The 9 Friendliest Little Towns In North Dakota
In North Dakota, hospitality is more than just a gesture—it’s a way of life. The state’s friendliest small towns welcome visitors with open arms, genuine smiles, and a strong sense of community. Take Medora, for instance, where the Wild West spirit thrives, and visitors are greeted like old friends at the Medora Musical. Grafton’s community events, like the SummerFest, turn a simple weekend into an unforgettable experience.
These towns are not just friendly—they make you feel like you belong. Whether you are visiting for a day or staying for a while, their welcoming spirit ensures you will always have a reason to return. The friendliest little towns in North Dakota are waiting to welcome you.
Wahpeton
An hour from Fargo, Wahpeton takes pride in the 40-foot catfish statue, Wahpper, the largest worldwide. The 5000-pound fiberglass model stands 12 feet tall in Kidder Recreation Area, a hit among outdoor lovers. The RV park has eight sites for RVs, complete with hook-ups, trails, picnic spots, and river access for fishing or kayaking.
Residents eagerly await Bikes & Brews, an annual August event set for the 16th of the month in 2025. Here, a street dance, a bike show, food, and a silent auction set the mood. The Richland County Historical Museum is vital to know about the area's past, featuring exhibits on pioneer life and Native American history.
Bottineau
Bottineau, the “Gateway to the Turtle Mountains,” has a friendly, small-town atmosphere 80 miles from Minot. The Metigoshe Melt Sandwich Showdown, which takes place in February and March, is a two-month affair in which local eateries create a special sandwich for residents to try and vote on. The town’s most iconic landmark is Tommy Turtle, a 30-foot-tall turtle riding a snowmobile. This quirky roadside attraction reflects the town’s lighthearted charm.
Bottineau Winter Park is a popular destination year-round, offering skiing and snowboarding in winter and hiking trails in warmer months. Nearby, Lake Metigoshe State Park provides stunning lake views, excellent fishing spots, and 13 miles of trails through the Turtle Mountains. The Bottineau County Museum also showcases artifacts from early settlers, antique farm equipment, and a one-room schoolhouse.
Medora
Medora is where visitors often come for the Medora Musical, a high-energy outdoor show that runs all summer at the Burning Hills Amphitheater. The 2024 Travel Weekly Magellan Award-winning production runs through Labor Day starting in June and features everything from disco to country.
A visit to Theodore Roosevelt National Park is essential. Medora serves as the entrance to the park, where visitors can see wild bison, badlands, and the winding Little Missouri River. The Painted Canyon Overlook delivers one of the best views of the rugged landscape. The Maah Daah Hey Trail also begins in Medora. The 144-mile route is perfect for exploring the Badlands by foot, bike, or horseback. Medora Uncork’d is the ideal respite after a tiring day. It is a small wine and gift shop with local tastings, gourmet pizzas, and small plates.
Devils Lake
Even in the coldest months, the warmth of Devils Lake shines through. The town’s biggest annual event in February, ShiverFest, brings residents together for ice fishing, snowmobile rides, and a winter golf tournament. The lake itself is also a major attraction. Prominent as the Perch Capital of the World, it draws anglers year-round. In summer, fishing, boating, and birdwatching are popular.
The nearly Devils Lake State Park's Loop is a favorite for hikers and cyclists looking to experience North Dakota’s rolling prairie. Meanwhile, Proz Lakeside at the Cove is the top choice for bar bites with live music.
Grafton
Grafton’s charm comes from its people. The Heritage Village and Jugville Museum are the best places to discover the history. The site features restored buildings, antique farm equipment, and exhibits on pioneer life. In warmer months, the Fair Oaks Golf Course provides a beautiful nine-hole course surrounded by mature trees. The nearby Leistikow Park is the town's biggest and go-to for picnics, RV camping, walking trails, and playgrounds.
Additionally, townsfolk unite every June for SummerFest, a multi-day event filled with parades, live music, food vendors, and family activities. While the visitors get to experience the town's hospitality, the residents catch up.
Beulah
Beulah is a town where neighbors know each other, and visitors feel welcome in the shadow of Bismarck. Dakota Waters Resort allows for boat rentals, cabin stays, fishing, and a relaxed atmosphere for enjoying the outdoors from May to September. In town, the Mercer County Historical Museum displays artifacts from the early settlement days, including mining equipment and photographs.
The Dakota Walleye Classic makes the town a standout destination every July. The event lasts two days, and angling teams compete for top prizes for their catch on Lake Sakakawea. There is also a beer garden, food counters, and live performances for the community to enjoy summer.
Valley City
It is not wrong to call Valley City the “City of Bridges” with its beautiful historic bridges crossing the Sheyenne River. The Hi-Line Railroad Bridge is one of the gems rising 162 feet from the river. Additionally, the town comes alive during Rally in the Valley, an annual summer festival boasting a parade, car show, live music, and a street fair.
Medicine Wheel Park is a peaceful 30-acre spot with Indian burial mounds, walking trails, and a replica of an ancient Native American medicine wheel. The Sheyenne River Valley National Scenic Byway begins in Valley City and covers 63 miles of a picturesque drive through rolling hills, farmland, and wooded areas.
New Salem
New Salem is best known for Salem Sue, the largest Holstein cow statue not just in the United States but the entire world. Standing 38 feet tall on a hill overlooking the town, it symbolizes New Salem’s deep dairy farming roots. Locals are proud of their agricultural heritage and celebrate it every summer during Cow Town Hoe Down, a lively extravaganza with a parade, dancing, live music, and fun activities.
Townspeople frequent Sweet Briar Lake for fishing, kayaking, and camping. There is also an option to go camping in a primitive style at the campground surrounding the lake. Pets are also allowed.
Walhalla
Sitting on the Canadian border is one of North Dakota’s oldest communities, Walhalla. Pembina Gorge State Recreation Area is a stunning over 2,800-acre area with hiking trails, river views, and wildlife. Simultaneously, the Frost Fire Park is a year-round attraction, presenting skiing and snowboarding in winter and mountain biking in summer. The park also hosts a summer theater, bringing live performances to the valley. History is also present at the Kittson Trading Post. Visitors can see the log cabins, interpretive signs, and even the chimney.
The Martin Luther King weekend sees the town hosting the Walhalla’s Annual Snowfest. It is a winter celebration with sledding, snowmobile races, and a chili cook-off. Locals embrace the cold season with enthusiasm, making visitors feel right at home.
North Dakota’s friendliest small towns prove that warmth isn’t just about the weather—it’s about the people, the traditions, and the sense of belonging. Whether it’s Medora’s cowboy spirit, Wahpeton’s small-town hospitality, or Walhalla’s close-knit community, each town welcomes visitors with open arms. Every town on this list offers more than just sights—they offer experiences shaped by the people who live there. From festivals to small cafés, these communities invite visitors to not just pass through but to feel at home. That’s what makes them the friendliest little towns in North Dakota.
