2025's 9 Best Small Towns To Visit In South Dakota
North Dakota may be known for its wide-open prairies and endless skies, but its small towns hold some of the state’s most memorable treasures. Scattered across rolling farmland, rugged badlands, and river valleys, these communities blend history, culture, and natural beauty in ways that invite exploration. From cowboy cookouts under the stars to scenic hikes through untouched wilderness, each stop offers its own flavor of adventure. Whether you are chasing panoramic views, stepping into the past, or simply enjoying a warm conversation over coffee, these nine towns prove that North Dakota’s charm often shines brightest off the beaten path.
Medora
Medora, in the rugged Badlands of North Dakota, serves as the gateway to the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. This historic town offers stunning scenery and a rich Western heritage. Theodore Roosevelt National Park protects three areas of striking badlands that shaped Roosevelt’s early years as a hunter and rancher in the Little Missouri region. Open year-round, the park invites visitors to enjoy scenic drives through colourful landscapes where you can spot bison, prairie dogs, and deer. Hiking options range from easy paved paths to challenging wilderness trails. A highlight of Medora’s summer is the Medora Musical. Celebrating 60 years, this outdoor show blends history, humor, and Western spirit with country music favorites, from Dolly Parton to disco, plus live horses, variety acts, and fireworks. It is classic family fun honoring Medora’s past and the spirit of the American West.
For a truly unique dining experience, try the Pitchfork Steak Fondue. Cowboy chefs cook 12 oz New York Strip steaks on pitchforks, dunked in barrels of hot oil, served with a buffet of barbecue-style sides like baked beans, potatoes, and fresh fruit. Plus, kids enjoy free hot dog meals all summer. Enjoy live music, Badlands views, yard games, and a drink from the Tjaden Terrace Bar for a perfect cowboy cookout. Nearby, Chateau de Mores preserves the legacy of Antoine de Vallombrosa, the Marquis de Mores, who founded Medora in 1883. This 26-room summer home is now a museum showcasing original furnishings and the history of the Marquis’s pioneering ventures in cattle, railroads, and frontier commerce.
Dickinson
Dickinson is often called the gateway to Theodore Roosevelt National Park, but the city itself offers a variety of attractions and lively events that make it worth visiting on its own. During the summer, downtown Dickinson comes alive with outdoor concerts, street fairs, and popular annual festivals that bring the community and visitors together in celebration. History buffs will enjoy the Dickinson Museum Center, a 12-acre campus just off Interstate 94 that features several engaging museums. The Badlands Dinosaur Museum displays North Dakota’s largest collection of real dinosaur fossils, including a complete Triceratops skull and six full skeletons. Visitors can even watch paleontologists at work through a window into the fossil preparation lab. The Joachim Regional Museum offers a glimpse into the history and art of Dickinson and the broader southwestern North Dakota region.
Nearby, Prairie Outpost Park features historic buildings and ethnic structures that tell the story of the area, with guided summer tours allowing visitors to explore inside these fascinating structures. For outdoor enthusiasts, the Heart River Golf Course offers a scenic and challenging 18-hole, par-72 course along the beautiful Heart River and Patterson Lake. The course’s mix of rolling terrain and wooded areas makes for an enjoyable game with stunning views. Just minutes away, Patterson Lake Recreation Area provides a wide range of outdoor activities, including boating, fishing, swimming, water skiing, camping, and hiking. The park features a seasonal campground with both primitive and RV sites, along with a public beach, playgrounds, disc golf, and picnic areas. Pets are welcome, and many facilities are handicapped accessible, making it a perfect spot for families and outdoor lovers alike.
Devils Lake
Submerged in breathtaking natural beauty, Devils Lake offers something for everyone, from anglers chasing their next big catch to travellers seeking a peaceful getaway. This scenic destination is perfect for fishing, outdoor adventures, and relaxation. Bry’s Guide Lodging and Fishing Service has been serving visitors since 2001, providing year-round guided fishing trips on Devils Lake. Their expert guides help you target walleye, jumbo perch, northern pike, and white bass. When you book a trip, all you need is a North Dakota fishing license and a lunch, Bry’s supplies, rods, tackle, bait, gas, and he even cleans and packages your catch. On-site lodging adds convenience, and during the fall, hunting guides are also available.
