9 Unforgettable Small Towns to Visit in North Dakota

It’s been described as wild, desolate, and deserted. But that doesn’t give an accurate picture of North Dakota. Despite being one of the least populated states in America, there is incomparable natural beauty in the sprawling prairies of the Badlands. Amid this spacious scenery and well-managed green spaces are charming small towns with a serene atmosphere, friendly communities, and endless outdoor adventures waiting to be discovered. 

Valley City

Valley City is the seat of Barnes County and home to just about 6,500 residents. Nicknamed the “City of Bridges,” the town has several beautiful bridges built across the Sheyenne River, which snakes around the heart of  Valley City. Famous among them is the iconic 3,860-foot-long Hi-Line Bridge, one of the highest single-track railroad bridges in the United States. Valley City also boasts charming natural scenery with fun outdoor activities that you can explore at the 30-acre Medicine Wheel Park. This lovely space houses beautiful picnic spots, scenic walking trails, and gorgeous overlooks.

Another excellent way to experience the town’s beauty is to drive along the Sheyenne River Valley National Scenic Byway, which traverses sprawling farmlands, rolling hills, hidden villages, and famous historic sites. When you want to relax after a long day of exploring the city, you can stop by Sky Lanes for an easygoing bowling session. 

Jamestown

Not too far away from Valley City is the modest town of Jamestown, famed for hosting the World's Largest Buffalo. This quirky roadside attraction features a 26-foot-tall buffalo statue made of concrete that the townfolk christened “Dakota Thunder.” But this is not the only buffalo attraction in Jamestown. The National Buffalo Museum is another popular spot where you can learn about the North American bison and its role as America’s national mammal through a collection of interactive exhibits. 

For sports fans, the North Dakota Sports Hall of Fame is an excellent venue to visit. It was built to honor sports personalities who have contributed to the growth of sports in North Dakota. But if you fancy adrenaline-inducing experiences, watching a charged-up dirt race at the Jamestown Speedway will be the perfect alternative. 

Medora

Medora is a quaint community on the western side of the state, punctuated by long stretches of rugged badlands. The town of just over 100 residents boasts sprawling open spaces with diverse wildlife, which form part of the expansive Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Besides hosting awesome native species like elk, bison, and prairie dogs, the park has gorgeous natural scenery with diverse landscapes, offering the ideal atmosphere for exploration. While roaming the sleepy town center, you will quickly pick up its old-fashioned lifestyle and Wild West heritage, which you can explicitly explore at the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame.

Meanwhile, the Old Town Hall Theater is where friendly locals converge, thanks to their shared love for the arts. This 220-capacity venue stages exciting live performances, along with the particularly famed Teddy Roosevelt Show, throughout the year, making it an ideal spot to interact with Medorians. Before leaving the town, you can stop by the Buffalo Gift Shop for a cute souvenir to take back home. 

Minot

Minot is among the most populous destinations in North Dakota, but its approximately 48,000 residents pale in comparison to populations in a quintessential city. This leaves enough open spaces for outdoorsy tourists to explore, including the 50-acre Oak Park. Apart from enjoying the cozy atmosphere and fresh air in this serene site, you also get to admire the largest cluster of buildings in the world designed by the famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright.

Minot also boasts one of the state’s leading attractions, the Scandinavian Heritage Association. This exciting park allows you to explore Scandinavian history and culture and houses replicas of structures from the five Scandinavian countries. While Minot feels like a relatively laidback community, which you will realize from strolling through its downtown, the area comes to life in July. This is because of the North Dakota State Fair, which brings the town to a standstill with carnival rides, live performances, agricultural shows, and commercial demos, culminating in a festive atmosphere for the whole family. 

Williston

Williston is a small town near the confluence of the Yellowstone and Missouri Rivers with a booming economy spurred by oil, agriculture, and tourism. This charming community welcomes lots of visitors, a credit to its long list of family-friendly adventures indoors and outdoors. A perfect example is the Williston Area Recreational Center, a world-class venue with a waterpark, pool, tennis courts, and other fun amenities tailored to day-long family entertainment. Williston Parks & Recreation District is another awesome venue where families can take advantage of kid-friendly amenities like a skating area to play around with other children. 

