North Dakota, often referred to as the Flickertail State (after the renowned Richardson squirrels), is a place of charming little towns encircled by expansive wilderness, picturesque lakes, towering hills, and, surprise surprise, the most charming and unusual little towns one has ever laid eyes upon. The state’s natural setting ensures that visitors never get bored, so in honor of that, we’re going to explore the seven downtowns in North Dakota that are the liveliest.
Jamestown
Jamestown, where the famous author Louis L’Amour was born, is a historic town that loves its heritage and has plenty of unique things to see and do. First of all, the 26-foot-tall and approximately 60-ton world’s largest buffalo monument (now a historic site) is a popular destination for sightseers. Fort Seward provides a more scenic and worthwhile experience by revealing the history of the area as well as a view of the open sky, long grass prairies, and the land itself.
However, how does its downtown fare? Jamestown is unusual in that it has a distinctive downtown, with Frontier Village being one part of it. Offering pony rides, a small-town shopping experience, and more, it is a charming little town that has managed to capture the essence of the 19th century.
Dickinson
Dickinson is a bustling big town with museums, schools, and the world-famous American plains. It offers a strange but delightful mix of activities and amusement. It would resemble the Dickinson Badlands Dinosaur Museum in many ways, including its abundance of fascinating exhibits, field reports, and fossils. However, the Ukrainian Cultural Institute, located in the middle of the city’s bustling center, caught everyone off guard.
The institute is more of a museum than an actual restaurant; visitors can enjoy traditional Ukrainian cuisine after seeing a sizable structure brimming with musical instruments, costumes, and other cultural relics, all while mingling with welcoming Ukrainians. Along with a little library, the institute provides knowledge through friendly faces, food, and history.
Wahpeton
Wahpeton offers a unique experience in comparison to other towns in the state. It has all the latest conveniences and successfully implements them. The downtown area is vibrant and full of life, and right in the middle of this relatively tiny plot of land sits the Chahinkapa Zoo. This zoo is well-known for its seasonal activities, which it hosts, and its extensive animal collection, which includes approximately 200 animals representing 70 species. Guests also have the option to sponsor any animal that catches their eye. This breathtaking show, which is arguably Wahpeton’s greatest asset, is always looking to spice up the activities held on its grounds.
Wahpeton is home to a humorous sculpture, adding to the fascination of large, serious, and unique works of art. The biggest catfish in the world, Wahpper, is here. The fisherman’s dream, Wahpper, with his 40 feet and 50,000 pounds, is well-known and well-respected. As a native of Wahpeton, he now serves as a landmark for passing motorists and adds his stature to that of another North Dakota town’s iconic landmarks.
Medora
Medora seems like something out of the Wild West; the town seems to have been plucked from antiquity. Medora exudes an air of rugged, western allure; the town is devoid of skyscrapers, its roads are ancient, and most significantly, one needs a rustic and hardy attitude to partake in any activity. Downtown hotels like the Rough Rider Hotel (which also asserts an Old West theme) and the appropriately named North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame are just two examples of how this little town manages to accommodate a lot.
The Teddy Roosevelt Show, however, is an attraction in its practically picture-perfect downtown that must be mentioned. On a regular basis, Joe Wiegand—the top interpreter, historian, and impersonator—hosts private parties and brunches while dressed as a character, complete with mannerisms. With his impeccable work ethic and stellar reputation, Wiegand is an asset to Medora.
Mandan
Mandan serves as a miniature entry point to the allure and excitement of North Dakota. Downtown Mandan may not have much to offer, but the few noteworthy sites there are are well worth the effort. The town and its gorgeous parks, such as Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park, which is surrounded by verdant grasses that sway in the wind, certainly draw many visitors.
In the midst of Mandan’s peaceful streets, you’ll find one of them: the Historical Fort Lincoln Trolley. The picturesque countryside surrounding Mandan is just the beginning; the town and its attractions are brought to life by the trolley, which offers tours and rides of high quality and even stops at Fort Lincoln, providing an experience that the majority of Americans would never have. Leave the car infrastructure behind; the trolley makes the most of Mandan and its state park. Unlike a rusting mechanical device, the trolley is in constant motion and full of life.
The Last Words
Many people think of North Dakota as a place to get away from it all—not because of its urban centers, but because of its expansive grasslands, big hills, and beautiful skies. The fact is, though, that North Dakota is home to more than simply stunning natural scenery; hidden historical sites and man-made attractions can coexist in seemingly ordinary towns. Neither natural nor man-made environments can be said to be lacking in North Dakota; these beautiful locations are chill-proof that a state can have it all.