The Least-Crowded Towns In North Dakota To Catch Fall Foliage
North Dakota is a Northern US state known for its rich cultural tapestry, historic heritage, and diverse natural landscapes. And, come autumn, the state’s most picturesque small towns set the stage for brilliant fall colors and festive activities. From breathtaking state parks to scenic byways; and pristine waterways to forested vistas, these are the least-crowded towns in North Dakota to catch fall foliage.
Mandan
Mandan is a bustling community on North Dakota’s eastern border. Though it is the state’s eighth most populous city, Mandan still has a small-town charm that resonates with visitors looking for the perfect autumn getaway. Boasting beautiful backdrops, festive events, and seasonal activities, the town “Where the West Begins” is the place to be come fall.
One of the best ways to enjoy the area’s best and brightest foliage is by visiting Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park. Explore the surrounding hills overlooking the Missouri River on one of the park’s scenic multi-use trails like the Little Soldier Loop Trail and the Mato-Tope Trail—all enchanting expeditions for aspiring leaf-peepers. To explore more vivid backdrops throughout the surrounding area, visit nearby destinations like Fort Rice Campground and Recreation Area, Graner Park, and Harmon Lake Recreation Area, or take a scenic drive on the Old Red Ten Scenic Byway connecting Mandan and Dickinson.
Mandan is home to many popular events throughout autumn—the perfect accompaniments to peak fall foliage from early to mid-October. Late September fall-themed activities include Oktoberfest at the Dacotah Speedway, while October brings the weekly Mandan Market Nights and Mandan Farmer’s Market. Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park also hosts its Haunted Fort event every weekend.
Mandan’s proximity to Bismarck also makes it easy to explore the state capital (and its peak foliage) while visiting the area. Popular fall destinations throughout Bismarck include the State Capitol, including its Arboretum Trail and Observation Deck, Papa’s Pumpkin Patch, the Dakota Zoo, and the tree-lined, multi-colored backdrops along the Missouri River.
Devils Lake
Located in Northeast North Dakota, Devils Lake is known for its spectacular natural beauty and world-class outdoor recreation. Named for North Dakota’s largest natural body of water, Devils Lake—and its abundance of tree-laden landscapes—offers the perfect fall palette for soaking up the brightest hues during peak foliage season in mid to late October.
Nicknamed the “Perch Capital of the World,” Devils Lake is known for its outstanding year-round fishing. However, the lake’s hundreds of miles of shoreline come alive with vibrant colors throughout autumn, providing a beautiful backdrop for hiking and wildlife watching. Hunting is also a popular fall pastime when thousands of waterfowl migrate throughout the region. Visitors can also indulge in leaf-peeping at the White Horse Hill National Game Preserve, home to some of the lake’s best scenic overlooks, hiking trails, and a four-mile auto tour open through mid-October. Grahams Island State Park is another popular Devils Lake locale for viewing some of the region’s most vivid autumn foliage on trails like the Sivert Thompson Loop and the North Campground Loop.
Another wonderful way to enjoy Devils Lake’s fall foliage is with a scenic drive on the Devils Lake Loop. Highway 57 is another drive known for its breathtaking natural beauty. En route to White Horse Hill National Game Preserve, Highway 57 also leads to the nearby Fort Totten Historic Site. A notable cultural attraction featuring lovely grounds dotted with historic buildings., Fort Totten also hosts an annual PumpkinFest.
Valley City
Valley City is a Southeastern North Dakota town situated in the state’s picture-perfect Sheyenne River Valley. Nicknamed the “City of Bridges,” Valley City’s most historic structures can be seen via its Bridges Tour. Surrounded by the area’s most dazzling scenery and attractions, the tour—featuring 13 local bridges— also showcases Valley City’s breathtakingly beautiful fall foliage, expected to peak around mid-October.
The Sheyenne River Valley is famed as one of the prettiest river valleys in the area. Waterways like the Sheyenne River and Lake Ashtabula offer outdoor recreation and are surrounded by forested backdrops boasting autumn’s boldest hues. Lake Ashtabula is also a popular spot for viewing the region’s fall wildfowl migration and hiking on the local segment of the North County Trail. Chautauqua Park is also home to some of Valley City’s best views (including the Hi-Line Bridge) and hosts the town’s fall Parktober Festival.
Another way to enjoy Valley City’s best fall foliage is with a scenic road trip through the surrounding countryside on the Sheyenne River Valley National Scenic Byway. Beginning just north of Valley City, the over 63-mile route—North Dakota's first nationally recognized scenic byway—takes visitors on a stunning journey through diverse landscapes that come awash with color in the fall. The byway also hosts many attractions ideal for local leaf-peeping, including Clausen Springs, Medicine Wheel Park, and Fort Ransom State Park.
Medora
Medora is a “little town with a big story” in Southwest North Dakota. Boasting just over 100 residents, Medora makes up for its size with a rich heritage, bustling local attractions, and spectacular natural beauty tailor-made for celebrating autumn. October events like the Wild West Fall Fest and Old Town Theater’s “Ring of Fire, The Music of Johnny Cash” are also great ways to enjoy Medora’s fall season.