For a taste of local history and culture, the Lake Region Heritage Center is a must-visit. Housed in the old downtown post office, this three-story museum features extensive displays on the Lake Region’s past and community. Throughout the year, the center hosts artist exhibitions and historical presentations that enrich the visitor experience. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate Grahams Island State Park, located right on Devils Lake. Named after Captain Duncan Graham, the area’s first known white settler, the park offers camping, picnicking, and a boat ramp for fishing and water sports. Anglers can take part in regional and national fishing tournaments held here, as Devils Lake is renowned for some of the Midwest’s best fishing. Facilities include modern campsites with electrical hookups, tent sites, comfort stations with hot showers, and an RV sewage dump station open from mid-May through October.
Langdon
Known as "The Western Gateway to the Rendezvous Region," Langdon is a close-knit community that values family, friendship, and a high quality of life. Residents work together to keep the town and Cavalier County vibrant and thriving. History lovers will enjoy the Cavalier County Museum at Dresden, centred around the historic Holy Trinity Church. Built in 1936 from fieldstone collected by local parishioners, the church now serves as a museum showcasing local artifacts. It is part of a seven-building complex maintained by the Cavalier County Historical Society.
Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to explore at the Pembina Gorge State Recreation Area, just 30 minutes away, a stunning 2,800-acre natural wonder featuring towering valley cliffs, isolated prairies, wetlands, and North Dakota’s largest undisturbed forest. With over 30 miles of trails, visitors can hike, horseback ride, kayak, mountain bike, or explore on off-highway vehicles. In winter, groomed trails offer opportunities for snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. Kayak rentals and shuttle services are available through the park’s staff. For recreation closer to town, the Langdon Country Club offers affordable daily rates for golfing on its 9- and 18-hole courses, with cart rentals available. Cultural charm awaits at the Langdon Roxy Theatre, a historic cinema with beautiful Art Deco architecture. This cozy theatre screens a mix of new releases and classic films, hosting special events that bring the community together. With fresh popcorn and traditional concessions, the Roxy remains a beloved gathering spot celebrating the joy of cinema in Langdon.
Jamestown
In the vast plains where buffalo once roamed freely, some still thrive in Jamestown, though the world’s largest buffalo here is a towering statue rather than a living beast. Standing 26 feet tall and weighing 60 tons, the concrete giant known as Dakota Thunder has watched over Jamestown’s Frontier Village since 1959. Created by sculptor Elmer Petersen, this beloved roadside attraction draws visitors from across the Midwest. In addition to this statute, the North American Bison Discovery Center offers an interactive experience highlighting the history, cultural importance, and ecological role of the United States’ national mammal. Through rotating exhibits, visitors learn about the bison’s near extinction and ongoing restoration efforts.
History enthusiasts will appreciate the Stutsman County Memorial Museum, housed in the historic Lutz Mansion, built in 1907. Located at 317 3rd St. SE, the museum showcases regional artifacts and stories that bring Jamestown’s past to life. Sports fans should not miss the North Dakota Sports Hall of Fame, which honors individuals who have significantly contributed to the state’s athletic development. The Hall promotes sportsmanship and celebrates local heroes who have shaped North Dakota’s rich sporting legacy.
Wahpeton
Wahpeton, the seat of Richland County in southeastern North Dakota, sits along the Minnesota border where the Bois de Sioux and Otter Tail rivers join to form the Red River of the North. Founded in 1864 by Morgan T. Rich and originally named Richland, it became the second permanent settlement in the state. A must-see attraction is Chahinkapa Zoo, home to over 200 animals representing 70 species from six continents. Highlights include orangutans, white rhinos, grizzly bears, zebras, kangaroos, gibbons, cheetahs, and even honey badgers. Families will love the Prairie Rose Carousel, an exquisitely restored 1926 Spillman carousel featuring twenty handcrafted wooden horses, two chariots, and a whimsical calliope. Open daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day, it is a charming nod to childhood nostalgia.
Golfers can experience a truly unique round at the Bois de Sioux Public Golf Course, the only course in the United States to feature 18 holes in two states, the front nine in Wahpeton, North Dakota, and the back nine in Breckenridge, Minnesota. This 6,675-yard, par-71 course offers four tee locations for all skill levels, a full practice facility, and a clubhouse with a restaurant and outdoor seating overlooking the scenic fairways. After exploring, head downtown to sample Wahpeton’s dining scene. Popular spots include The Boiler Room, known for its creative menu, craft cocktails, extensive wine list, and selection of regional brews.
