The state of North Dakota is the 19th-largest state in the United States of America with only 780,000 people living there. It is one of the most beautiful and scenic places to visit in the country — part of the sprawling Great Plains of North America, with the added beauty of broad prairies, steppes, badlands, temperate savannahs, and sprawling farmlands. The vast and stunning natural landscapes of the state can make any trip to the Peace Garden State a wondrous one. With many national and state parks, 63 wildlife refuges (the most of any state), animals ranging from bison to wild horses to big horn sheep still roaming the badlands, and numerous outdoor recreational activities to take part in all year round, there is no shortage of places to go and things to see. To simplify the discovery process, we’ve chosen 11 of the most scenic North Dakota towns that you should visit.

Wahpeton

Wahpeton is a lovely small town that sits directly on the state border with Breckenridge, Montana Minnesota, at the confluence of the Bois de Sioux and Otter Tail rivers, which join to become the northward-flowing Red River of the North. The population of the town currently sits at 8,007 as of the 2020 census. The town was founded in 1869, though the area was explored just over a hundred years earlier by explorer and writer Jonathon Carver of Massachusetts. With humid summers and cold winters, the fertile valley through which the Red River of the North flows is filled, with an abundance of parks. It would attract the attention of any outdoorsy person.

Local museums and art galleries are just as amazing and beautiful for any visitor. One of the main attractions in Wahpeton is the Chahinkapa Zoo, the state’s first zoo. The zoo and wildlife rehabilitation facility opened in 1933 and now houses more than 200 animals across 70 species, including two white rhinos. The zoo is located in Chahinkapa Park, which includes a campground where visitors can enjoy the scenery of nature and the nearby river.

Speaking of scenery, be sure to visit Wahpper, the world’s largest catfish — actually an enormous, 40-foot-long sculpture built from fiberglass. Its location near the sprawling vistas of the Red River of the North provides a whimsical backdrop to the waterway, which features some of the best channel catfish fishing you’ll find anywhere. The artist, Dave Oswold, also crafted Salem Sue, whom you’ll meet below when we visit New Salem.

Belfield

This small town of just 969 people as of 2023 is located a short distance from Theodore Roosevelt National Park; it’s just a 20-minute drive. Founded in 1883 in an oil-rich region, the town has seen many booms and busts. With the distance to a national park being so close, there is no shortage of outdoor scenery to enjoy as locals and tourists enjoy a multitude of activities such as walking, biking, and hiking. The arid climate of the area has led to erosion of the cliff faces, and several have developed into steep cliffs that stand out from the otherwise flat prairies.

Other local sites in the area include the Painted Canyon, Coal Vein Nature Trail, and Initial Rock Historic Site, but the big backdrop to the town of Belfield is the national park, covering 70,446 acres across three sections: the North, South, and Elkhorn Ranch units. The Little Missouri River flows through them all, with each section connected by the Maah Daah Hey Trail. The variety of wildlife in the park includes bison, elk, pronghorns, cougars, golden eagles, and so many more.

The numerous nature trails in the park can be used for hiking or horseback riding to view the majestic creatures in their natural environment. Within the park is the Maltese Cross Cabin, once used by Roosevelt; it’s where the future president became enamored with life in the West, where he hunted bison and hoped to maintain and conserve the beautiful landscapes of the area.

Valley City

One of the larger small cities in North Dakota, the population of Valley City sits at just over 6,500 people, making it the 12th-most-populous city in the state. Founded in 1874, the city was first called Worthington after the town’s promotor, George Worthington. The city is known for its numerous bridges over the Sheyenne River, earning it the nickname, “The City of Bridges.” Located in the city is the Valley City State University. In the often-arid summers and chilly winters, the skies usually remain clear for a beautiful view.

Head to Chautauqua Park just on the outskirts of the city to get a great view of the wonderous Hi-Line Railroad Bridge, built in 1908. The park has 16 acres, and the bridge can be seen from many spots within the park. The bridge itself is 3,860 feet long and is 162 feet above the river. Construction on the bridge began in 1906 and was ready for use in 1908.

The 63-mile Sheyenne River Valley National Scenic Byway runs alongside the river, with the rolling hills of the valley, small towns, and unique historical sites around every curve. Valley City is among the first recommended stops along this byway. Some of the historical landmarks that can be viewed during this trip are the Wadeson Cabin State Historic Site, built in 1876; Standing Rock State Historic Site, a series of indigenous burial mounds that sit atop a grassy hill overlooking the Sheyenne; and Fort Ransom State Park, where visitors learn about the history of homesteading. Just outside town is Hobart Lake. It is a beautiful lake that can be enjoyed for fishing at the aptly named Hobart Purch, a fishing pond, and for its views. Located a close distance from the lake is the Hobart Lake National Wildlife Refuge, a refuge for migratory birds and other wildlife.