Medora’s location near Theodore Roosevelt National Park’s South Unit offers many seasonal activities, including leaf-peeping during peak foliage season beginning in mid-October. Hiking is one of the best ways to experience the region’s most vivid colors and unparalleled panoramic views. Popular trails include Wind Canyon Trail’s breathtaking Little Missouri River vistas, Buck Hill, the park’s highest accessible viewpoint, and Boicourt Overlook Trail, known for its iconic sunsets. More popular park activities include camping, wildlife watching, and exploring the South Unit’s scenic loop drive featuring trailheads, overlooks, and some of the park’s best scenery. Additionally, hiking, biking, and horseback riding on The Maah Daah Hey Trail is a wonderful way to explore the region’s brightest autumn foliage set amid its most diverse natural landscapes.
Walhalla
Walhalla is a lovely Northeast North Dakota town in the “Heart of the Rendezvous Region.” One of the state’s oldest settlements, Walhalla is known for its rich history, culture, and heritage. However, throughout the fall, its natural beauty takes the spotlight—with destinations like Pembina Gorge State Recreation Area becoming multi-colored backdrops for outdoor activities, leaf-peeping opportunities, and annual events like the Giant Pumpkinfest.
Pembina Gorge State Recreation Area’s diverse landscapes include the largest continuous, undisturbed forest in North Dakota, making it one of the state’s most breathtakingly beautiful autumn destinations. When not indulging in peak season leaf-peeping in mid-October, soak up the colorful vistas on 30 miles of multi-use trails popular for hiking, horseback riding, and off-highway vehicles (OHV). For even more spectacular views, visit Pembina Gorge’s Frost Fire Park, home to fall events like scenic lift rides, Oktoberfest, and a Halloween Bash.
While Pembina Gorge State Recreation Area may be home to some of Walhalla’s best fall foliage, the lovely small town also hosts its share of off-the-beaten-track autumn retreats. For the region’s least-crowded leaf-spotting opportunities, visit the nature trails and picture-perfect overlook at Tetrault Woods State Forest or the nearly 1,200-feet above-sea-level Masonic Scenic Overlook, home to jaw-dropping views of the Pembina River and Gorge. Walhalla is also home to the Rendezvous Region Scenic Backway, one of North Dakota's most scenic road trips.
New Salem
New Salem is a beautiful small town in Morton County, North Dakota. Part of the Bismarck Metropolitan Area, it is just 30 miles from the state capital; however, its sprawling farmlands and tranquil, cozy atmosphere seem worlds away.
Though New Salem is a picture-perfect rural community, its rolling plains may not seem ideal for fall leaf-peeping. However, when New Salem reaches peak foliage season in mid-October, the region’s prairies and wooded, tree-dotted landscapes become awash with bright yellows, vivid reds, and burnt oranges. Visit spots like Gaebe Pond and the Custer Trail Museum to explore New Salem's brightest backdrops. New Salem is also a stop on the Old Red Old Ten Scenic Byway, a countryside route including the nearby towns Mandan, Hebron, and Ricardton. While in Richardton, visit the Schnell Recreation Area for even more unforgettable autumn views.
Though one of the least-crowded towns in North Dakota to catch fall foliage, New Salem shines with its pretty scenery and cozy hometown atmosphere. To take advantage of the season's best foliage, tour the surrounding landscape, visit popular attractions like "Salem Sue," and spend a long fall weekend at the Metropolitan Hotel.
Bottineau
Bottineau is a small North Dakota community near the US-Canadian border. Bottineau’s Turtle Mountains locale lends Bottineau a stellar reputation for year-round recreation and dramatic mountain scenery—and also provides the area with a color-saturated backdrop for legendary leaf-peeping and fall activities.
Bottineau is close to many stunning attractions where visitors can celebrate autumn. With fall foliage reaching its peak in early October, local spots like the Turtle River Recreation Area and Lake Metigoshe State Park provide multi-use trails ideal for scoping the season’s brightest colors. Hommen State Forest—less than 30 minutes from Bottineau—is another lovely local place for basking in Bottineau’s pristine autumn splendor.
Bottineau also offers access to many scenic drives and is a great base camp for exploring the surrounding Turtle Mountains. Popular routes and destinations include The Turtle Mountain Scenic Byway, a 53-mile drive featuring landmarks like Coghlan Castle and the International Peace Garden, and Turtle River State Park, a popular spot for camping, picnicking, and miles of multi-use trails ideal for viewing fall foliage, including the Raven Ravine, River View Trail, Keystone Bridge, and the Timber Loop. The park also hosts a Fall Luminary Walk in October.
Enjoy North Dakota's Peak Fall Foliage
North Dakota may be known for its rolling prairies and vast farmland communities—however, the Peace Garden State is home to plenty of wooded landscapes, too. And, starting in mid-September and throughout October, these forested areas come alive with blazing fall colors that provide an idyllic backdrop to North Dakota’s coziest communities. Perfect for viewing the state’s best and brightest hues, these least-crowded North Dakota towns to catch fall foliage host an abundance of autumn attractions: from picture-perfect state parks and historic sites to scenic byways and panoramic overlooks, North Dakota is full of iconic autumn destinations.
