These 6 Towns In North Dakota Have Bustling Main Streets
Looking for small-town charm that’s never boring? These small North Dakota towns are a peaceful retreat from the larger cities without losing the amenities of home. Pack your cowboy hat and blend in with the locals in Medora's Main Street, or leave planet Earth and lay under the stars at Valley City State University Planetarium! Or maybe you just want to snag a photo of the world’s largest buffalo statue in Jamestown! No matter what strikes your fancy, these small-town main streets have a little something for everyone. Pack your bag (and a comfy pair of walking shoes) and see what North Dakota has in store.
Jamestown
Come for the World’s Largest Buffalo Monument, and stay for the vibrant downtown district! While Jamestown (aka Buffalo City) is famous for its giant buffalo statue, it’s the close-knit community and local attractions that make it truly special. First Avenue is where you’ll find all the action, like Nita’s Attic and Babb’s Coffee House. Admire the majestic 19th-century buildings peppered throughout, like the Stutsman County Courthouse, or take a break along the James River at McElroy Park.
Jamestown is also a bustling arts town, with brightly colored murals detailing the area's history. Stop by The Arts Center off Second Street, which hosts local theater productions, art exhibits, and live music. It comes alive during community events, such as the Manhattan Shorts Film Festival held every October. With a close community and notable attractions, Jamestown is a great place for the whole family.
Wahpeton
Located on the border of North Dakota and Minnesota is the charming city of Wahpeton. While it’s famous for “Wahpper", the world's largest catfish statue, the city is ripe for adventures. Take the entire family to the Chahinkapa Zoo to explore wildlife exhibits along the Red River. The animals may take center stage, but the biggest attraction at the Chahinkapa Zoo is the iconic Prairie Rose Carousel, which was built in 1926.
Outside of the zoo, downtown has plenty of attractions worth exploring. The Richland County Historical Museum displays Rosemeade pottery, Native American artifacts, and historical displays detailing the early days of one of North Dakota’s earliest settlements. The well-kept streets of Wahpeton are often uncrowded, making it easy to walk from shop to shop or maybe catch a bite to eat at delicious restaurants like the Boiler Room. No matter what time of year you find yourself in Wahpeton, you’re bound to have a great time!
Valley City
Strolling through the streets of Valley City is a real treat! Known as the City of Bridges, there’s no shortage of breathtaking views of the Sheyenne River. The most famous attraction in Valley City is the Highline Bridge, which is the highest and longest single-track railroad bridge in the country. But before you make the trek down the bridge, make sure to stop at the Rosebud Visitor Center to learn a little more about Valley City’s early days. Another great stop to learn about the area is the North Dakota Agriculture Hall of Fame, which holds events throughout the year.
Many of the restored 20th-century buildings in the area deliver a vintage feel as you travel the well-maintained sidewalks of the Main Street. Stop in locally-owned shops and antique stores like Unique Antiques or Catwalk Boutique for treasures to take back home. Or, leave the city and travel to outer space at the Valley City State University Planetarium! With so much to see and do, Valley City is one of North Dakota’s best-kept secrets.
Beulah
Beulah touts itself as a place with “small town appeal and big city looks”. Far removed from the lights of a major metropolis, Beulah delivers peace and relaxation without traveling too far from modern amenities. While the downtown area may be small and quaint, it’s brimming with quirky shops like the Then & Now Candy Store and Hidden Treasure Boutique. And for an afternoon of fun in the sun, the Beulah Water Park is a popular spot among the locals in the summer!
The most appealing aspect of Beulah is its tight-knit community. Riverside Park, situated on the south end, holds annual festivals like the Beulah Fall Festival and the summer concert series. To learn a little more about the rich coal and agricultural history of Beulah, be sure to stop by the Mercer County Historical Museum! Beulah may be small, but the best surprises often come in small packages.
Medora
The downtown district of Medora is not your typical North Dakota town. Its Main Street blends Old West ambiance and wooden sidewalks that evoke the nostalgia of an old frontier village. In the 1800s, Theodore Roosevelt spent time ranching in Medora, and many relics of his stay still exist today. To pay homage to the former president, Medora hosts a Teddy Roosevelt Show held every summer, which is a very popular tourist attraction! If you love history, be sure to explore the nearby Chateau de Mores.
While the rustic frontier village is brimming with saloon-style restaurants and general stores, there’s so much more to see in Medora. The Burning Hills Amphitheatre hosts the Medora Musical every summer, paying tribute to the area’s Western heritage. And if you want to get into the Old West Spirit, stay for dinner at the Pitchfork Steak Fondue. To learn more about Medora's roots, there is no better spot than the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame on Main Street. If you want to kick back and get a taste of the cowboy life (with all the amenities of home!) Medora is a must-see.
Washburn
Nestled on the banks of the Missouri River is the delightful hamlet of Washburn. The strong community spirit, deep history, and unique attractions make it truly delightful. Fun fact: Lewis and Clark made a stop in Washburn (at Fort Mandan) as they traveled west. Learn more about their visit to Washburn at the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center on the Missouri River. Or, visit Main Avenue to learn more about Washburn's early days at the McLean County Museum.
The great thing about Washburn is that much of its history is still intact while walking the uncrowded streets downtown. Grab a bite to eat at Cafe 77, and admire the blend of rustic 20th-century architecture with more modern buildings. With wide streets, manicured sidewalks, and plenty of local shopping, it’s easy to lose yourself in the unfussed vibes on Washburn.
Excitement Awaits In North Dakota
One thing is for certain: North Dakota’s towns have unique personalities! Travel the rustic wooden sidewalks of Medora, or take in the city view along the Red River in Wahpeton. Visitors can travel the path of Lewis and Clark in Washburn, or walk the Highline Bridge in Valley City. These charming neighborhoods are the perfect spot to engage with friendly locals and experience the heartbeat of small-town America. While they may be small, they are some of the most vibrant, bustling main streets in the Roughrider State!
