9 Prettiest Downtown Strips In North Dakota
North Dakota, as one of the least populated states in the country, is a place of wide-open spaces and unspoiled natural beauty. Hidden amidst the vast countryside are small, delightful escapes with some of the prettiest main streets. From the best ice cream in Bottineau to the oldest continuously operating movie theater in Lisbon, these quiet escapes are full of surprises. Life in these small communities moves a little slower, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t anything to do. Be sure to check out these idyllic North Dakota communities when you want a slice of Americana in the Peace Garden State.
Medora
Not too far from the Montana border in western North Dakota is Medora, tucked in the heart of the Badlands near the Theodore Roosevelt National Park. A former frontier cow village, not much has changed in Medora in all the best ways. The Old West-style buildings with the towering Badlands in the distance feel like walking into the days of the Wild West (minus all the saloon brawls).
Before you start your Medora adventure, it’s best to stop at the Medora Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. It’s where you can learn about all the community events happening in the area, like watching The Outlaws Live at the Old Town Hall Theater. You can also stop in delightful shops like Little Missouri Saloon & Dining Room, or experience Medora’s past at the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame.
Jamestown
You know you've made it to Jamestown when you find yourself face to face with the world’s largest buffalo monument, Dakota Thunder. Dakota Thunder is a massive 26-foot-tall concrete buffalo and one of the most iconic roadside attractions in Jamestown, overlooking the city below. While you’re there, you can also check out the National Buffalo Museum to learn more about these animals' role in the American West.
After visiting Dakota Thunder, there’s much to discover in town. It is a scenic, walkable community with cozy shops like Babb's Coffee House or the beautiful Stutsman County Memorial Museum. For a real trip into Jamestown’s past, there’s no better stop than Frontier Village. Many of the original buildings from old Jamestown were relocated to this spot, equipped with antiques and artifacts for visitors to gain insight into the days of the American West.
Valley City
Settled along the banks of the Sheyenne River is Valley City. A riverside escape, the town is known for its charming bridges. However, its most famous bridge is the Hi-Line Railroad Bridge, known as one of the longest and highest single-track railroad bridges in the United States. You can’t walk across it because it’s still used for railcars, but you can see it from Chautauqua Park and learn a little more about it at the Valley City Rosebud Visitor Center.
Central Valley City has a bit of an artistic flair, with colorful murals adding to its charm. You can grab a cup of coffee at Alley Beans Coffee & Roastery before exploring this tight-knit neighborhood. The area comes alive in the summer, with notable festivals like Summer Nights on Central and Sheyenne RiverFest, which offer great food, family-friendly activities, and live music along the river.
Wahpeton
Located in eastern North Dakota just south of Fargo, Wahpeton delivers all of the excitement of a bustling city in a much smaller space. You can visit quaint attractions like the 29-acre Chahinkapa Zoo or spend a lazy afternoon at Chahinkapa Park. At the park, you may even catch a glimpse of a dinosaur (not a real one, of course, but a velociraptor sculpture made of scrap metal).
Many of the buildings near Dakota Avenue are on the National Register of Historic Places, like the massive Richland County Courthouse, Leach Public Library, and the Wahpeton Hospital, which is no longer operational but stands as a historical landmark. Wahpeton also has artistic appeal in addition to its ornate, historical buildings. The Red Door Art Gallery, located in the old National Bank Building, has annual exhibits worth checking out and serves as Wahpeton’s visitors center.
Lisbon
If you didn’t know that Lisbon was there, you likely would never stumble upon this hidden gem. Situated in the heart of the Sheyenne National Grassland, it has one of the prettiest downtown areas anywhere in the state. You can expect ornate brick buildings with accented stone pieces and a touch of Art Deco. There’s no better example of the unique architecture in Lisbon than the Ransom County Courthouse, built in the 1930s (the peak of the Art Deco movement in America).
