4 Old-Timey General Stores In North Dakota
Penny candy, homemade soaps, and lotions are just a few items that are commonplace in a general store, but it is not only what they sell that makes them a nostalgic place to visit. They are also places where local history still lingers in the walls, from Jud’s Dagen’s Grocery, which has stood since 1905 and once served as a post office, hotel, and department store, to Medora’s Joe Ferris General Store, where Theodore Roosevelt once stayed during a trip to the Badlands. In Tokio, the long-running general store continues to serve a railroad-era community on the Spirit Lake Indian Reservation with organic produce, artisanal goods, and everyday staples. The general stores below feel like a walk through the state's past.
Dagen’s Grocery
Originally named Ole B. Johnson and Sons Hotel and Store, the building that now houses Dagen’s Grocery has served the residents of Jud since 1905 and maintains deep historical roots in town. The establishment is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and features early commercial architecture, including pressed-metal, false-brick asphalt, and historic, enameled-metal signage. Previously serving as a post office, department store, and hotel, Dagen’s now operates as a historic museum showcasing small-town commercial architecture.
Tokio General Store
Located in the heart of Tokio, the Tokio General Store is found on the Spirit Lake Indian Reservation. The rural community was founded in 1906 as a station along the Great Northern Railway and was named by a railroad official who called it Tokio for the Dakota word to-ki, meaning gracious gift. Today, the long-standing grocery store features premium products, including high-quality organic produce, artisanal goods, and locally sourced items, catering to discerning shoppers seeking a unique grocery experience. Come for gourmet ingredients, everyday essentials, and employees dedicated to the quality that the store symbolizes.
Joe Ferris General Store
The Joe Ferris General Store has a longstanding history in the already historical town of Medora. Joe Ferris migrated to the area in 1881 and worked multiple jobs before opening his general store in 1885. One of those unique jobs was serving as a hunting guide for President Theodore Roosevelt, which eventually led to a friendship and to Teddy staying at the Joe Ferris General Store on one of his trips to the Badlands. The store faced hardships in times, but always prevailed. In 1886, almost every store in town closed due to the Boom, Bust, Resurrection Era, but the Joe Ferris General Store triumphed. Eventually, it did close in 1925, but reopened 38 years later as the general store it still is today. Although temporarily closed for the season, the Joe Ferris General Store specializes in gift items, souvenirs, gadgets, games, apparel, custom coffee mugs, music boxes, brain teasers, and even pajamas and slippers!
Frontier Village General Store
Founded in Jamestown, Frontier Village is a historic outdoor living museum that pays homage to 1800s settlers and offers visitors a glimpse of what life was like in the early days of North Dakota. Scattered along unpaved streets and wooden boardwalks, landmark buildings and prestigious institutions can be found. Another landmark establishment in the village is the Frontier Village General Store. The general store, modeled after an “authentic house” from frontier times, gives guests the feel of the old-timey days, while also offering pastries including caramel rolls and kuchen, as well as themed souvenirs such as shirts, postcards, stickers, and more.
General Stores were created at a time when they were needed most. As a one-stop shop to not only grab everyday essentials, but also to socialize with the community at a centralized meeting spot. They try to maintain their traditional roots while making a warm environment to gather and grab a coffee or a tall glass of soda. No matter your reason for visiting the local general store, you’ll be welcomed with a warm smile, a friendly experience, and probably a story or two. So don’t miss a chance to be a small part of a town’s history in one of these four old-timey general stores in North Dakota.
