2025's 10 Most Scenic North Dakota Towns

Planners can work with all kinds of landscapes and design a town that looks beautiful and functional; however, depending on the setting that nature provides, some places come off looking like a scene from a Hollywood movie. Often, the main differentiator is the backdrop. Think of the austere grandeur of a cloud-grazing mountain, the shimmering beauty of a crystal-clear lake, or the rustic charm of a tumbling river. You will feel the majesty, force, and power, as well as the inspiration typically associated with an untamed landscape. Are there such locations in North Dakota? Starting with Medora, discover below the 10 most scenic towns in the Peace Garden State for 2025.

Medora

Watching a glowing sunset in the badlands is a heart-melting spectacle that is not appreciated as it should be. This is how the rays reflect on the landscape, causing the terrain to blush in soft ambers and rose-gold hues. Medora is backdropped by rugged badlands, colorful rock formations, and several outdoor pleasure spots. Most people know it as the gateway to the Theodore Roosevelt National Park, named in honor of the 26th president of the United States, and the one most known for his love of nature and conservation efforts. From Medora, you can easily access the park's south unit, drive the scenic Loop Road, and spend a moment at the Wind Canyon Overlook, a great spot to snap a magical sunset. Alternatively, you can float down the Little Missouri River or explore the creek-hugging trails inside Rough Rider State Park.

Walhalla

One of North Dakota's most underappreciated locations, Wahalla is a small, genuine town tucked away in the northeast corner of North Dakota near the Canada-U.S. border. Walhalla and the surrounding precincts are among North Dakota’s most forested and hilly areas, especially considering most of the state is largely prairie. You will find a surprisingly rich mix of hardwoods and conifers ( think of oaks and white spruce), particularly in the Pembina Gorge and along the Pembina River Valley. The good thing is that you are at the doorstep of the Pembina Gorge State Recreation Area, an unspoiled and unending wilderness filled with trails perfect for hiking, biking, or ATVing. Frost Fire Park, one of the highlights in the Pembina Gorge Recreation Area, features a ski resort, a live summer theatre production, and a mountain bike terrain park. You can cruise along the Rendezvous Region Scenic Backway, which is sprinkled with magnificent overlooks to pull over and inhale some of the most beautiful views in the world.

Fort Ransom

Although Fort Ransom is a small, blink-and-miss-it kind of town, it is big on nature, especially because of its idyllic location on the Sheyenne River Valley National Scenic Byway and near Fort Ransom State Park. You will be smitten by the rolling hills, forested bluffs, and beautiful prairie landscapes. Sheyenne River Valley National Scenic Byway, which is North Dakota's first nationally recognized scenic byway, is a tree-lined 63-mile drive that snakes through the beautiful and densely wooded Sheyenne River Valley. Fort Ransom State Park, through which the Sheyenne River flows, features a short but sweet segment of the North Country National Scenic Trail. One can paddle the river or enjoy birdwatching excursions along its picturesque shores. That said, the aptly named Thrill Hills is the best place near town to go tubing, skiing, or sledding.

Bottineau

In North Dakota’s wide-open sprawl, a unique landmark defies the terrain's uniformity. A giant sundial stands proud and tall, a brainchild of an Air Force WW2 B-24 pilot and aerospace engineer, who worked for Boeing for most of his career. Mystical Horizons is on the west edge of Turtle Mountains and has been described as a 21st-century Stonehenge. You will find several elements, including equinox columns, all made to connect the world with the cosmos. Mystical Horizons is 12 miles from downtown Bottineau, a swoon-worthy location encircled by gentle hills, sparkling lakes, and dense woodlands. Turtle Mountains peers down and features some of the thickest forests in the Midwest. You can easily feel you are lost somewhere in Minnesota. Other nearby attractions include Lake Metigoshe State Park, a large, scenic space with lots of outdoor stuff to do, including hiking.

Garrison

Towns that are backdropped by shimmering water views are few and far between. That is the reason to pay attention to Garrison, a small beauty that reclines in the Northern Great Plains of North Dakota. Garrison is set along the shores of Lake Sakakawea, one of the largest manmade lakes in the U.S. Therefore, expect stunning waterfront views, sailboat-studded vistas, and soft, reflective sunsets, especially if the weather plays along. Fort Stevenson State Park, on the edge of the lake, features several quiet loops to explore, immaculately maintained campgrounds, and two marinas with boat ramp access. Further along is Lake Audubon and the Audubon National Wildlife Refuge Complex, where one can see lots of migratory birds and explore an informative visitors center.

