8 Most Eccentric Towns in North Dakota
The Upper Midwestern state of North Dakota is known for its Great Plains, abundance of land, and friendly people. It's also home to a dazzling array of eccentric towns worth a visit. The state's natural beauty and fertile farmland have been drawing people to the area for millennia. Despite all the land has given its people, known as the "Peace Garden State", the Roughrider State's biggest resource is its people. A trip to any of these places we're going to talk about today will give you a perfect window as to why. Join us.
Medora
Founded in 1883, the charming town of Medora is home to just 121 people who enjoy a laid-back way of life. While in town, you can catch an annual performance of the Medora Musical, which includes fireworks, singing, and live horses in an amazing stage production. The yearly productions take place at the nearby Burning Hills Amphitheater. To learn a bit more about the town's history, you can spend some time at the Chateau de Mores State Historic Site. Built in 1883, the 26-room historic home gives a glimpse into the town's past.
For those looking for a fun, challenging hiking trail, you'll want to stop at the Maah Daah Hey Trail. While visiting Medora, you can stay at the Roughrider Hotel. The boutique-style downtown hotel is named after the cavalry group that President Theodore Roosevelt helped form. If you're looking for a good meal while in town, make sure to pop in at the Boots Bar & Grill.
Rugby
Known as the "Geographical Center of North America", the town of Rugby is certainly one of the most unique towns in all of North Dakota. Home to just over 2,500 people, the town is famous for its small stone cairn, said to be on the very spot that marks the town at the center of North America. While in town, you can spend time at the Victorian Dress Museum, where you will see the styles of fashion common in the Victorian era.
Once you've worked up a hearty appetite, stop by the Dakota Farms Family Restaurant, located in Rugby. While in town, the Cobblestone Inn & Suites in Rugby has plenty of rooms available. To learn more about Rugby's remarkable history, be sure to visit the Prairie Village Museum. During the museum's open season, visitors can tour more than 20 historic buildings.
Jamestown
Like many towns in the US, Jamestown started life as a railroad town. One of those towns that sprang up when railroads began criss-crossing the country. Since those days in the late 1800s, Jamestown has grown into a community of about 15,849. While the town has given birth to its fair share of celebrities, such as singer Peggy Lee, perhaps Jamestown's most famous resident is also its biggest. When visiting Jamestown, make sure to say "hi" and get your picture taken with the World's Largest Buffalo.
Standing over 26 feet tall, this mammoth masterpiece, named "Dakota Thunder," has been drawing tourists to Jamestown since the 1950s. While you're in town, be sure to also stop by the North American Bison Discovery Center to learn more about these amazing animals and experience a unique wild encounter that is sure to get your blood pumping. Strap in and visit the Jamestown Speedway. While you're in town, you can stay at the Norway Inn Motel and have a hearty meal at local favorite Jonny B's Brickhouse. Jamestown's driving distance is approximately 96 miles from Fargo, making it an ideal destination for a day trip.
New Salem
No bull, New Salem is home to the World's Largest Holstein cow! Around 31 miles (49 km) west of Bismarck sits the town of New Salem. This charming community of 973 people is one of those rare places where neighbors all seem to know each other by name. And of course, everyone in town knows Salem Sue. The 39-foot-tall heifer has been gracing the town's skyline since about the mid-1970s.
If thinking about all the steaks and burgers a cow like that would produce makes you hungry, then stop in at The Field for a good meal. To learn more about the town's history, visit the New Salem Historical Society/Custer Trail Museum. During the summer, you can listen to some great music at the annual North Dakota Country Fest. The festival supplies the music, but you need to supply your own cowboy hat!
Parshall
Founded in 1914, the town of Parshall is home to one of the most unique structures in the state. The Paul Broste Rock Museum is the culmination of a labor of love for the building's namesake rock enthusiast. Hand-built over several decades, Broste chose, polished, and laid each stone himself. Today, this magnificent structure stands as a testament to one man's grit and determination.
For a bite to eat, stop in at Taco John's. The Van Hook Territorial Inn is a great place to stay in Parshall. While in town, you can also spend time at the Parshall Bay Recreation Area to enjoy some of the area's beautiful scenery. If you feel like getting up close and personal with some friendly four-legged friends, then make sure you visit the Healing Horse Ranch in Parshall.
Garrison
Nestled in the heart of McLean County, North Dakota, is the charming town of Garrison. Along with the town's 1,452 residents, you'll find the famed North Dakota Firefighters Museum & Fallen Firefighters’ Memorial. Along with the Firefighters Museum, you can visit the Garrison Golf Club, a fun outing for players of all skill levels.
However, the main attraction to this beautiful town is "Wally the Walleye". Standing 26 feet tall, this famous finned statue sits in the center of Garrison's City Park. More than just being another roadside attraction, Wally symbolizes Garrison's claim to fame as the "Walleye Capital of the World." If getting your photo taken near the giant fish works up an appetite, then be sure to stop in at Ye Olde Malt Shoppe for a snack! Garrison is approximately 75 miles (120 km) from the larger city of Bismarck, making it an ideal destination for a day trip.
Wahpeton
Founded by Europeans in 1869, the town of Wahpeton has a remarkable history. These days, people travel to this tranquil town to get their photo taken with Whapper, the world's largest catfish. Though not to worry! Despite catfish posing dangers of their own, this 40-foot-long, 12-foot-high version of an aquatic awesomeness is just a statue. Still, one look at Wahpper reveals where the name originated. This is one whopper of a fish! While you're in Wahpeton, consider staying at the AmericInn by Wyndham.
During the warmer months, visitors can stop by the Chahinkapa Zoo to get up close and personal with a wide variety of animals. The Red Door Art Gallery & Museum showcases local artists and features breathtaking displays of talent. For a great meal, do yourself a favor and stop in at the Fryn' Pan Family Restaurant. Arrive hungry, leave satisfied.
Fort Ransom
A guardian has long watched over the town of Fort Ransom. Standing atop the famed Pyramid Hill looms The Viking. Standing 25 feet tall, the fiberglass and mesh statue has long been both a tourist attraction and a silent observer to the world around it. The statue is meant to symbolize the early settlers having Viking blood in their genes. Today, it stands as an impressive monument. Equally impressive is the hill on which it sits. Pyramid Hill is, as the name implies, a hill in the shape of a pyramid. This naturally formed wonder has long been regarded as possessing great power and being more than just a hill.
Therefore, it makes perfect sense why the top was considered the ideal spot for the Viking to sit. If hunger strikes you while you're in Fort Ransom, then stop in at the Dry Hollow Saloon & Grille for some hearty food. This idyllic town is home to just 91 people who are waiting to meet you. Rockstad's River Inn is the place to stay while you're in town. If you feel like enjoying some of the area's beautiful scenery, you can visit the Fort Ransom State Park.
As we've seen, North Dakota offers a diverse range of options for everyone. If you're looking for funky roadside attractions, quirky monuments, and eccentric, off-the-beaten-path towns, then the Peace Garden State is one for your bucket list. Each of these places offers a unique experience that will create memories that will last a lifetime. North Dakota is a great place to visit all year round. The state's cold winters and warm summers mean that there is always something to do and a new adventure to be found. Good luck on your next adventure!
