6 Romantic Small Towns In North Dakota For A 3-Day Weekend

North Dakota’s quiet corners lend themselves naturally to romance. In towns where prairie highways roll past golden fields, lake horizons stretch wide, and rivers like the Sheyenne and Missouri set an easy pace, couples can settle into long conversations, scenic drives, and unhurried mornings. A weekend here might mean watching the sun dip behind the badlands in Medora, sharing ice cream after a walk through Bottineau’s forested hills, or finding a secluded overlook above the Pembina Gorge. These small towns trade crowds for stillness, offering space to reconnect and linger a little longer.

Medora

If you’re looking for a place to fully immerse yourself in small-town culture and historic landmarks, then Medora, North Dakota, is the place for you. With a population of under 200 people, Medora is easy to get familiar with, and at the end of a long weekend, you’ll find yourself and your loved one eager to plan your next trip back. You'll be fully immersed in the history of the town in no time. Medora has a ton to offer for a weekend for two. If you’re the outdoorsy type, a stroll through Theodore Roosevelt National Park followed by a day on the saddle on the Medora Trail rides (just make sure to check if it's open for the season before you go) is a wonderful way to spend the day. If a kitchsy date night is more the vibe, Medora even has a new attraction called Point to Point Park, which is inspired by Teddy Roosevelt’s favorite game, Point-to-Point Hikes. The immersive park features a zip line, mini golf, and a lazy river. To keep the historic vibes going, a stay at the notable, highly rated Rough Riders Hotel can end your night with a stay in the legendary hotel that features one of the largest private libraries of books by and about Theodore Roosevelt.

Valley City

Valley City is located in the heart of the Sheyenne River Valley and offers an array of romantic views, walking paths, and even long drives. Its close proximity to the water allows you and your boo to cuddle up on a kayak and ride along the Sheyenne River. For the hands-on type, you can even catch your own dinner by fishing on the open water or hunting in Barnes County. Valley City is also well known for its serene scenic driving roads. The town holds North Dakota's first nationally designated scenic byway and features 41 interpretive panels along the 63 miles of majestic farmlands. With a nice mix of familiar fast food faves and local eateries to dive into after a long day of adventuring, Valley City offers a quiet getaway for a long weekend.

Bottineau

The small town of Bottineau is perfect for couples who love nature, forested hills, and a tasty, sweet treat. Home of Pride Dairy, a long-running and popular North Dakota ice cream joint, and the "Stonehenge of the Prairie," Mystical Horizons, Bottineau has lots to offer for a couple looking to enjoy a quiet weekend together. For thrill seekers, Bottineau Winter Park offers skiing and snowboarding, and Lake Metigoshe State Park provides quiet time in nature and chill vibes. Top off the day with a visit to Tommy the Turtle, the approximately 30-foot-tall statue of the area's local mascot.

Fort Ransom

For a quiet weekend away from it all, Fort Ransom offers the full secluded experience. Nestled along the Sheyenne River, Fort Ransom is a quiet town about 80 miles from Fargo. Fort Ransom offers wildlife viewing and canoeing along the river. For couples in tune with nature, a stay in a homey yurt in Fort Ransom is the way to go. If you’re wondering what a yurt is, this one probably isn’t the one for you, but for those curious, a yurt is a type of portable round tent that was originally used by Nomads back in the 1800s. Now, much more glamorous, Fort Ransom has a 30-foot yurt with a deck at Rockstad's River Inn that allows you to wake up with nature and appreciate the small, quiet moments with your loved one.

Garrison

For fishing lovers, Garrison, North Dakota, is a dreamy town near the water. Garrison is known as the "Walleye Capitol of the World” and offers bountiful fishing opportunities around Lake Sakakawea. Couples can cuddle up and go for a stroll in Fort Stevenson State Park, which is on the shore of Lake Sakakawea. Garrison is gorgeous all year round, but it would be remiss not to mention the town’s lustrous Christmas experience. The Dickens Village festival is held in town around Christmas, and couples can experience the warm fuzzies of a live Charles Dickens play, performance, horse-drawn carriages, and local street vendors. There are plenty of places to stay in Garrison, but the Bayside Property rentals offer a cozy home-away-from-home experience, with units that include a full kitchen, living room, and bedroom for quality time with your partner.

Walhalla

Walhalla is known as one of the earliest settlements in North Dakota, and it doesn’t lack in either beauty or rich history. The two come together to bring visitors a relaxing spot away from it all. The Masonic Scenic Overlook offers views of the Pembina River and the Pembina Gorge that can be viewed either by car or on foot (along the Rendezvous Region Scenic Backway). The Sanctuary Guest House and Tea Room is a wonderful place to spend the evening after a day of hiking and walking through nature.

With a good number of places to choose from, North Dakota has a healthy array of small towns that a couple can enjoy over a long weekend. The six mentioned here are just a taste of what the Peace Garden State has to offer. Whether it's trails on foot or on horseback, each of the small towns mentioned above gives folks a serene experience that feels like a break away from "real life."