The Most Underrated Towns In North Dakota

North Dakota is a state in the midwestern United States that borders Minnesota, South Dakota, Montana, and forms part of the U.S. boundary with Canada. A part of the Union since 1889, the state is known as the “Peace Garden State,” for reasons included below. North Dakota also has a rich history of Indigenous people and adventurers. Less-visited than other states, the place offers plenty of opportunities for off-the-beaten-path adventures. North Dakota provides a diverse range of attractions for everyone to explore.

Bottineau

Bottineau is a town in northern North Dakota, situated near the border with Canada. It was named after Pierre Bottineau, a fur trader, which harkens to the French-Canadian history of the region from colonial times. Just outside Bottineau, visitors can explore the International Peace Garden, a popular attraction that is always worth visiting.

The Peace Chapel is also located here and offers tranquility after time on the road. And for kids of all ages, Tommy Turtle, a statue of a turtle on a snowmobile, stands 26 feet tall and is a fun, one-of-a-kind attraction here that demands a selfie or a family photo.

Dickinson

Dickinson is located in southwest North Dakota. Visitors can come here to see the Enchanted Highway, featuring 32 miles of scrap-metal sculptures. One sculpture, inspired by local geese, is considered the largest scrap-metal sculpture in the world.

For families, the Dickinson Museum Center and Badlands Dinosaur Museum are excellent options in the area, offering a wealth of fascinating exhibits on dinosaurs, local paleontology, rocks and mineralogy, and other natural histories of the region. In addition, Theodore Roosevelt National Park, located within easy reach of Dickinson, offers spectacular scenery.

Jamestown

Jamestown, North Dakota, is a place that proudly showcases the culture of the Old West. Set in southeast North Dakota, Jamestown has a 26-foot-tall sculpture of a buffalo, an iconic image of the American Plains. The North American Bison Discovery Center is located here for anybody interested in learning more about conservation and the history of this majestic animal.

Likewise, the Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, U.S. Geological Survey research facility, offers opportunities for further discoveries about local wildlife, as well as regional efforts in natural conservation. In short, Jamestown is an ideal town for anybody interested in the past and present of wildlife in the American West.

Minot

Minot, in northern North Dakota, has deep Scandinavian heritage, notably from Norway. This region of the Midwest was a draw for many immigrants from various parts of Scandinavia, including Norway, Sweden, and Denmark, due to the fertile soil and similar climate. In town, the Gol Stave Church Museum, modeled after Norwegian churches, is open to the public.

Gol Stave is located in the Scandinavian Heritage Center, a popular spot for both locals and visitors. Every fall, the town’s Norsk Hostfest showcases Nordic culture and heritage. The Roosevelt Park Zoo is also located in Minot, offering a variety of unique animals for kids and families to enjoy.

Rugby

Rugby, in north-central North Dakota, calls itself the “geographical center of North America.” Visitors can find a stone obelisk downtown that stands about 15 feet tall, marking the spot that residents say is the precise center of the continent. In addition, Rugby is a great destination to see the Northern Lights.

The Northern Lights Tower and Interpretive Center, a Rugby mainstay, is located here, shedding light on the science behind this beautiful natural phenomenon. And for visiting fashionistas of all generations, the Victorian Dress Museum in town displays historic fashions that visitors can imagine their forebears wearing at home, church, or for a night on the town. For natural and cultural history in an unexpected place, Rugby makes an excellent stop for a weekend or longer.

Williston

Williston, located in western North Dakota, is renowned for its outdoor sports, including golf and clay pigeon shooting. The Painted Woods Sports Range, recommended by locals of the area, offers the chance to test one’s aim and reflexes. For history buffs, the Fort Union Trading Post provides a rich history of the town, particularly in relation to buffalo, trading, and the interactions between European and Indigenous peoples.

The National Park Service oversees the site and makes it accessible to the public. Other sites in Williston, such as the Wheat Monument, pay tribute to the region's agricultural heritage and to the staple food that has sustained generations of North Dakotans and others.

North Dakota is a vast state that is home to numerous undiscovered towns and hidden cultural gems. As a state with vast landscapes, it offers excellent views of the Northern Lights, expansive plains, and majestic animals, such as the buffalo. For those interested in sporting and outdoor activities, the Peace Garden State has plenty to offer, from hiking and national parks to trap shooting. Add to all of that the cultural influences of Indigenous and Scandinavian peoples, and the visitor will surely find that North Dakota's smaller towns offer a wealth of things to discover.