7 Nicest Small Towns In The Prairies

The prairies are expansive and diverse grasslands that stretch across the central United States, renowned for their sweeping landscapes, unique ecosystems, and rich cultural heritage. Once covering approximately 170 million acres, these extensive grasslands have dwindled dramatically, and today, only about 4% of the original North American prairies remain intact. Despite this significant loss, the prairie region still boasts several remarkable towns that reflect the area's natural beauty, vibrant local culture, and rich history. This list highlights towns across the broader prairie region, including parts of Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Wyoming, and Iowa, that showcase the enduring spirit of the American prairies.

Glendive, Montana

In eastern Montana, located on the plains and bordering the badlands, is Glendive, Montana. This prairie town offers a diverse range of attractions, including museums, historical landmarks, state parks, and rivers. A must-visit site is the Glendive Dinosaur and Fossil Museum, a 20,000-square-foot facility featuring numerous artifacts and over 23 full-sized fossil and dinosaur exhibits.

With many parks to choose from, one that stands out is Makoshika State Park, which features a campground, dinosaur fossils, a visitor center, and stunning badlands. Step back in time with a visit to the Historic Bell Bridge, a pedestrian and bike path spanning the Yellowstone River. This stunning 1,300-foot-long structure offers a panoramic view of the surrounding area, including diverse wildlife.

Decorah, Iowa

Decorah, Iowa, is renowned for its natural beauty and diverse array of outdoor activities. For a fantastic day out, head over to Dunning’s Spring Park, a wooded park with numerous walking trails, picnic spots, and a 200-foot waterfall. Waterfall. Another Park worth visiting is the Upper Iowa River Access Area, which features a waterfall and streams, offering numerous opportunities for water activities such as canoeing, kayaking, and fishing.

Running along the upper Iowa River is the Trout Run Trail, an 11-mile loop that circles Decorah and has various art sculptures as well as a lighted pedestrian bridge. The trail is an excellent spot for running, hiking, biking, fishing, and cross-country skiing.

Valentine, Nebraska

The small prairie town of Valentine, Nebraska, is a place that boasts big adventure. One such place for adventure is the Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge, an excellent spot for viewing wildlife and seasonal hunting amidst the scenic 19,131-acre prairie, complete with marshes. The Valentine City Park provides visitors access to a playground, bridge, and stream, as well as providing a place to camp, fish, play disc golf, and offering over a mile of trails for hiking.

The town also features two popular waterfalls at Smith Falls State Park and along the Niobrara River, southeast of Valentine, in the Sandhills Prairie. When the sun goes down, there is still more fun to be had, as the area is recognized for its designation as an International Dark Sky Park, where stargazing becomes more than just a hobby.

Winterset, Iowa

The town of Winterset, Iowa, is a historical haven, where every corner has a story, and every story is worth telling. This well-known location gains its popularity in part due to being the birthplace of the legendary film icon John Wayne. In tribute to the American actor, Winterset has erected the John Wayne Birthplace Museum, which features an extensive collection of memorabilia, a theater, and a giant statue outside.

The area also features several historic bridges scattered throughout, including the Roseman Covered Bridge and Cedar Covered Bridge, which were featured in the film "The Bridges of Madison County." Be sure to visit the Madison County Historical Complex, a museum that spans 23 acres of land and encompasses 14 buildings, all surrounded by a variety of artifacts.

Buffalo, Wyoming

Buffalo, Wyoming, is a town where festivals, fun, and history blend with natural beauty to create an ideal adventure destination. Rent an ATV at Ultimate Outdoors and take a guided scenic tour of the Buffalo area, or those looking for a challenge can head out to more rugged terrain. For good old-fashioned fun, head over to Creekside Clubhouse Family Fun Center, where you can pan for gold, play a round or two of mini-golf, get lost in a giant maze, and end the day by choosing from over 20 flavors of ice cream.

Visit the Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum to learn the story of Gatchell, who opened the first-ever drug store in Johnson County, where cowboys, settlers, army scouts, and many others frequented. If you are in Buffalo, Wyoming, in July, be sure to attend Longmire Days, an annual celebration inspired by the television series Longmire, featuring live music, parades, celebrity appearances, and local food.

Garrison, North Dakota

Another great small town in the Prairies is Garrison, North Dakota. Home to Wally the Walleye, a 26-foot fish statue that celebrates the town that is known as the ‘Walleye Capital of the World.’ Visitors can enjoy fishing, hiking, boating, and camping at Fort Stevenson State Park, 3 miles south of Garrison, on the beautiful shores of Lake Sakakawea.

Those who enjoy outdoor recreation, particularly mountain biking, should check out the Nux Baa Gaa Trail, a 6-mile singletrack that takes riders through prairie, rock outcroppings, and wooded areas. When in Garrison, you can look up to witness a decorated sky filled with flying art at the annual Kite Festival. This 20-year tradition spans three days; attendees of the event can watch or even participate in the festivities by bringing their own kite.

Vermillion, South Dakota

The town of Vermillion, South Dakota, is a must-visit location for music and history lovers alike. Particularly appealing is the National Music Museum, which displays over 15,000 instruments from various historical periods and cultures. Outside of Vermillion is Clay County Park, where you can go camping along the banks of the Missouri River and bask in the beautiful natural surroundings.

The Austin Whittemore House Museum offers guided tours and educational opportunities at this preserved family home filled with heirlooms and stories of Clay County. Spirit Mound State Historic Prairie is an excellent spot for birdwatching, hiking, and picnicking among wildflowers, a location where the legendary Lewis and Clark once stood.

Enduring Spirit of the Prairies

From small towns on rolling plains to historic communities that played a pivotal role in American development, the prairie states offer a diverse range of destinations worth experiencing. Some towns serve as historical centers, others are surrounded by stunning landscapes, scenic byways, and wildlife preserves, making them prime locations for nature lovers. Overall, the towns discussed stand out for their unique events, welcoming atmosphere, and outdoor recreation, leaving visitors with a lasting sense of the region’s heritage and beauty.