8 Off-The-Grid North Dakota Towns To Visit In 2025

North Dakota has a vast landscape with picturesque views, ample outdoor activities, and multiple opportunities to learn about its history. That vast openness of North Dakota also makes it one of the more unique, remote places to visit. If you’re searching for a trip that’s tranquil, obscure, and solitary, make sure to stop by one or more of these eight towns. They are full of unique history and breathtaking views that make the journey worth it.

Medora

The small town of Medora, 0.41 square miles to be exact, may not seem like it has enough room for any attractions, but it packs a lot of punch into the area they have. Medora is the gateway to Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Enter the South Unit of the park. Hike, camp, take a 48-mile scenic drive, and be awed by the sites of the badlands surrounding you. You might come across some roaming buffalo, just make sure to admire them from afar!

Another main attraction in town is the Medora Musical. The show pays tribute to North Dakota’s Wild West days, and during the summer months, the shows are known to sell out. The Chateau de Mores State Historic Site serves as a reminder of the town's history. The 26-room house was built in 1883 and is now a museum that contains original furnishings and personal belongings from the de Mores family, who founded the town of Medora. Finally, check out the Maltese Cross Cabin. A cabin purchased by Theodore Roosevelt when he came to the Badlands to hunt bison. The cabin has been renovated, but the log frame is the original ponderosa pine used to build it in 1883.

Valley City

One big (literally and figuratively) attraction in the small town of Valley City can be found on Valley City State University’s campus. Medicine Wheel Park encompasses 30 acres, with the largest installation measuring 213 feet around. Twenty-eight spokes extend out from the circular object and represent the number of days in the Lunar Cycle. The Park was constructed as a class project in 1992.

Continue the sightseeing by taking a drive down the Sheyenne River Valley National Scenic Byway. This 63-mile stretch of road highlights multiple towns and farms along the way, providing picturesque views representing recreation, culture, archaeology, and history. For more outdoor views and fun, head to Chautauqua Park. The Park comes equipped with facilities for sand volleyball, cornhole, picnics and fishing. Enjoy the 16 acres and views of the Hi-Line Bridge. One final stop to make before exiting Valley City is The Barnes County Historical Society Museum. The museum is the oldest in North Dakota and features collections of artifacts, photos, newspapers, and transcripts of historical interviews. The displays depict the families and communities that comprise the county.

Bottineau

Bottineau's Mystical Horizons, sometimes referred to as the Stonehenge of the Prairie, provides stunning views of prairie land just outside the Turtle Mountains. This astrological-themed park is positioned to view the summer and winter solstices and the equinox. The structures in this park are made of stone and cement. And speaking of the Turtle Mountains, if you plan to visit them, just look for the giant turtle. At 30 feet tall, Tommy the Turtle is a monument that can be found riding a 34-foot-long snowmobile. Tommy’s job is to help visitors find the gateway to the Turtle Mountains, which can provide visitors with an afternoon of solitude.

For more outdoor adventure, visit Lake Metigoshe State Park. There are over 13 miles of trails for hiking and biking in this state park, located along the Turtle Mountains. The recreation area also features multiple lakes for kayaking and canoeing. For a final stop in Bottineau, visit the Bottineau Country Club Golf Course. The 81-year-old club remains open to the public and provides a 9-hole golf course.

Devils Lake

Enjoy the peaceful shores of Devils Lake at Grahams Island State Park, just across the Grahams Island Causeway. The park is surrounded by woodlands with a sheltered feeling and stretches along miles of lakeshore. The lake is open year-round, so there are plenty of opportunities for water activities.

Whether you prefer your lakes to be thawed or frozen, another stop to make in Devil’s Lake is The Sheriff’s House Museum, an early 1910s home turned into a museum. The three floors are filled with trinkets and antiques from local families, some from over 100 years ago. To continue learning about the area, make sure to visit the Lake Region Heritage Center. The center provides exhibits, art shows, activities, and events representing local history, culture, and art. Before heading out of Devils Lake, opt for a visit to the Creel Bay Golf Course. Play a round or visit the pro shop to rent a kayak and adventure around Devils Lake.

