natural attractions to fascinating historic attractions. So look beyond crowded and overrun destinations and visit these undisturbed towns in North Dakota today for an experience that will last a lifetime.
