7 Quirkiest North Dakota Towns To Visit In 2025

The state of North Dakota, forming part of the northern US border with Canada, brings together the Great Plains and the American Midwest. Joining the United States in 1889, North Dakota's hardy spirit has given rise to a number of eccentric, even quirky expressions of life and culture here. Beyond its natural beauty, which found admirers in no other than a young Theodore Roosevelt, who spent time here before becoming the 26th US president, North Dakota's list of unusual points of interest runs long. And beyond the state's larger cities, like Fargo or the state capital of Bismarck, smaller towns here provide sometimes strange, but always interesting, places for a traveler to consider. Let's explore the seven quirkiest North Dakota towns to visit in 2025

Dickinson

In southwest Dickinson, most tourists come here seeking a view to the Enchanted Highway. Elegant as the name sounds, the main draw is a stranger reality: the road includes some 32 miles of sculptures made from scrap metal, creating a series of objects that leave no viewer indifferent. One of the sculptures, depicting geese in flight, is listed as the world's largest scrap metal sculpture in the world, according to the Guinness Book of World Records.

While in town, many visitors stop at Theodore Roosevelt National Park, a major local draw, especially in summer. West of town, the Patterson Lake Recreational Area offers fishing, campgrounds, and relaxation in a glorious natural environment. Golfers enjoy The Heart River Golf Course, which has 18 holes and a par-72 layout.

Jamestown

Few places in North Dakota showcase the spirit of the American West like Jamestown, in the state's southeast. The town boasts of having the World's Largest Buffalo, a 26-foot colossus outside town, which honors the legacy of The Great Plains' most iconic animal. Jamestown is also home to the North American Bison Recovery Center, where visitors can discover more about the buffalo's historic presence here.

East of town, The Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, a US-government-funded science institute, studies the region's plants and animals. The site also welcomes outside visitors. For some outdoor fun, the Jamestown Reservoir offers biking and walking trails, disc golf, and even a small beach.

Minot

North-central Minot (the local pronunciation rhymes with "Why not?") is a small place steeped in big history. Minot's past features tons of Scandinavian culture, especially from Norway. The Gol Stave Church Museum replicates a model of a 13th-century Norwegian house of worship, complete with striking wood shingles and dragon-like eaves that extend into the air. Gol Stave sits within The Scandinavian Heritage Park, which also features unique architectural examples from the home countries of Minot's many residents of Scandinavian descent. Minot's Norsk Hostfest, held each autumn, celebrates Norwegian culture in particular.

For families traveling with children, the Roosevelt Park Zoo offers outdoor fun and a look at rare animal species. Minot is also home to North Dakota's annual state fair, held each summer.

Nekoma

In petite Nekoma, in North Dakota's northeast, a giant pyramid marks a silhouette against the sky. Some call it "The Pyramid of North Dakota." The structure, built in the 1970s, was part of a nuclear missile defense system, under the management of the US Air Force. The site has sparked controversy at the local level, and one writer has called the place "a monument to man's fear and ignorance" that was once common during the Cold War, when distrust between the United States and the former Soviet Union ran highest.

Apart from Cold War-era attractions, local points of interest include Frost Fire Park, a ski and snowboard resort. And for some international flavor, the Canadian border, and Manitoba Province, lies a half-hour's drive north of Nekoma.

New Salem

New Salem, west of south-central Bismarck, offers a lighter-hearted point of tourist interest. Here, the vision of "Salem Sue" — actually a statue of a cow — arises from the plains. Local authorities claim the structure is the world's largest likeness of the Holstein breed of cattle. The animal, made from six tons of fiberglass, stands 38 feet tall and 50 feet long. The local Lions Club financed the sculpture's construction in 1974 for a reported $40,000.

Once a visitor has checked Salem Sue off his or her list, New Salem offers other attractions, too. The New Salem Historical Society operates a complex with displays of old-timey farm tools and other everyday items. And, returning to the town's cow theme, the Udderly Caffeinated cafe sells coffee, snacks, and handicrafts sourced from North Dakota suppliers.

Rugby

The north-central town of Rugby claims to be the geographical center of North America. Downtown, a 15-foot-tall stone obelisk marks the exact spot where the continent's north, south, east, and west are said to come together. For more northern-themed fun, visitors can check out the Northern Lights Tower and Interpretive Center, with information and fun facts on the aurora borealis, the Latin term for the phenomenon in northern skies that produces atmospheric greens, purples, blues, and more.

For more human-focused history, the town's Victorian Dress Museum showcases period costumes, and emphasizes women's fashion and lifestyles from the late 1800s. Among the town's key events, the Rugby Wine Walk, an annual gathering held each September, sees wine vendors open their doors to locals and out-of-towners alike. Finally, there's also the International Peace Garden, which shares cross-border space with the province of Manitoba in Canada.

Wahpeton

For many fishermen, travel hardly gets better than the far-eastern town of Wahpeton. In the state's southeast, along the western bank of the Red River, Wahpeton features "Wahpper," (sounds like "whopper,") which is billed as the world's largest catfish. The specimen is in fact a statue and stands 40 feet long by 12 feet tall. Wahpper is found in the Kidder Recreation Area, which has green space and fresh air for families and visitors of all ages.

In addition, Wahpeton features the historic Prairie Rose Carousel, a favorite with kids. Many golf fans know that this town is home to the Bois de Sioux Golf Course, with 18 holes that are half in North Dakota, half in neighboring Minnesota.

North Dakota's Quirks Will Reward the Curious Traveler

As these towns suggest, North Dakota's diverse charms can run on the quirky side. But that may be just the reason to visit: the state offers one-of-a-kind attractions that make for memorable visits, and the chance to take unusual stories home to friends and neighbors. Add to that the family-friendly options North Dakota has in abundance — from the outdoor art of the Enchanted Highway to the natural wonders of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. And with diverse public sculptures statewide, visitors will quickly see how much North Dakota has to offer. Quirks and all, this state makes a great place for a visit sometime soon.