These 10 Towns In North Dakota Were Ranked Among US Favorites In 2024

If your idea of adventure involves rafting serene lakes, exploring rugged badlands, or soaking up beautiful views of wind-swept prairies, North Dakota is beckoning. You will enjoy magical sunsets and sunrises, and uncrowded streets, all with a palpable feel of the Wild West. You will find sleepy, charming towns — and those that are bright and vibrant. From mellow Medora, which provides access to Theodore Roosevelt National Park, to quirky Rugby, which claims to be the geographic center of North America, discover 10 towns in North Dakota ranked among US favorites in 2024.

Medora

Medora is a cute, dainty town known to feature a mix of history and natural beauty. You will hear tales of hardy ranchers, well-heeled entrepreneurs, and an adventurous, flamboyant man, who would go on to become the youngest president in the history of the United States. The Little Missouri River meanders through the town, gifting the landscape an ambiance of rustic charm and allure.

For those who love touring historic homes, Chateau de Mores State often strikes visitors as a miniature version of the Wild West, albeit with a touch of opulence. Spend some time at the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame before heading over to the cream of the crop: the Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

Garrison

A first-time visit to Garrison often feels like a sweet discovery. Fort Stevenson State Park is clean and quiet (think of camping) — and features views that will effortlessly take one’s breath away. It has a swim beach, two marinas, all with boat ramp access, and a small, informative museum. This town is an angler’s paradise, and speaking to that: Garrison is often called the “Walleye Capital” of North Dakota.

Start your adventure at the Four Seasons Restaurant & Ice Cream Parlor on Main Street, especially if you have a thing for homemade soups, onion rings, or freshly made hash browns. Looking to down a bottle of cold beer and mingle with locals? Hometown Tavern & Bottle Shop is what you have in mind.

Minot

The "Magic City," as Minot is known, is tucked away in North Dakota close to the US-Canada border. It plays host to North Dakota’s largest event: the North Dakota State Fair. This carnival enlivens the town every year in July and features thrilling rides, toe-tapping country music, and top-notch family fun.

Explore the Minot University campus, whose history goes back more than a century. You will find two art galleries, beautiful buildings, and a nice, laid-back environment. There is the Dakota Territory Air Museum as well, which houses aviation-related memorabilia along with historic military aircraft. Plus, Scandinavian Heritage Park is lovely and nicely laid out, and should be part of one’s itinerary.

Valley City

From exploring segments of the North Country National Scenic Trail, where nature rolls around in blazing beauty to popping inside small, charming boutiques and shops — Valley City is the quintessential destination for pleasure and play. It is peacefully nestled along the meandering bends of the Sheyenne River, unique for being the longest river located entirely within North Dakota. Valley City has been called the City of Bridges, and the eight bridges within its precincts speak to this fact.

If one has to visit one bridge, it will have to be the iconic Hi-Line Railroad Bridge, once the longest bridge of its kind in the world. Alternatively, the VCSU Footbridge, whose history goes back more than 120 years, is also special for being the only suspension bridge in North Dakota.

Jud

Jud was named after Republican Judson LaMoure, who has three towns in LaMoure County, including the county named after him. Eye-catching murals, some depicting cartoon characters, others patriotic scenes, dot Jud’s beautiful inner core, giving it an artsy feel and look. At the post office, a larger-than-life postage stamp adorns the side. No wonder Jud is called the City of Murals. There is no other town quite like it. Dagen's Grocery was built when Theodore Roosevelt was president of the United States, and it is among the oldest stores in North Dakota.

Jamestown

If at a loss as to what makes Jamestown a US favorite, it may be because you have never heard — much less visited — the North American Bison Discovery Center or stood in awe of the World's Largest Buffalo. Jamestown is small but vibrant and boasts a population of about 15,000 residents. One can enjoy tidbits of the area's culture at the Stutsman County Memorial Museum or relive the region’s military history at the Fort Seward Military Post, an active military fort from 1872 to 1877. William Seward negotiated the purchase of Alaska from the Russians, and this fort is named for him.

History is a huge attraction here, with spots such as the Frontier Village providing a glimpse into the world of the prairie pioneers. For something slightly different, check out the North Dakota Sports Hall of Fame, located within the Jamestown Civic Center.

Walhalla

Walhalla is a picture-perfect community that reclines along the end of the Pembina River in the northeastern part of North Dakota. Outdoor enthusiasts will love the fact Walhalla is in the Rendezvous Region, a 120-mile corridor, where moose and elk herds roam — and fields of brilliant sunflowers brighten the landscape. The jaw-dropping Pembina Gorge, just west of Walhalla, is one of North Dakota’s largest woodlands. Set the ball rolling at The Cure, known for its flavorful sandwiches and expertly made Lavazza Espresso. You will find delicious morsels of history at the Gingras Trading Post State Historic Site and fantastic shows at the centrally located Walla Theater.

If you want to take in dramatic views of the area while cruising along a scenic road, hit up the Rendezvous Region Scenic Backway. Just know you will be tempted to pull over after almost every mile, especially to soak up yummy views of the surrounding scenery.

New Salem

There is nowhere in the world — other than in New Salem — where you can find a cow 38 feet high and 50 feet long. The World's Largest Holstein Cow has been New Salem's defining attraction for about 50 years. It speaks to one thing: the town's dairy farming tradition and culture. Go to the Custer Trail Museum, a nostalgic space that features a replica barn, a 1910 house, farm machinery, and a blacksmith shop.

Also, there is the Red Trail Links Golf Course. Good greens. Splendid views. The most exciting part? You do not have to make a reservation. Just show up, and enjoy an afternoon round of golf. The secret is to start the day with a chocolate-covered strawberry latte (with almond milk) at Udderly Caffeinated, right on Main Street.

Grafton

Grafton is in the heart of the picturesque Red River Valley. It is slow and small, hence, provides a more authentic vacation experience. Park River, regarded as one of the most crooked in the world, flows through the town. Bring your stick and puck to the Schumacher Park’s Hill Avenue Outdoor Ice Rink, and let the afternoon roll away. Alternatively, a visit to Leistikow Park, with its 18-hole Frisbee golf, may just be what will put a sparkle in your eyes.

Start with some maple-iced latte at the Cabin Road Coffee House before heading to the nearby Icelandic State Park, one of the most idyllic camping spots in North Dakota. Elmwood House is another much sought-after landmark. Expect to be serenaded by the allure of a well-preserved historic house and lofty elm trees.

Rugby

It does not matter if you take it with a pinch of salt, but Rugby, a sleepy haven seated in north-central North Dakota, has often claimed to be the geographic center of North America. There are unique attractions to explore here, even as you allow professional geographers to settle the issues around Rugby’s centrality.

One can check out the monument that celebrates the town’s centrality, linger at the Prairie Village and Museum, admiring the antique cars and thousands of other artifacts in a chic, old-timey environment, or marvel at dresses depicting 1870s fashion at the underappreciated Victorian Dress Museum. Stop in for a gluten-free lunch (or an ice cream) at Rockin Relics, an old-school spot that has been indulging taste buds since 2006.

Fargo is big and beautiful, but it is not the only travel-worthy town in North Dakota. Dotting the open fields and endless prairies of North Dakota, is a cornucopia of several small towns, from Medora to Rugby. Some are loved for their nostalgic, old-timey ambiance — others for their beautiful parks and green spaces.