This Is North Dakota's Quirkiest Little Town
Officially earning the title of “Christmas Capital of North Dakota,” Garrison is perhaps best known for its annual Dickens Village Festival, held at the end of each year. But Garrison’s quirkiness does not stop there. This small town has unusual happenings all year long. Established in the early 20th century, it is remarkable how much Garrison has organized and how many businesses have emerged in just over a century. Just a few of the attractions worth checking out include a 1950s-style ice cream parlor, a maple syrup festival in Fort Stevenson State Park, and a towering 15-foot golfer statue. If you enjoy exploring the quirkiest corners of North Dakota, Garrison will certainly be a memorable stop.
Dickens Village Festival
More than 30 years ago, resident Pat Koenig had the idea of hosting a production of A Christmas Carol. Teaming up with fellow resident Jude Iverson, Koenig and Iverson conceptualized a three-weekend Dickens-themed festival. Inspired by the stories of Charles Dickens, the town now transforms into a Victorian-style village during the event. The festival was originally created to unite residents and merchants, fostering a tighter-knit community. Since its original founding, it has grown to become one of the most beloved winter traditions in the state! In fact, families from across North Dakota, southern Canada, and eastern Montana flock to Garrison each year for the festival. Beginning the week of Thanksgiving, the festival runs for three consecutive weekends from November through December.
Despite its growth, many elements of its original vision remain intact. There are all kinds of activities to enjoy during the festival, including a fruitcake toss, Piccadilly Square Craft Vendor Show, street carolers, a lighted parade on Main Street, and, of course, a theater production of A Christmas Carol. During the festival, make sure to enjoy a festive carriage ride or hop aboard the English double-decker bus that will take festival attendees around town. There are numerous live entertainers throughout, including talented vocalists, tribute artists, and comedians. Costumed actors also roam the streets, contributing to the Victorian atmosphere!
Fort Stevenson State Park
Fort Stevenson State Park is named after a 19th-century frontier fort that once stood along the northern banks of the Missouri River. The original site is now submerged underwater about two miles southwest of the state park. Upon visiting the park, travelers will have access to a swim beach, full-service marina, sleeping cabins, modern campground, nature trails, arboretum, and prairie dog town. There are various ecosystems to explore, including mixed grass prairie, green ash woodlands, and Juneberry thickets, resulting in a wide diversity of wildlife. Two rare species are found here: The black-tailed prairie dog and the piping plover, along with bird species like woodpeckers, finches, and chickadees.
Travelers hoping to hike will find over 10 miles of nature trails that wind through landscapes like wooded ravines, shrublands, grasslands, and ponderosa pine woodlands. In the winter months, the park maintains trails for cross-country skiing, kick sledding, and fat tire biking. The park also offers rentals for those who need winter equipment.
Special Events at Fort Stevenson State Park
Throughout the year, Fort Stevenson has an interesting calendar of special events. Some of the upcoming events include a Maple Sugaring Day on April 13, in which attendees will learn how to tap trees, collect the sap, and convert it into a tasty maple syrup. Travelers will also be able to learn about syrup making’s history and see the traditional tools that syrup makers use. On May 24th, meanwhile, the park will host Sky Fest over Fort Stevenson, a three-day festival that encourages attendees to fly their own kites or watch professional flyers launch some of the largest kites ever made. A kite-making station will also be available for anyone who wants to create their own!
Other Outdoor Activities
Whether or not you are a golfer, make sure to stop by the Garrison Golf Course for a picture with Big Gene, a 15-foot metal statue of a golfer about to swing. If you do golf, you’ll love the 9-hole, par 36 course that awaits in the club. Gene’s Bar & Grill is a great place to grab lunch after a round of golf, offering classic American dishes like burgers, sandwiches, wraps, and pizzas.
About a 15-minute drive from Garrison, travelers can also reach the Audubon National Wildlife Refuge, a 14,735-acre refuge that features wetlands, grasslands, and prairies. The wildlife in this refuge is abundant, including 246 bird species, 37 fish species, 34 mammal species, five reptile species, and four amphibian species. One of the easiest trails to embark on is the Prairie Nature Trail, which stretches for one mile and winds along the area’s grasslands and wetlands.
Shopping
During their visit to Garrison, visitors must set aside an afternoon to explore Main Street’s quirky shops. For a blast to the past, travelers should stop by Ye Olde Malt Shoppe. This 1950s-style restaurant offers more than 18 flavors of hard ice cream, along with classic malt shoppe sandwiches, burgers, and American-style breakfast dishes. For a souvenir, visit some of the nearby boutiques, such as This, That, N More, which sells home decor, jewelry, toys, giftware, and quilting fabric. Located nearby on Central Avenue, The Teal Door is another wonderful shop to explore, featuring a variety of artisan-made products, including coffee, spices, candy, fudge, seasonal decor, and home decor.
While Garrison is perhaps most filled with spirit during the annual Dickens Village Festival, there is plenty more to explore throughout the year. Local boutiques offering artisan-made goods, thriving national wildlife refuges, and vibrant kite festivals all contribute to the town’s proud and eccentric spirit. In a world where many travelers gravitate toward larger cities, Garrison serves as a perfect reminder that small towns can be just as full of surprises.
