8 Main Streets Where North Dakota Comes Alive

North Dakota is known for its vast prairies and rich agricultural lands. Visitors often flock to the state for its natural beauty. Home to the Badlands and Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota is home to some undeniably stunning landscapes. Beyond its natural beauty, North Dakota has many quaint towns that possess a historical, Old Western charm, seen in their downtowns. The Main Street of a town is where the essence of the area comes alive, and it is often the best place to walk down to experience some of the town's most unique attractions. Here we explore eight towns with Main Streets that show off the spirit of North Dakota.

Medora

Medora is a town of just over 100 residents in North Dakota. The downtown possesses a unique Old West charm, and the town itself is surrounded by bluffs and beautiful natural views. Main Street has preserved 19th-century buildings, wooden boardwalks, and an array of cozy local shops and boutiques lining the streets.

Walking along the main street, there are plenty of local eateries to enjoy, including Boots Bar & Grill, Cowboy Cafe, and Pitchfork Steak Fondue. Medora's downtown is home to many cultural attractions, including the Medora Musical and the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame. The South Unit Visitor Center in Medora serves as an entry point into Theodore Roosevelt National Park, offering stunning views and lots of opportunities for outdoor adventures.

Valley City

Known as the "City of Bridges," Valley City's Central Avenue shows off the vibrant spirit of the state, with a mix of historic buildings, shops, and restaurants. Some local favorite spots to grab a bite include Broken Spoke Family Restaurant and Bridges Bar & Grill, two popular downtown dining spots. After grabbing a bite, visitors can walk along Central Avenue and enjoy the charming streetscape, with outdoor seating and wider sidewalks.

For some entertainment, head to the Barnes County Historical Society Museum. The museum is unique as the oldest county museum in North Dakota. There is a wide range of artifacts, photographs, newspapers, and oral history interviews to explore in the museum that tells the story of the town's past. Just off Main Street, there is another interesting attraction, the Valley City State University Planetarium. This is the University's Planetarium, and each semester, students produce a show that is used in the Planetarium. The shows are about anything from basic astronomy to historical figures in the field.

Devils Lake

A beautiful town, surrounding a 160,000-acre eponymous lake, Devils Lake is a town with an adventure for everyone. The downtown has charming shops and eateries to enjoy. Strolling down Main Street and 2nd Avenue, visitors can enjoy some local favorite spots. Proz Lakeside at the Cove is a popular spot to grab a bite to eat while enjoying beautiful lakeside views. Liquid Bean is a cute cafe on 4th Ave, perfect for grabbing a coffee and a light snack.

To learn more about the area, stop in at the Lake Region Heritage Center; the museum has everything from history exhibits and art shows to educational activities and events. Downtown Devils Lake is never far from an outdoor adventure. Nature lovers will enjoy walking along Devils Lake. The lake is also an ideal spot for fishing and boating, and is known as "Perch Capital of the World" locally.

Hillsboro

Hillsboro has a vibrant Main Street lined with shops and local eateries. Stop in at the Hillsboro Cafe right on Main Street for a coffee and snack to start your day. There are also many fun activities to enjoy near the main street, such as the Plummer House Museum. On Caledonia Avenue, just off Main Street, the museum has exhibits that tell the story of the town's past.

The Clubhouse is another great place to enjoy a fun afternoon with friends or family. This is an indoor golf simulator, perfect for anyone who loves golf or is looking for something new to try. Near Main Street, there are some outdoor attractions, such as Woodland Park, the perfect spot for a stroll.

Jamestown

Main Street in Jamestown is a great place to explore the local flavors and culture. Comfort is a cute coffee and lunch spot right on 1st St, that offers coffee, specialty drinks, and lunch specials, making it the perfect spot to stop in for a bite before exploring the rest of the downtown. Babb's Coffee House is another local favorite spot for coffee on 1st Avenue.

The Arts Center is a unique cultural attraction on 2nd Street SW with a gallery and a performance stage. There are exhibitions and performances by local and national artists at the center. 1st Avenue also has many local shops lining the street, including Junk in the Trunk, which has repurposed items, raw junk, antiques, collectibles, vintage, and craft items.

Lisbon

Lisbon is a beautiful North Dakota town with stunning natural scenery. The Sheyenne River flows through the town, and the Sheyenne National Grasslands are about 25 minutes away by car. Beyond natural beauty, Lisbon is a quaint town with a historic downtown. Main Street reflects the area's charm with unique shops and historic attractions. The Scenic Theater on Lisbon’s Main Street, dating back to 1911, now hosts community and special events after closing as a regular movie theater in 2025.

Two doors down is the Lisbon Opera House, another historic venue. The Opera House was built in 1889 and is open for tours and community events. Even some of the shops on Main Street have a historic charm. Teal’s Market is a family-owned grocery company founded in 1942 and offers a variety of products and deals. On Lisbon’s Main Street, you’ll find Route 32 Cafe, a cozy spot offering hearty breakfast and lunch in a welcoming downtown setting.

Mayville

Mayville is a small town with a University, making the town come alive during the school year. Main Street offers a diverse range of attractions, including local shops and eateries, unique walks, and a movie theater. Stop in at the historic Delchar Theater for an afternoon movie. Built in 1927, the theater was reopened in 2014, and the fresh energy makes the theater a great place for a date night or a family fun afternoon.

Another unique attraction is the Rainbow Garden and Sculpture Walk. Just a short walk from Main Street, the colorful gardens feature beautiful flowers and art installations, making it an excellent place for an afternoon walk. Mayville's Main Street also has several dining options, including La Cantina Mexican Cuisine and Soholt Bakery, a wonderful stop for a baked good.

Jud

Artists will appreciate the colorful murals adorning the walls of many buildings throughout the town in Jud. The town is known as North Dakota's " City of Murals." The murals depict a range of themes, including local wildlife, landscapes, and community scenes. The colorful artworks have earned the town a reputation and attracted visitors.

Logie Street is one of the main streets where visitors can find many of these colorful murals. Other attractions in Jud's downtown include visiting the historic Dagen's Grocery, one of the state's oldest standing stores. The store dates back to 1905 and is now is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The towns behind North Dakota’s main streets

Overall, North Dakota is a great place to visit. The towns in North Dakota offer a unique blend of natural beauty, local culture, and history that makes for an unforgettable trip. The deep historical roots of North Dakota are seen through the state's towns. Many of the towns mentioned here have museums on their Main Streets with exhibits telling the story of the town's past. North Dakota's towns are also surrounded by stunning natural beauty, which makes them an excellent opportunity for photographers and nature lovers to enjoy the outdoors. Whether you want to stroll down Main Street and stop for coffee or meander the streets of a small town to see scenic views, there is something for everyone to enjoy in these North Dakota towns.