6 Most Overlooked North Dakota Towns For 2025

North Dakota’s quieter corners often go unnoticed, but that is where the state’s true spirit shines. From the Beulah Water Park to the American Homeland Revival Ribs of Ellendale, these towns may fly under the radar, but they are rich in character and community. Whether it is a day well spent at Lisbon’s restored opera house, a stop at the Hi-Line Railroad Bridge in Valley City, or a summer afternoon at Raging Rivers Waterpark in Mandan, these places reveal a slower, more grounded way of life. The six towns below are not tourist magnets, but in 2025, they are well worth the detour.

Valley City

With just over 6,500 residents, Valley City is one of North Dakota’s most overlooked gems—quiet, scenic, and deeply rooted in history. Its most iconic landmark, the Hi-Line Railroad Bridge, towers over the Sheyenne River and remains one of the longest and highest single-track railroad bridges in the country. Built-in the early 1900s, it still carries trains today and serves as a powerful reminder of the engineering feats that helped shape the region. For a different kind of experience, Medicine Wheel Park sits on a hillside overlooking the town. Originally developed as a student project at Valley City State University, the park blends astronomy, Native American symbolism, and quiet walking paths. Visitors can explore a scale model of the solar system, learn about the cultural significance of the wheel, and enjoy sweeping views of Valley City.

Driving through the valley itself reveals even more. The 63-mile Sheyenne River Valley National Scenic Byway is among the most picturesque drives in the state. To cap off a visit, Brockopp Brewing brings a cozy, local vibe to downtown. This small-batch brewery crafts beer right on-site and is a low-key spot to relax and meet the locals.

Beulah

Often bypassed for larger towns nearby, Beulah quietly delivers a full day’s worth of things to see and do. At the edge of town, the Beulah Water Park stands out as one of the top community pools in the region. With multiple slides, a large play area, and clean facilities, it is a summer favorite for families looking to cool off and let the kids burn some energy. Speaking of energy, touring one of the many power plants, dams, and mines is a surprisingly fascinating and informative way to get to know the area. Bealah's economy has been rooted in energy production for over 150 years.

Golfers will appreciate Black Sands Golf Course. Don't let the 9-holes fool you; this is a full-service club with all the amenities. At over 6,200 yards when doubled, it is a solid test for all skill levels, with open fairways and scenic views that reflect the surrounding plains. Just a few blocks from downtown, the Mercer County Historical Museum gives visitors a deeper look into local life over the past century. Far larger than it appears from the street, the museum houses everything from vintage farm equipment and period clothing to Native American artifacts and town memorabilia.

Lisbon

Lisbon is a place that reveals its appeal slowly, with every quiet trail, shaded park bench, and welcoming face. Sandager Park sits along the Sheyenne River and serves as a local favorite for weekend downtime. In addition to a campground with RV hookups, the park includes picnic shelters, volleyball courts, miniature golf, a pool, and even a skateboarding area - enough to fill an afternoon without leaving town. If you were to leave, however, Fort Ransom State Park brings outdoor variety across every season. Set in the forested Sheyenne River Valley, the park’s trails attract hikers, horseback riders, bird watchers, and even cross-country skiers in the winter. A portion of the North Country National Scenic Trail runs through it, rewarding those on foot with peaceful views and wildlife sightings.

Lisbon also keeps culture in the conversation. The Lisbon Opera House, with its historic stage, still hosts plays, musical performances, and civic events, connecting generations through live entertainment. And when summer rolls around, the Ransom County Fair gives the whole town something to rally around. Livestock showcases, music, and food vendors fill the grounds, turning a quiet town into a place that feels larger than life.

Grafton

Grafton, tucked into North Dakota’s northeast corner, often flies under the radar, but it holds its own with a solid mix of recreation, comfort, and small-town tradition. The Centennial Center is a standout for local sports, drawing hockey players and skaters from all over the county. Just a few blocks away, Leistikow Park Campground brings outdoor access right to town. With 70 full hook-up sites, five cabins, and open green space for tents, it is a popular base for both locals and road trippers. The park also includes a public pool, disc golf course, tennis and basketball courts, and a network of walking and biking trails.

Heritage Village features a collection of historic buildings and artifacts designed to capture what life was like in earlier times. Highlights include a train depot with a caboose, a taxidermy shop, and a functioning carousel. After a day out, Azteca Mexican Grill is a local go-to for tasty food and quick, friendly service. Burritos come big and well-seasoned, and the pace is perfect for a laid-back dinner.

Dickinson

Dickinson does not need flash to leave a lasting impression—it shines through its everyday rhythm and ties to both history and nature. Getting there is half the fun if you drive along the Enchanted Highway, a 32-mile stretch of 1-94 lined with sculptures made of scrap metal. Downtown is the heartbeat of the city, of course, where Legacy Square hosts outdoor concerts, community events, and friendly gatherings that make the area feel personal and alive. Local boutiques, eateries, and coffee shops keep the streets buzzing with activity without overwhelming the pace.

For a deeper look at the region’s story, the Dickinson Museum Center delivers in spades. From towering fossils inside the Badlands Dinosaur Museum to the rich displays at the Joachim Regional History Museum and the old-time buildings in Prairie Outpost Park, the 12-acre campus is both educational and fun to wander. Just outside town, Patterson Lake Recreation Area calls to anyone craving open space and water. The area brims with possibilities—swimming, kayaking, camping, biking, or simply lounging by the shore with a picnic. With well-maintained trails and a laid-back atmosphere, it is easy to see why this spot is a local favorite.

Mandan

Mandan blends riverfront fun, rich heritage, and small-town ease in a way that feels refreshingly grounded. One of its most fascinating stops is Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park along the Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail, where the past comes to life through reconstructed military posts and On-A-Slant Village. Strolling through the Custer House or the circular earth lodges gives you a sense of the people who once called this area home and the challenges they faced.

For those drawn to railroading history, the North Dakota State Railroad Museum offers five acres of exhibits, including vintage rolling stock, a Railroad Hall of Fame, and numerous photos and tools. When the summer sun heats up, families head to Raging Rivers Waterpark, a riverside destination packed with a range of slides, splash pools, a lazy river, and relaxing cabanas. It is a full day of laughter and cool water with views of the Missouri River nearby.

These six towns might not grab headlines, but that is part of their appeal. Scattered across North Dakota, they reflect the quiet strength of communities built on history, resilience, and connection. Whether it is having a look at the Mercer County Historical Museum in Beulah, birdwatching near Lisbon, or taking in the sights along the Sheyenne River near Valley City, each town moves at its own pace. They are not trying to be anything other than themselves, and that is what makes them worth knowing. In a fast-paced world, these overlooked towns remind us how to slow down.