The Most Charming River Towns In North Dakota
The landscape of North Dakota is dynamic. From glacial landscapes, badlands, to rolling prairies, every corner of the state is a new surprise. What you may not know about the Roughrider State is that it is also carved by picturesque rivers and lakes, most notably the Missouri River and the Red River. These cozy river towns offer some of the best fishing in the state, or just a slower pace of life along their shores. No matter what brings you to these river towns, you won’t be disappointed in their charm!
Valley City
Valley City, also known as the City of Bridges, boasts over 10 bridges that span the Sheyenne River. Most notably, the Hi-Line Bridge is the tallest and longest single-track railroad bridge in the United States, standing 162 feet tall and is almost 4,000 feet long. While you can’t walk over this active railway bridge, you can get the best views from below at Chautauqua Park. The park offers great hiking trails and picnic areas, and if you visit at just the right time, you may get to see a train cross the bridge!
There’s so much more to Valley City than its bridges. You can learn more about Valley City’s railway roots by stopping by the Rosebud Visitor Center. Inside, there are interactive exhibits and artifacts from Valley City’s past, as well as a restored 1881 Northern Pacific Superintendent's railcar that you can tour. Outside the visitors center is the trailway starting point of the Sheyenne River Valley Scenic Byway that takes you through Valley City’s magnificent countryside accented with calm rivers, farmland, and historical sites.
Medora
Situated on the Little Missouri River, Medora is a small community in western North Dakota with a big heart. It’s known as the gateway to the south entrance of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, and it's one of the best ways to explore the natural wonder of North Dakota’s badlands. The Wind Canyon Overlook offers a high vantage point from which to admire the serene landscapes along the Little Missouri River. It’s a short hike to the top, and the views of the river and carved rock formations are especially impressive at sunset.
The Chateau de Mores State Historic Site is a must-see for a unique slice of Medora's history. Before touring the site, make sure to stop by the Chateau De Mores Visitor Center to learn more about the unique French aristocrat rancher who lived on the ranch in the late 1800s. The chateau feels like stepping into a time capsule. All the furnishings and decorations are period-accurate and tell the tale of what life was like in the ranching days of Medora.
Washburn
Along the banks of the Missouri River in central North Dakota is the hidden gem of Washburn. If you want peaceful river views, the North Country National Scenic Trail runs right through Washburn. The trail starts in North Dakota and stretches all the way through Vermont, cutting right through Washburn. It offers fantastic views of Washburn's landscape and the Missouri River on its maintained paths. While the natural beauty in Washburn is undeniable, it also has strong historical roots.
The Lewis and Clark expedition went right through what is now known as Washburn, and you can learn all about it at the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center. The center has rotating art galleries, journals that lend an intimate look at the expedition, and Native American artifacts. After checking out the center, Fort Mandan should be your next stop. Settled along the banks of the Missouri River, the fort is a reproduction of the original fort where Lewis and Clark spent the winter in the early 1800s. From there, Seamans Overlook offers one of the best views of the river anywhere in Washburn!
Stanton
Nestled on the banks of the Missouri River is Stanton, a small community with a rich history. The biggest attraction in Stanton is the Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site, a serene spot in the North Dakota wilderness with historical context. The land preserves the history of the Native Americans who once inhabited the lands with remains of early Native American villages. Most notably, the Awatixa Village was once home to Sacagawea before she joined the Lewis and Clark Expedition.
If you want to spend more time on the river without leaving central Stanton, the Sakakawea Park Campground is a wonderful place to spend the afternoon. You can fish or relax along the Missouri River, camp, picnic at its designated picnic areas, or launch a boat out onto the water. After a day on the water, end your day at The River Run, a local watering hole where you can get to know the locals!
Walhalla
On the calm banks of the Pembina River is where you’ll find the serene community of Walhalla in the heart of North Dakota’s Pembina River valley. South of central Walhalla is the Tetrault Woods State Forest, an idyllic nature retreat with stunning views of the Pembina Gorge. It offers diverse hiking trails, fishing on the Pembina River, and birdwatching in Tetrault Woods. For even better views of the landscape, the Masonic Scenic Overlook is a great place for photography, providing amazing panoramic views of the Pembina River Valley.
The landscape of Walhalla is beautiful and isolated, but central Walhalla offers plenty of things to explore. History buffs have to tour the Kittson Trading Post, one of the oldest buildings in the state. It was constructed in 1851 along the scenic banks of the Pembina River and is filled with artifacts highlighting its function as a fur trading warehouse. The trading post and the scenic grounds offer a rare glimpse back in time.
Jamestown
Along the James River is Jamestown, a community known for buffalo, stunning views, and a deep history. Frontier Village is a fantastic place to start, and it operates as a living history museum depicting the life of early settlers. You can explore authentic buildings from the old pioneer days, and even bump into costumed roleplayers that bring the village to life. It’s also where you’ll find Jamestown's crown jewel, Dakota Thunder, the World's Largest Buffalo Monument. Taking a photo with the 26-foot-tall, 60-ton concrete bison is a must when visiting Jamestown!
One of the best ways to cool off during the summer and take in those water views is at the Jamestown Reservoir Beach. It’s a popular spot among locals and visitors, offering boat ramps to set off onto the Jamestown Reservoir or swim at one of its two beaches. Don’t have a boat or paddleboard? No worries! The recreation area also has services that allow visitors to rent anything from pontoon boats to jet skis.
Wahpeton
Right on the border of North Dakota and Minnesota is Wahpeton, home to the world’s largest catfish sculpture! Wahpper, a giant fiberglass sculpture along the banks of the Red River, serves as a siren call for anglers, reflecting the abundant catfish in the Red River. Even if you aren’t a fisherman, taking a photo with Wahpper is a rite of passage when visiting Wahpeton!
Aside from giant catfish, there are many things to see while in Wahpeton. There’s the Chahinkapa Park and Zoo, a modest local zoo with over 200 animals from across the globe, which is a favorite among families. Across the street from the zoo is the Prairie Rose Carousel, a 1926 fully restored wooden carousel, and one of the last operating wooden carousels in the United States! But if it’s river adventures you’re after, the Kidder Recreation Area is one of the places in the area to set sail on the Red River.
Discover the Heart of North Dakota’s Most Delightful River Towns
Whether it’s fishing in Wahpeton along the Red River or admiring the Missouri views atop Wind Canyon Overlook in Medora, these charming river towns prove North Dakota is so much more than badlands and bison. When you want an escape from the noise and the traffic, you can find a little slice of riverside heaven in these hidden hamlets. From the rustic beauty of the North Country National Scenic Trail in Washburn to paddling down the James River in Jamestown, these delightful escapes make for the perfect summer road trip!