Grafton
Grafton, North Dakota, sits in the northeast corner of the state in the heart of the Red River Valley. With a population of about 4,100, this charming community is known for its friendly residents, scenic parks and trails, and a vibrant business district. Step back in time at the Strand Twin Theatre, a local landmark dating to the 1920s. Owned by the same family since the 1930s, it is the only surviving theatre in Grafton. After a fire in 1945, the building was rebuilt, and in 1977, the balcony was converted into a second screen, giving it its “twin” status.
For a hands-on experience, visit The Little Kitchen downtown. This warm, welcoming space offers cooking classes, private events, and specialty shopping, inviting both beginners and seasoned food lovers to explore their culinary creativity. Nature enthusiasts will love Leistikow Park, home to a 1.5-mile trail system, an 18-hole disc golf course, an outdoor swimming pool, playgrounds, and sports courts. The park’s campground offers fishing, paddle boats, canoes, and kayak rentals. Visitors can also take advantage of a convenient visitor center with restrooms, showers, laundry facilities, snacks, and local travel information.
Williston
Situated at the confluence of the Yellowstone and Missouri Rivers, Williston proudly wears the nickname “Western Star.” Just 60 miles from the Canadian border and 18 miles from Montana, it serves as a hub for business, recreation, and culture. For centuries, this spot has been a gathering place, first for Native peoples, then for fur traders, settlers, and now for residents drawn by agriculture, outdoor adventure, and the Bakken oil boom. The Williston Area Recreation Center (ARC) is a community gem offering a wide range of activities under one roof. Guests enjoy amenities such as an indoor waterpark with a FlowRider, lap pool, four basketball and tennis courts, a golf simulator, racquetball courts, an elevated walking track, and a full fitness center. It is a year-round destination for family fun, sports, and wellness.
Golf enthusiasts will appreciate Eagle Ridge Golf Club, where scenic views meet challenging play. With well-maintained fairways and greens, it is a friendly yet rewarding course for both casual and competitive golfers. Art lovers can visit the James Memorial Art Center, a historic former library built in 1911 through the efforts of the Women’s Civic League. Saved from demolition in the 1990s, the building now houses rotating visual art exhibits, classes, and cultural events. For outdoor adventure, Lake Sakakawea offers 180 miles of waterway with more shoreline than the California coast. Anglers, boaters, campers, and swimmers will find plenty of ways to explore its vast expanse, whether in the height of summer or during North Dakota’s crisp, colder seasons.
Valley City
Valley City, known as North Dakota’s Most Beautiful Town, sits in the heart of the scenic Sheyenne River Valley. Each season offers new ways to explore its natural beauty, rich history, and unique attractions. One of its most iconic landmarks is the Hi-Line Railroad Bridge. Built between 1906 and 1908 to replace a low bridge with steep grades, this steel trestle stretches 3,860 feet and soars 162 feet above the riverbed, making it one of the longest and highest single-track railroad bridges in the nation. It played a vital role during both World Wars, when it was guarded to prevent sabotage.
Valley City is also home to North Dakota’s only planetarium at Valley City State University. Located in the Rhoades Science Center, the Spitz 512 planetarium features a 24-foot domed ceiling, 50 reclining seats, and immersive shows ranging from basic astronomy to the celestial navigation methods of Lewis and Clark. Shows are free, making it a must-visit for stargazers of all ages. For outdoor enthusiasts, the North Country National Scenic Trail offers both day hikes and backpacking opportunities. Spanning more than 4,800 miles across eight states, the NCT is the nation’s longest National Scenic Trail, and the only one to pass through North Dakota. Around Valley City, hikers can explore segments within the Sheyenne National Grasslands, along Lake Ashtabula, and through Sheyenne State Forest. Whether you are looking for a leisurely walk or a multi-day trek, the trail offers a chance to experience the diverse landscapes of the Sheyenne River Valley.
From the rugged bluffs of Medora to the quiet trails of Valley City, North Dakota’s towns reveal a tapestry of landscapes, stories, and traditions worth slowing down for. Travelling here is not about rushing from one landmark to the next; it is about embracing the rhythm of the land and the people who call it home. In North Dakota, the journey between destinations is as memorable as the places themselves.
