8 Small Towns In North Dakota To Visit For A Weekend Getaway

North Dakota is located in the midwestern United States, bordering Minnesota, South Dakota, Montana, and Canada. This region has plenty of spectacular natural sights and is known as the “Peace Garden State,” as described in further detail below. This seemingly remote state is full of nature and largely untouched by visitors, making it an ideal place for a weekend away or a longer retreat. Natural parks are found throughout North Dakota, providing the state with a relaxing ambiance that is perfect for escaping urban life and connecting with the majestic nature of the Great American Plains.

Mandan

Mandan is located near Bismarck, the capital of North Dakota. This gives it easy access from the capital's transportation options for a weekend getaway. Each July, the Mandan Rodeo Days is a fun family activity that brings the culture of the West to life for a weekend. Raging Rivers Waterpark is a great place for kids, featuring a variety of waterslides and recreational games. Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park is the oldest state park in North Dakota and offers both historical and recreational sites, including a reconstructed military fort. As one accommodation option, the North Country Inn and Suites is a highly rated local inn for visitors to Mandan.

Jamestown

The town of Jamestown embodies the spirit of the Old West in southeastern North Dakota. Visitors can view an iconic sculpture of Dakota Thunder, the World's Largest Buffalo, the animal that was a source of food and culture in the Old West. For those looking for a scientific place to learn about conservation and history, the North American Bison Discovery Center in Jamestown is a must-visit. Funded by the US government, the Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center is a federal science center that conducts research on the prairie ecosystem. My Place Hotel-Jamestown is an excellent choice for visitors, conveniently situated just off Interstate 94.

Dickinson

Dickinson, located in the southwest corner of the state, is also a worthwhile destination. The nearby Enchanted Highway is a notable attraction and public art installation that showcases how scrap metal can be transformed into sculptures. The site features some of the world’s largest scrap-metal sculptures along a 32-mile drive.

Theodore Roosevelt National Park is a stunning and serene natural space for those seeking a rural retreat. The Dickinson Museum Center and Badlands Dinosaur Museum are full of the history of the area, including numerous educational exhibits on dinosaurs, making this destination perfect for families. For lodging, Dickinson has both major hotel chains and independent lodging options, such as the Astoria Hotel & Event Center.

Bottineau

Bottineau, located in the northern part of North Dakota and close to the Canadian border, was named after the French fur trader Pierre Bottineau, reflecting the multicultural history of this region throughout the centuries. At the nearby International Peace Garden, the Peace Chapel is a quiet spot for reflection and a popular place for visitors. Spanning the US-Canada border, the International Peace Garden celebrates cross-border friendship through manicured gardens, symbolic monuments, and peaceful walking paths that invite visitors to slow down and reflect.

For those who enjoy sculptures, Tommy Turtle is a fun one: it features a turtle on a snowmobile, making it a great detour for travelers with kids. The Turtle Mountain Inn & Bottle Shop, located right downtown with a liquor store on-site, is an interesting local place to spend the night.

New Salem

West of Bismarck, New Salem is known for a unique and amusing ambience. More public art awaits in the form of Salem Sue, a large sculpture of a cow that visitors enjoy taking pictures with. This statue was built to honor the state’s dairy heritage. For those looking for a more traditional attraction, the New Salem Historical Society runs a museum exhibiting the area’s agricultural heritage and the broader history of the American frontier. Red Trails Links Golf Course is a popular outdoor spot for golfers to relax and enjoy their sport while spending a weekend in New Salem. For accommodations, try Elisha’s Place, a guesthouse and vacation rental in New Salem.

Minot

Minot has deep Norwegian and Scandinavian heritage and is located in the northern part of the state. Many settlers from Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and other countries came to this area of the Midwest, primarily due to the climate and rich agricultural land. In town, the Gol Stave Church Museum features a style reminiscent of Scandinavian churches and is a popular destination for visitors. Gol Stave is located in the Scandinavian Heritage Center, another worthwhile site to visit on a weekend getaway. Minot's Norsk Hostfest, held each fall, is also a great reason to visit. For families and animal lovers of all ages, the Roosevelt Park Zoo can bring a touch of biological pleasure during their visit. Also in town and near the airport, Dakota Inn Minot is a nice place to spend a night or two.

Williston

Williston, in western North Dakota, is known for its clay pigeon shooting, a popular activity enjoyed by those who enjoy shooting and other outdoor sports. Likewise, for clay-target and range shooting, Painted Woods Sporting Range is a popular option in the Williston area.

For those interested in the town’s history involving trading relations, the Fort Union Trading Post, located approximately 25 miles from downtown and operated by the National Park Service, is a unique and historic spot to visit. And for those looking for something charming and unexpected, the Wheat Monument honors the food staple beloved by millions around the world, and grown statewide. Located near Williston Basin International Airport and local attractions such as Lake Sakakawea and Lewis and Clark State Park, the Roosevelt Hotel provides convenient lodging with free breakfast and easy access to the area’s outdoor recreation.

Rugby

Rugby calls itself the “Geographical Center of North America.” Right in town, one can find a stone obelisk that points to the spot many believe is the precise center of the continent. For those looking to see the Northern Lights, Rugby is an ideal place to view them. The Northern Lights Tower and Interpretive Center is loved by visitors who come to learn about the natural phenomenon of the Northern Lights and the northern skies. And for those interested in fashion, the Victorian Dress Museum is a must-visit destination that showcases the history of fashion, highly recommended by visitors who appreciate both clothing and social history. For a place to get some rest, try the Cobblestone Inn, also in town.

For a Great Weekend Away, Consider North Dakota's Small Towns

North Dakota has something for everyone, whether you're looking for thrills like the Northern Lights or a relaxing and atmospheric retreat in the Old West. Visitors of all ages in North Dakota can observe wildlife and fresh agriculture, both of which are sure to delight. In addition, North Dakota is a heaven for sportsmen and outdoors fans who are looking for a place to take part in recreational activities, and might just catch (or shoot) a big one. With diverse social and natural heritage, the state of North Dakota and its small towns are a truly unique way to explore the American West for a few days or longer.