Dunseith

This small town was founded in 1882, though only incorporated as a city in 1908. Despite its low population of 632, Dunseith is somewhat well-known, mostly for its proximity to the International Peace Garden that sits on the border of Canada and the United States. (Dùnsìth is a Gaelic word meaning “City of Peace.”) The Peace Garden has more than 2,400 acres, including two lakes, 150,000 flowers, waterfalls, and scenic trails. The garden for which the International Peace Garden is named has more than 150,000 flowers on display throughout the terraces and walkways.

Located south of the Turtle Mountain plateau, Dunseith offers a wide range of activities, such as fishing, water sports, hiking, skiing, and snowmobiling. To the northwest of Dunseith is the Willow Lake National Wildlife Refuge. It’s privately owned, but visitors can view the scenery from public roads. It can also be photographed, as long as there is not any trespassing. Many different migratory birds and other herding animals use this refuge, though the higher populations seem to be Waterfowl. There are other wildlife refuges surrounding the town of Dunseith, including School Section Lake National Wildlife Refuge and Lords Lake National Wildlife Refuge. The wildlife creates more diversity in the surrounding landscape and helps to keep it picturesque.

Minnewaukan

With a population of only 199, Minnewaukan sits on the shores of Devils Lake, the largest natural lake in North Dakota. The lake offers a beautiful, serene view. On an island within the lake is Devils Lake State Park, a great place to view some wildlife. In fact, many of the parks located in the area are vast spaces for families to enjoy some time together or for people to enjoy the serenity of nature. There is usually a place to go fishing or to go hiking in the larger parks. There are numerous wildlife refuges in the area, including Weed Waterfowl Production Area, Lallie Marsh Waterfowl Production Area, and Sullys Hill National Game Preserve. These all provide opportunities to enjoy the scenery and the wildlife. North of the town is Pelican Lake West Causeway, a bridge that connects Devils Lake, Pelican Lake, and Oswalds Bay. A similar access point is Round Lake Access at Round Lake, which leads into the much larger Devils Lake. This access point is located near the southern part of the town. All spots offer wonderful photo opportunities for their amazing landscapes.

Walhalla

Alongside the winding Pembina River is the second oldest town in the state: Walhalla. Established in 1845 amid rolling hills and panoramic views, visitors will find amazing scenery all around. The river is gentle enough and still fast flowing, and the most common pastime during the warmer seasons (and even into the colder ones) is to canoe. The scenic vistas along the river are breathtaking. Any nature lover would love the Tetrault Woods State Forest and the nearby Tetrault State Forest Lookout Point. It is perfect for hiking, horseback riding, picnicking, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling. It is 420 acres of undeveloped nature, so there is no shortage of spaces to explore and photograph.

With a rich history, Walhalla has a few historical landmarks nearby. The Kittson Trading Post was built in 1843 by an American fur trading agent named Norman Kittson. It is among the oldest buildings in the entire state. There are nearby spots to host a picnic, some hiking trails, and a restroom in the area. One mile to the northeast of Walhalla is the Gingras Trading Post State Historic Site. Between 1843 and 1873, the area served as the location of a general store for the Metis community in the Northern Red River Valley area. The two buildings that remain within the park are also among the oldest buildings in the area built by Euro-Americans. The site is open from mid-May to mid-September.

A local attraction in the area is the Brick Mine Bridge. A bit off the beaten path, the historical landmark is located to the west of Walhalla. The bridge was built in 1905 and is a type of truss bridge that is not usually seen in the state. It is part of the Pembina Gorge, and as such offers a spectacular view of the boreal forest and the calmer parts of the river. The views in the summer and fall are an amazing splash of color as the seasons change.

New Salem

The town of New Salem is located in the southern part of North Dakota. Surrounded by broad prairies and low rolling hills, the open skies are an amazing sight, especially on a cloudless day. The abundance of wildlife, such as moose, pronghorn, and muskrats, adds to the activity of the area’s mesmerizing landscape. As of this writing, it’s the 50th anniversary of Salem Sue, “the World’s Largest Holstein Cow.” It has been a dominant figure in New Salem since its construction in 1974. The impressive statue, created by artist Dave Oswold, who also made Wahpper (above), can be seen for miles against the open landscape. Salem Sue stands 38 feet high and 50 feet long on the north side of town.

One place to enjoy the outdoor atmosphere of New Salem is the Gaebe Pond. It is a fishing pond meant for children under 16 and senior citizens. It has a fishing pier that is handicap accessible. It is only 2 miles west of the town itself. The pond is stocked annually with trout, bluegills, and catfish for people to catch. A short drive east of New Salem is Sweet Briar Lake. Perfect for some boating and fishing over the beautiful blue waters. The area also offers opportunities for a nature-loving person, with spots available for picnicking and camping. The lake is also part of the Sweet Briar Dam State Game Management Area which is located on the eastern side of the lake.

Wishek

Wishek is a small town with a population of 864; it’s in the southern part of North Dakota. It is near to the small lake called May Lake. With its wide-open spaces and rolling hills, the scenery in and around Wishek is amazing. There are a number of beautiful small lakes in the nearby area, though many are used as nature preserves for various forms of local and migratory wildlife. The motto of this town is “Explore the Outdoors” which seems apt; it’s a place to enjoy birding, hunting, and fishing. Every year in October, the town celebrates Sauerkraut Day. The town has German and Russian heritage, so the sauerkraut is a staple of the town, as are its natural vistas.

