These 8 Towns in North Dakota Have Beautiful Architecture

North Dakota’s architecture can be described as a "prairie mosaic" combining influences from German and Scandinavian cultures with rural homesteads and modern buildings. In one town, visitors will be face to face with Western-era general stores while just a few towns over, replica buildings from Norway are on full display. In between all those buildings and structures, travelers will find ample opportunity for outdoor exploration with popular destinations such as Theodore Roosevelt National Park easily accessible. From history buffs to nature lovers, it is easy to find fun things to do in the Peace Garden State. Let's visit these eight North Dakota towns that have beautiful architecture.

Jamestown

In Jamestown, North Dakota interesting architecture, giant sculptures, and wild buffalo are pretty easy to come by. Among the town’s most interesting attractions is the towering buffalo monument known as Dakota Thunder. Standing 26 feet tall and weighing a whopping 60 tons the concrete creature is the largest buffalo monument in the world and has served as a popular roadside attraction since 1959. Beyond the statue, visitors will find the historic Franklin School with its Classical Revival style and the North American Bison Discovery Center, where they can learn more about the history and importance of this incredible animal. Travelers with a penchant for old brick buildings packed with history will find a handful of places worth exploring including the St. James Basilica — a beautiful American Gothic-style church that was first constructed in the early 1900s. The Stutsman County Courthouse is another architectural highlight in town. The building is notable for being North Dakota's oldest surviving courthouse and it has the preserved pressed tin walls to prove it. Finally, for a taste of 1900s architecture and decor, head to the Stutsman County Memorial Museum.

Devils Lake

Devils Lake, North Dakota boasts some of the best fisheries in the country and is widely known as the "Perch Capital of the World.” However, the town appeals to more than just avid anglers. With beautiful historic buildings like the Locke Building, the Lake Region Heritage Center, and hidden treasures like Grahams Island State Park, Devils Lake has a little something for everyone. Those especially interested in the local architecture can start their trip with a visit to the old U.S. Post Office and Courthouse. Originally built in 1908 this Greek Revival style building now sits on the National Register of Historic Places. Next head to The Sheriff’s House Museum — a fully furnished 1910-era home packed with artifacts and antiques from various families throughout Devils Lakes history.

Valley City

With a nickname like the “City of Bridges,” you just know there will be great architecture to admire in Valley City, North Dakota. In total, the town is home to 13 bridges, and travelers will find eight of them on Valley City’s Historic Bridges Tour. Highlights from that tour include the Hi-Line Railroad Bridge and the beautifully ornate Valley City State University Footbridge. Speaking of VCSU: The campus also features a beautiful green space called Medicine Wheel Park where travelers can find respite during their adventures. For those who love chasing down a good view, a ride on the Sheyenne River Valley National Scenic Byway is a must. Along the route, drivers will pass many attractions including the nearby Fort Ransom State Park where historic buildings, campsites, and hiking trails are all on offer.

Medora

Anyone who enjoys a classic western will adore the aesthetics of Medora, North Dakota. Here, visitors will find a collection of Western False Front architecture and Cowboy relics. For first-time visitors, the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame is a great place to start your journey. Here, history buffs can dive deeper into the “history of the northern plains and North Dakota’s western lifestyle.” Other notable buildings worth visiting in Medora include Chateau de Mores, the Old Town Hall Theater, and the Maltese Cross Cabin which sits inside of the nearby Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

Bottineau

Bottineau, North Dakota is home to a range of appealing attractions including the towering Tommy the Turtle statue, Lake Metigoshe State Park, and the “Old Main” building at Dakota College at Bottineau. Old Main, originally built in 1907/08 is an example of Romanesque Revival-style architecture. For many years the building sat vacant and damaged, earning itself a place on Preservation North Dakota’s endangered list. Today, the building has been fully restored to its former glory and is a beautiful attraction for visitors. While in town, the Botno Theatre and the Bottineau Winter Park are also worth exploring.

Mandan

From historic buildings to lively water parks and plenty of gorgeous outdoor areas, there is something for everyone to enjoy in Mandan, North Dakota. Whether you’re here for the day or a weekend getaway, finding time to explore Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park is a must. Inside the park, visitors will find an interesting range of buildings and structures including reconstructed earth lodges, old Fort Abraham Lincoln, Fort McKeen, various blockhouses, and furnished barracks. Additionally, the park offers lodging and camping sites, hiking and equestrian trails, and various park events. Those traveling with kids in the heat of summer will enjoy spending a few hours at Raging Rivers Waterpark. The North Dakota Railroad Museum is another worthy attraction where travelers can enjoy self-guided tours of the old tracks.

Minot

Minot, North Dakota boasts a strong connection to Scandinavian culture and features a gorgeous Scandinavian Heritage Park where travelers can admire unique architecture, statues, and greenery. Buildings and structures at the park include a full-scale replica Stave Church, a stabbur replica from Norway, tiny windmills, and a 25-foot-tall Swedish Dala Horse, just to name a few. Travelers who plan accordingly can arrive in town during the annual Norsk Høstfest-a four-day Scandinavian cultural event. Miot is also home to the North Dakota State Fair, Magic City Discovery Center, and the Roosevelt Park Zoo. With so many fun attractions, it is no wonder Minot is often called “Magic City.”

Wahpeton

Similar to many North Dakota towns, Wahpeton is easily recognized by its enormous roadside attraction. While other towns boast towering turtles, giant horses, and big buffalos, Wahpeton is home to "Wahpper" the World's Largest Catfish statue. The fiberglass fish comes in at a “wahpping” 40 feet long and 8 feet high. In total, the structure weighs roughly 5,000 pounds. Those interested in seeing the town's buildings and culture can head to the Red Door Gallery for an afternoon of art or visit the Richland County Historical Museum to dive deeper into the past. For fun, the Chahinkapa Zoo and Chahinkapa Park are also worth checking out. Finally, Wahpeton has its own "Old Main" on the campus of North Dakota State College of Science.

From the traditional Scandinavian buildings in Minot to the Western False Front architecture in Medora, North Dakota’s diverse architectural landscape is worth taking a look at. Each building travelers come across in the Peace Garden State offers its own unique look and rich history. So don’t wait! The time to start exploring North Dakota is today, especially now that you're familiar with these eight North Dakota towns that have beautiful architecture.