Valley City

Known as the "City of Bridges", Valley City is gracefully positioned in the Sheyenne River Valley and is loved for how it combines river beauty with historic architecture. Sheyenne River flows through the town and adds a mist of rustic charm to an already beautiful place. You will find scenic bridges, including the Highline Bridge, one of the longest and highest single-track railroad bridges in the United States. It rises 162 feet above the river bed and stretches more than 3,800 feet. You can start by learning the history of the Red River Valley at the Rosebud Visitor Center, then head over to the Bjornson Park Golf Course for a round of golf. Alternatively, the 30-acre Medicine Wheel Park has walking trails, a scenic overlook, and a lovely perennial garden.

Washburn

Washburn overlooks the Missouri River, meaning vacationers will sip striking water views and enjoy a range of water-based activities. You will love the bluffs that fringe the river, most of which are best viewed via the Sakakawea Scenic Byway. There is the Cross Ranch State Park, a 5,000-acre nature preserve that serves as the venue for quiet camping and the annual bluegrass festival. The nearby Fort Mandan, where Lewis and Clark once wintered, is a nice, nostalgic place to be transported back in time. Although the exact location of the original fort is unknown, there is a handsomely done modern reconstruction to explore, and the nearby Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, which showcases engaging exhibits, hundreds of period artifacts, and world-class art collections.

New Rockford

New Rockford is the quintessential North Dakota town, especially in the way it is surrounded by open prairie, pristine wetlands, and low, gentle hills, well-known aspects of North Dakota's landscape. Vacationers will enjoy the area's quiet beauty and relaxing atmosphere, in an area where time rolls like a lazy river. Sheyenne Lake is about an hour west of town and provides a delightful range of outdoor recreational activities. James River is closer and flows along the town's northern rim. Still on water, Devils Lake, the largest natural body of water in North Dakota, is a short drive north of town. Keep in mind that New Rockford is in the Central Flyway, meaning it is a must-visit for seasoned waterfowl hunters.

Crosby

Crosby is peacefully positioned near the 49th parallel, in a soft, soothing region with rolling prairie and wide azure skies. Writing Rock State Historic Site, just 30 minutes out of town, is a quiet area and an interesting piece of history. It has a sheltered picnic area, fascinating rocks with mysterious carvings, and a well-maintained playground. It is open year-round. There is the Crosby Country Club, which knows something about keeping greens in excellent shape. If you are all about water, several nearby options will sate your wanderlust. These include Engen Lake, Fish Lake, and Smishek Lake. The exciting part is that these three lakes are huddled close together, meaning you can enjoy all of them without spending hours on the road.

Lakota

Welcome to the small, laid-back town of Lakota, located in one of the best hunting and fishing areas in the state of North Dakota. Lakota is surrounded by peaceful lakes, lush but shallow wetlands, and cool, pastoral landscapes. Stump Lake is south of town and was once a significant staging area for canvasback ducks and tundra swans. You will have a blast at Stump Lake Park, a quiet, relaxing place to drop a line for a tasty catch or enjoy delicious, 369-degree views. Alternatively, East Devils Lake is just about 20 minutes west of town and provides a delightful range of outdoor recreational opportunities. You can come to swim, paddle, or fish. But if you want to tee away a slow afternoon, Lakota Rock Creek Golf Course will come in handy. It is a small-town course with well-kept greens and a tranquil environment for relaxation.

The Takeaway

We all love brick and glass, but nature can make some of these man-made elements look drab and boring. That is why many vacationers prefer sunset-drenched badlands to red, cobblestoned streets, ice-capped mountaintops to steel and glitzy skylines, or white-sand beaches to neatly laid-out walkways. There is something about the poetry of an awe-inspiring landscape that no man-made thing can capture. Fortunately, if you are looking for North Dakota towns that feature nature at its most magical, you will have a tasty range to work with, including Medora, Walhalla, and Valley City.