North Dakota's 6 Most Laid-Back Towns For 2025

North Dakota is full of surprises. Far from the crowds and congestion of America's more populated states (only 779,00 people live here, after all), this part of the northern prairies provides travelers with something that has become increasingly rare: genuine tranquility. This is especially true of the Peace Garden State’s most laid-back small towns. Spread across North Dakota, the appeal of these easygoing communities lies not in flashy attractions, but instead in their authenticity. So if you’ve not yet spent time exploring North Dakota, these six small communities provide a great excuse to break the mold and get started.

Medora

With only around 150 year-round residents, you know Medora has got to be laid-back and quiet. Located near Theodore Roosevelt National Park, this tiny town operates on what locals call "Badlands time," a slower pace that’s dictated by wandering cattle and sunsets rather than jam-packed schedules. It has been that way since the town was founded in 1883 as a place to process beef, through to today's economy revolving around the park's more than 600,000 annual visitors.

You’ll experience the town's laid-back appeal at the famous Medora Musical, performed nightly from June through September at the Burning Hills Amphitheatre. Set against the natural backdrop of the Badlands, you’ll even be treated to authentic local food cooked using pitchforks. Other must-visit sites here include the Harold Schafer Heritage Center with its local history displays, and the Maltese Cross Cabin, where you can see future president Theodore Roosevelt’s original ranch headquarters in 1883.

Garrison

Set along the shores of Lake Sakakawea, the state's largest reservoir (it’s 178 miles long), Garrison exemplifies North Dakota's “go slow” lake-life philosophy. Its handy location at the lake’s narrowest crossing point and the Four Bears Bridge makes it a popular hub for anglers fishing for walleye, who often end the day with a fish fry at Lake Sakakawea Marina.

The prestigious North Dakota Governor's Cup Walleye Derby, held each July, is the state’s top fishing tournament with cash prizes and plenty of bragging rights. You can learn more about the sport at the North Dakota Fishing Hall of Fame, located within North Country Marine. Winters are fun here, too. The Dickens Village Festival transforms downtown Garrison prior to Christmas. Highlights include Victorian-era themes and carol singing, horse-drawn carriage rides, and costumed characters straight out of a Dickens novel.

Grafton

Grafton is about as unhurried a town as you’ll find anywhere. A former railroad town, it was founded in 1882 along the Great Northern Railway and boasts a historic downtown area that has changed little since. Check out the imposing Walsh County Courthouse, built in 1904, and the old Strand Theatre, built 10 years later and still showing first-run movies on its original screen. Also camera-worthy, the Heritage Village and Jugville Museum features several historic buildings and farm buildings that together provide a window into the past.

For a truly laid-back experience, visit Leistikow Park during Grafton’s always-fun Summerfest. Held each June, family-fun activities include everything from quirky turtle races, a parade, and free outdoor concerts. Better still, make a weekend of it with a stay at the AmericInn by Wyndham Grafton with the added perk of free-to-use loaner bikes.

Valley City

Dubbed the "City of Bridges" for the many distinctive structures that span the Sheyenne River here, Valley City is a must-visit if you’re a curious traveler. The star attraction here is the Hi-Line Railroad Bridge, an amazing engineering feat finished in 1908. It’s long, stretching 3,860 feet at a height of 162 feet above the river valley, and is especially impressive when a train passes over it.

You’ll learn more about its iconic bridges, along with the town’s history, at the Barnes County Historical Society Museum. Valley City State University, though a relatively small campus, is worth a wander, especially around Medicine Wheel Park. Created by artist Herman Gehrts in 1992 for astronomical observation, it’s a popular spot for students, locals, and visitors alike to enjoy a little quiet time.

Bottineau

It’s for good reason that Bottineau calls itself North Dakota’s "Four Seasons Playground." Located 12 miles away from the shared border with Canada, the town gets the kind of distinct seasons we’ve come to expect from our neighbor to the north, each offering no end of fun things to do. You’ll find the pace of life here decidedly unhurried, even during peak summer months, as adventurous types arrive to experience outdoor fun in the nearby Turtle Mountains and Lake Metigoshe State Park.

Much the same pace is evident throughout winter, too. Bottineau Winter Park is the focal point from December through March with its nine downhill ski runs, the longest dropping 250 vertical feet over 3,300 feet. Sure, while modest by Rocky Mountain standards, it’s perfect for families and learners. Whatever time of year you visit, you can’t miss Tommy Turtle. The world's largest turtle sculpture, this 30-foot-tall turtle and his snowmobile have served as a gathering spot since 1982.

Carrington

The pinnacle of community life in the unhurried, laid-back town of Carrington is the Foster County Fair. Held each June since 1921 at the Foster County Fairgrounds, it’s the state's oldest livestock exhibition and is a great excuse to visit and mingle with the locals. Downtown must-sees include Putnam House, built in 1901 and now the town’s cultural center and museum (try to time your visit to coincide with its glass-blowing and other traditional craft demonstrations).

Just 15 miles east of town, Arrowwood National Wildlife Refuge covers over 15,000 acres of wetlands and grasslands and is home to more than 250 bird species. The refuge's James River Valley area in particular provides critical habitat for migrating waterfowl, with peak viewing in April and October…so be sure to bring your binoculars.

The Bottom Line

North Dakota's most laid-back small towns not only promise a slower, much more relaxed pace of life, but they also provide one of the most truly authentic travel experiences you’ll ever find in the Midwest. From the stunning Badlands backdrop in Medora to the seemingly endless prairie horizons in Carrington, these laid-back communities rarely require reservations or advance planning… just turn up join in, and let your hair down.