Jamestown

Begin your visit to Jamestown with a classic roadside attraction: The World’s Largest Buffalo Monument. Standing 26 feet tall and weighing 60 tons, this structure has been keeping watch over Jamestown since 1959. Affectionately named Dakota Thunder, he is considered one of the Midwest’s most popular roadside attractions. After checking out the mighty buffalo, make your way to the Stutsman County Memorial Museum. The Collegiate Gothic-style home includes collections of the town’s history, from pioneering to railroading and military to houseware, medical, and agricultural items.

After the museum, continue learning about the town’s history at Fort Seward. From 1872 to 1877, this camp was in operation and provided shelter for the men who oversaw the building of the railroad. Today, locals gather there as it is the starting point of the Fort Seward, Inc. Annual Wagon Train. Finally, spend some time outdoors at the Jamestown Reservoir. With 45 miles of shoreline, the recreation area provides ample views of prairie and wooded lands. Spend the day picnicking, boating, swimming, or walking the trails.

Garrison

Often considered the “Walleye Capitol of the World”, make your first stop in Garrison a visit to Wally the Walleye, a 26-foot Walleye statue located in the town’s City Park. Snap a picture with the town favorite before trying your hand at catching an actual Walleye in one of the many state lakes. For one of those fishing spots, check out Douglas Creek Recreation Area and Lake Sakakawea. Take a boat out or fish from the shoreline in the recreaction area. After a day of fishing, spend the night in the park at one of the available campsites. Primitive campsites are available on a first come, first served basis.

Another outdoor spot to visit is Fort Stevenson State Park. Also located along Lake Sakakawea, it is a great spot for a day on the water. Visitors can learn about the military history in the Dakota territory by visiting the park museum. If you want to opt for some indoor attractions, visit the North Dakota Firefighter’s Museum & Fallen Firefighter’s Memorial. The museum’s mission is to preserve the history, tradition and heritage of firefighting and the men and women who fight those fires. Stop by and check out the antique fire trucks and other related memorabilia.

Beulah

Start your trip to Beulah with a nostalgic trip to the Then & Now Candy Store. This old-time candy store features old-fashioned hard candies and licorice pipes and serves eight flavors of ice cream. Stop by for some candies of the past, new-age freeze-dried candies, and everything in between.

For a unique museum experience, visit The Pfennig Museum. It has a collection of over 175 species of animals, all of which come from a private collection from Helmuth Pfennig. The exotic animals hail from Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Canada and Alaska. Check out the taxidermized wildebeest, polar bear, muskox, honey badger, and so much more. Next, play a round at Black Sands Golf Club. Featuring a nine-hole course, you’ll be challenged with elevation changes, water hazards and coal slag bunkers. Located near Lake Sakakawea, this course is sure to provide picturesque views at each hole.

Finally, stop in at the Mercer County Historical Museum and take a trip through the early settlement days of the Norwegians, Swedish, Irish, and Germans into North Dakota. The displays feature historical vehicles, glassware, photographs, and military uniforms.

Carrington

Begin your day in Carrington by learning the town’s history at the Foster County Museum. The displays feature history from Foster County and surrounding towns. Through photos, agricultural equipment, and historical records, learn about the early times of Carrington. You can also schedule a tour of the one-room schoolhouse located next door.

For a sweet treat, pop over to Cows & Co Creamery. This gelato and cheese shop is more than just a store, but you are also invited to visit the farmstead and enjoy the peacefulness of your surroundings. For another relaxing afternoon, visit the CrossRoads Golf Course. Designed by James Swart and a nine-time winner of the Golf Digest Four Star Award, this 18-hole course also features a 5-mile trail for recreation.

Finally, for one last stop before leaving Carrington, visit the Pipestem Creek Garden Lodging and Nature Retreat. Enjoy a tranquil afternoon of bird watching and tours through private gardens. The experience is designed to feel connected to small rural grain farms. The trails are maintained for walking and exploring at your leisure.

The Soul of North Dakota

Explore North Dakota with your own unique itinerary. These eight off-the-grid towns offer something for everyone. Visit in awe at the giant buffalo and Walleye sculptures, take a hike through historical parks while learning what gave these towns their personality, or take in a musical that sells out every summer. No matter what you’re looking to get out of your trip, these places offer something for everyone to enjoy. See how many new and exceptional attractions you can visit during your North Dakota stay.