But Williston has more to offer than its family-oriented pursuits. For instance, the Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site is an iconic landmark representing a vital fur trading center from the 19th century. Meanwhile, the James Memorial Art Center allows you to admire beautiful art exhibitions and take art lessons. 

Walhalla

Walhalla is a small locality with around 1,000 residents along the banks of the Pembina River and a few miles from the Manitoba border. It is among the oldest towns to visit in North Dakota, and you can get a sense of its storied beginnings at the Gingras Trading Post Historic Site. This 19th-century landmark was the home of businessman and fur trader Antoine Blanc Gingras. But suppose you prefer to explore the open spaces. In that case, the Pembina Gorge State Recreation Area offers 2,800 acres of endless outdoor adventures, including hiking, horseback riding, kayaking, and mountain biking in the summer and snowmobiling, skiing, and snowboarding in the winter. 

Meanwhile, Tetrault Woods State Forest, in the vicinity, presents the perfect escape when you want a quiet, natural setting to spend some alone time and meditate. The area also boasts rich biodiversity, comprising abundant plant and animal life worth discovering. Finally, if you decide to visit Walhalla during winter, remember to check into the Frost Fire Park ski resort to make the most of its various alpine opportunities. 

Devils Lake

If you fancy waterfront getaways, this laid-back location sharing a name with the body of water it borders is an excellent option. Devils Lake, also known as the “Perch Capital of the World,” attracts anglers looking to take advantage of its rich fishing grounds at Devils Lake State Parks. These host a massive population of perch and other species like walleye, pike, white bass, and crappie. But fishing isn’t the only activity in Devils Lake; outdoor opportunities abound in areas like Ruger Park, home to numerous sports facilities and public amenities, such as golf, athletics, and even a dog park. 

Meanwhile, those who prefer to stay indoors will gravitate towards the Lake Heritage Museum Center. This remarkable venue houses a vast collection of displays that immerse visitors into a cultural and historical experience of the Lake Region and surrounding areas. Also, the Lake Region Curling Club offers family-friendly indoor entertainment. 

New Salem

Whimsical roadside attractions are one of the first things you will notice when driving into New Salem. The town is home to the world’s largest fiberglass cow. Rising to an impressive 38 feet, Salem Sue is an iconic city landmark built to honor the local dairy industry. But New Salem’s dairy delights go beyond a giant cow statue, as you will discover when you walk into the cheekily-named Udderly Caffeinated café. This chic eatery with a bakery is an excellent spot to enjoy a wholesome breakfast before exploring the town.

But enough with the cow-related attractions, New Salem is a charming community, and you can glimpse its history at the New Salem Historical Society/Custer Trail Museum. The complex features several buildings offering a snapshot of what the town used to be in its earlier days. Meanwhile, one of the best times to visit New Salem is during the Cow Town Hoe Down celebrations, and you can enjoy a festive, family-friendly atmosphere featuring live music, parades, tractor shows, street dance, and other forms of entertainment. 

Dickinson

Dickinson is an excellent destination for families looking for a small-town vacation, thanks to its kid-friendly attractions, serene open spaces to explore, and fun outdoor adventures. One of the first places you can visit is the Dickinson Museum Center & Badland Dinosaur Museum. This exciting museum complex displays fun and interactive exhibits, presenting a look into natural history and the town’s bygone eras. Just behind the museum, you will come across the Prairie Outpost Park, which offers a deeper look into early life in Dickinson. The museum houses several restored structures from the 19th century, including a church and farmhouse. 

To explore the town’s outdoors, visit the Dickinson Research Extension Center Floral Gardens, an urban oasis with lush greenery, perfect for a lazy stroll while reveling in the tranquil atmosphere of perennials, Pollinator gardens, annuals, and tree species. Lastly, don’t forget to take the kids on a drive along the Enchanted Highway to have them amused and intrigued by quirky scrap metal sculptures on the roadside. 

The Takeaway

Although underrated, North Dakota boasts the perfect mix of ingredients to guarantee a laid-back experience with many fun outdoor adventures. Its charming small towns harbor a treasure trove of historical, cultural, and natural attractions waiting to be discovered for anyone willing to venture into the badlands. The above small towns to visit in North Dakota are an exciting prospect for a solo, couple’s, or family vacation.