Lisbon leans into its small-town charm with attractions you may not find anywhere else in the country. The Scenic Theater opened its doors in 1911 and is believed to be one of the oldest continuously operating movie theaters in the United States. You can still visit the theater to catch a show, although the films playing today are quite different from those in the early 1900s. You can also grab a bite to eat at The Bronc, then explore the Sandager Park and enjoy the views of the Sheyenne River.
Bottineau
As the Gateway to the Turtle Mountains, Bottineau boasts natural beauty from the highest peaks to Main Street. There are plenty of outdoor adventures to discover just outside the city limits, but the real fun in Bottineau lies on its charming streets. From the vintage Botno Theater, where you can catch a movie, to shops like Botno Bean Coffee and Gifts, it won’t take long to feel right at home. The best time to visit is during the Bottineau County Fair, which has offered fun activities, food, and live music since 1875.
Bottineau’s biggest claim to fame isn’t the county fair or even the tranquility of the Turtle Mountains, but their ice cream. While there are quite a few shops to grab a sundae or a cone, nothing quite compares to Pride Dairy. It’s one of North Dakota’s last remaining small-time creameries and was nominated as one of the country's top 50 ice cream parlors by USA Today. If you are in love with ice cream, you have to add Bottineau to your North Dakota road-trip itinerary.
Mayville
On the eastern edge of North Dakota, north of Fargo, is Mayville, a true slice of Americana. The town's central hub on 3rd Street SW has a bit of everything: Darling little restaurants, an island park, and amazing little pocket parks. It’s the type of town where you don’t feel like you need to rush. You can grab a slice of pizza at the Pizza Shop and then explore the unique Island Park, which is surrounded by water from an oxbow of the Goose River.
One of the best places to visit in Mayville is the Rainbow Garden and Sculpture Walk, located right across 3rd Avenue and across from the Island Park. It’s a beautiful, well-manicured green space in with paved walking paths, picnic tables, and unique rock sculptures. It also has live music and food trucks in the summer.
Washburn
If you’re looking for a small, quiet community to relax and explore, look no further than Washburn. Nestled along the banks of the Missouri River, Washburn is truly a North Dakota secret gem. Main Avenue is where all the action is, with quaint shops that provide retail therapy in an old-timey setting. Exploring the Old West-style buildings feels like traveling back in time. You can order a drink at Riverboat Saloon and dine on classic American comfort food at the cozy Cafe 77.
As you travel south down Main Avenue and turn onto 6th Street, the road will eventually lead to Boat Ramp Road, where you can take in the scenic spots of Washburn. You can walk along the Missouri River at Riverside Park or walk through Washburn Dog Park (which is not too far from where Lewis and Clark spent the winter in the 1800s). If you want to learn more about Washburn's connection to Lewis and Clark, be sure to stop by the McLean County Museum.
Rugby
Though the proclamation is up for debate, a stone monument in the middle of town states that Rigby is the geographical center of North America. Aside from its convenient location smack dab in the center of America, Rugby is a charming town with a rich history.
The main strip in Rugby is 3rd Avenue SW, a long, flat stretch of road with unique stops worth checking out. There’s the geographical center monument at the intersection of 3rd Avenue and U.S. Highway 2 and the Prairie Village Museum. The museum offers a glimpse into Rugby’s past with over 20 historic buildings, including a general store, railroad depot, and pioneer home, all furnished with antiques and exhibits that illustrate early life in Rugby. Another interesting stop is the Niewoehner Bell Tower, a collection of bells from various sources, like churches, schools, and fire departments.
These Downtown Strips Are Worth the Detour
These small communities will not disappoint the next time you want to hit the road; they deliver a vibe that makes you feel like you’re right at home. You can grab a bite to eat and take in the breathtaking view of the Hi-Line Railroad Bridge overlooking the Sheyenne River in Valley City, or stop by Jamestown to visit Dakota Thunder before taking a museum tour. So, pack a bag, take your time, and don’t be surprised if you leave with a few new friends.
