9 Most Memorable Small Towns in North Dakota

As part of the Great Plains region, North Dakota is characterized by broad prairies, steppe, temperate savanna, badlands, and farmlands. This terrain gives this state an edge, as it is home to fine dining and wineries, as well as a hotspot for outdoor adventurers. 

The state is always bursting with life all year, from skiing down the mountains in winter to hiking up the mountains in summer. The skies are lit up by natural light, from the Northern lights to the stars shining bright from the Milky Way. 

What's there not to love about this midwestern state? Make long-lasting memories here. Get your travel bags ready as you journey to these memorable small towns in North Dakota for a life-changing experience.

Williston

A town in North Dakota worth visiting is Williston. This city sits close to the confluence of the Yellowstone and Missouri Rivers. There are so many things to do in this oil-producing town that will leave you telling tales years after your adventure. 

Enjoy unique exhibits at the James Memorial Art Center. Visit the Fort Buford, a historic landmark that served as the United States Army Post. It was also the location of the Sitting Bull’s surrender in 1881. Another significant area to look out for is the Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site, a partial reconstruction of one of upper Missouri's most important fur trading posts between 1829 and 1867. 

Go fishing on the largest man-made lake in North Dakota. Williston sits at the upper end of Lake Sakakawea, giving visitors and locals easy access to an unforgettable water experience. 

Dickinson

The beautiful city of Dickinson has become one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States since the North Dakota Oil Boom. Beyond oil production, this town is a hub of activities from adrenaline-stimulating activities to a downtown area brought to life by the endless outdoor summer events and street fairs. 

This town is considered a gateway to the Theodore Roosevelt National Park, a brief stop in this area is worth every penny. Go back in time to when dinosaurs roamed the earth with a visit to the Badlands Dinosaur Museum. It is a part of the Dickinson Museum Center. This museum houses dinosaur skeletons, skulls, and other fossils. Don’t forget to take pictures with the complete Triceratops skull. Explore other areas of the Dickinson Museum Center, like the Joachim Regional Museum, Prairie Outpost Park, and the Pioneer Machinery Hall. Crown the day’s fun-filled activities with a taste of some of the finest wines from the wineries in town.

Mandan

Mandan was founded on the West side of the Upper Missouri River; it was named after the Mandan people. The Mandan people were a Native American tribe; learn more about these people and their way of life at the On-A-Slant Indian Village, a four-hundred-year-old village. On the site, you will see five reconstructed earth lodges.  

The Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park is an important stop in Mandan. Experience what it was like being a frontier soldier on a tour around General George Custer's last home, central barracks, granary, commissary, and stable. For relaxation and recreation, go biking, swimming, and hiking at Harmon Lake.

Jamestown

This town might pass off as just another college town, but there is more to it than meets the eye. Jamestown is a town filled with adventure and inspiration, a perfect destination for creatives looking to rediscover themselves. A walk along the Louis L’Amour Walking Tour takes you to the places in town where the legendary writer Louis L’Amour got the inspiration for his novel.

The town is home to the Jamestown Reservoir, a 12-mile-long artificial lake. Have fun running on the sandy-white shore, fishing, and swimming, or you could sit back and enjoy the cool lake breeze. The major highlight in Jamestown is the statue of the largest buffalo in the world. If you love this, you should visit the National Buffalo Museum to learn more about the North American Bison.

Wahpeton

Beyond being home to the North Dakota State College of Science, it is the starting point of the Red River of the North. Wahpeton is a town worth visiting if you want to create unforgettable memories. 

Start exploring this town from the Prairie Rose Carousel, a 1926 restored Spillman Carousel. There are only three operating in the United States. Ride on these handcrafted horses and create long-lasting memories. Your tour is not over; don’t leave without saying ‘Hello’ to the Wahpper, the largest catfish in the world.

If you are with kids, visit Chahinkapa Park for a fantastic time picnicking, swimming, and relaxing. You can also camp on the park grounds for an adventurous night.

Devils Lake

This North Dakota town is named after a nearby lake that has been able to snag a spot on the FishingBooker list of  “Top 10 Best US Ice-fishing Destinations in 2024.” If you love fishing, pack your bags and fishing tools and hop on the next flight to Devils Lake.

Before embarking on a fishing spree, engage in activities to get your adrenaline pumping. Visit the White Horse Hill National Game Preserve to watch the different species of birds flying around; if you’re lucky, you might see a bison or two. Take long hikes along the hiking trails to enjoy the tranquillity of nature; don’t forget to take pictures to serve as a reminder of your time here. 

Grahams Island State Park is located on Devils Lake, so with your fishing gear and baits from the bait shops on the park, you’re sure to catch some Walleye for dinner. 

Valley City

Yet another college town in North Dakota with more unique adventure than meets the eye. Valley City was named after its location in the valley of the Sheyenne River and is popularly known as the “City of Bridges” because of its array of unique bridges over the Sheyenne River.

Start your historic tour of the bridges from the Rosebud Visitor Center. The most famous bridge on this tour is the Hi-Line Bridge, one of the longest and highest single-track railroad bridges in the United States. This bridge played an important role during the World War. 

The next stop is the Medicine Wheel Park. The park is home to a replica of a Native American Solar Calendar, a Solar system model, Indian burial mounds, and walking trails. Head North to Lake Ashtabula for some fishing or kayaking action.

One memorable thing to do in Valley City is grab a cup of coffee from The Vault, an unmanned self-serve coffee shop. Don’t forget to get memorabilia from the gift section. 

Beulah

Ever wondered what it took to keep the lights on? Then, a visit to Beulah should set you on the right path to discovering the secret behind your power supply. This small town is embedded in what is often referred to as the Powerbelt region of North Dakota. 

Learn about the history of Mercer County and the early settlements of the Norwegian, Swedish, Irish, and Germans from Russia at the Mercer County Historical Society Museum. Moving from history, take a walk in the wild and visit the Pfennig Wildlife Museum. The museum has the most extensive collection of wildlife in North Dakota, with over 175 mounted species. 

Relax and have fun at the Beulah Bay Campground, located on the south shore of Lake Sakakawea. Engage in varying water activities, from swimming to fishing.

Watford City

Steeped in history and culture is the beautiful town of Watford City, in the middle of Western North Dakota. This town’s terrain makes it a dream destination for outdoor adventurers. 

Start your adventure at the Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Fifteen miles South of Watford City is the North Unit of the park. Put on your hiking boots or rent a mountain bike and explore the rugged area, watching varying wildlife species like bison, elks, whitetail deer, and golden eagles go about their day. 

Loved Theodore Roosevelt National Park? Then, you will enjoy the Maah Daah Hey Trail. This 144-mile-long trail connects the North and South Units of the Theodore Roosevelt National Park. The trail got its name from the Mandan Tribes, and the name means “a land that will be around for a long time.” 

Why North Dakota Should Be Your Next Destination

North Dakota should be at the top of your travel bucket list. Why? From the scenic drive through Old Red Old Ten Scenic Byway, an alternative interstate route to the Northern lights dancing in the night sky. All these and more make for fun and long-lasting memories.

This list will set you on the right path. Pack your bags and get on the next flight heading to North Dakota for a life-changing experience.