A small park within the town itself is South Wishek Park. It adds some natural greenery to the area and has playground equipment on site for the younger children to use. There is also space for RV parking, picnicking, and recreational spaces for baseball and tennis. Doyle Memorial Park, also known as Green Lake, offers a beautiful space for adults and children to recreate. Plus, the area surrounding Wishek is home to Beaver Lake State Park and several wildlife refuges, including Lehr Waterfowl Production Area, North Brinkman Waterfowl Production Area, and Thurn Waterfowl Production Area are some of the few among them. Access may be limited to some of these areas, so check with local wildlife officials.

Stanton

Next to the confluence of the Knife and Missouri rivers, Stanton (population 368) is located close to the center of the state of North Dakota. The two rivers offer a beautiful landscape to hike alongside and photograph. There is also ample opportunity to fish alongside and on the rivers. The water is one of the main scenic parts of the town and it has several historical sites to find along the way. Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site is a popular tourist area. It houses some historical buildings that once used to be part of a prosperous trading site for various tribes. It later became a central hub for fur trading. The people here once hunted bison and other animals. The natural landscape offers a great place for immersive education while also serving the outdoor and/or historical enthusiast.

For other scenic and historical places to visit near Stanton, check out the Fort Mandan Overlook State Historic Site and the Fort Clark State Historic Site. Both are important archaeological sites that are more than 150 years old. The Fort Clark site contains an earth lodge village, a cemetery, and more. The Fort Mandan site is where Lewis and Clark wintered during 1804-1805. Both sites offer learning opportunities amongst the historic sites which are housed in the rolling plains of the area. The natural landscape of the area is beautiful, and the historic buildings only add to the scenery. West of Stanton is the Stephens Bridge over the Knife River. It is out in the rural country of North Dakota and adds to the view of the landscape. Constructed in 1898, it is accessed via a few beautiful and quiet country roads.

Richardton

Richardton (population 671) offers more open scenery to explore. The vastness of the prairies is simple but beautiful for those who visit. It is a wondrous mix of charming, modern, and scenic. One of the town’s claims to fame is that pieces of a chondrite meteorite (now known as the Richardton meteorite) crashed into a field south of the town in June 1918. The nearby Enchanted Highway is a scenic 32-mile drive containing a collection of scrap metal sculptures by Gary Greff. One piece in particular, titled “Geese in Flight,” is 110-feet tall and 150-feet wide, making it the largest scrap metal sculpture in the world.

One of the buildings that stand out in the area is the Assumption Abbey. It is a Benedictine abbey established in 1893 — a place of community and history. The building is gorgeous, and it looks great as a backdrop for any picture opportunities. For some natural outdoor beauty, the Schnell Recreation Area is a nonmotorized recreation area that is open to visitors. It is a great place to view wildlife. There is hiking, mountain biking, camping, and horseback riding during the warmer months. There are also opportunities for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing during the colder parts of the year. The area is covered in natural and cultural objects that include antlers, flowers, and rocks.

Bottineau

The narrow but lengthy Oak Creek flows through the town of Bottineau, which is located just 20 minutes or so from the Canadian border. There is a range of beautiful scenery to see all year round here. For example, Omemee is a ghost town located south of Bottineau. It was abandoned in 2003 after many decades of decline, partly as a result of Bottineau and nearby Willow City dominating the region’s business and trade. There is not much left of the former town. One of the artifacts from the ghost town is located in Bottineau: the town bell of Omemee is now hung in front of the Bottineau County Historical Museum.

Turtle Mountain State Recreation Area is a state park in Bottineau. Within the nearby Turtle Mountain State Forest is Mystical Horizons, a Stonehenge-like attraction. It has a beautiful, scenic view overlooking farmland located west of the Turtle Mountains. The structure is a working sundial that is designed to view the summer and winter solstice, as well as the equinox.

The Lake Metigoshe State Park is just a short distance from the border with Canada. Located in the Turtle Mountains, it is a popular vacation destination during the entire year. There is something to do for every season. Hiking, kayaking, canoeing, and birding are among the activities to do during the summer. In the winter sledding, snowshoeing and ice-fishing are among the colder season activities to take part in. Those who visit the park are able to enjoy over 13 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails as well as a three-mile hiking trail that is self-guided and interpretive. The unique woodlands and wetlands of the state park house a wide variety of plants, animals, and bird species that are rarely seen elsewhere, even in other parts of the state.

Conclusion

The state of North Dakota is a beautiful, scenic place with picturesque great plains and calming rivers throughout. It is filled with an abundance of landscapes, from badlands and prairies to rolling hills, where the wildlife adds to the sense of serenity. The state is full of history, too, recalling eras of fur-trading and the westward expansion of the United States. The 11 most scenic towns in North Dakota for 2024 are waiting to be discovered — and rediscovered — by new generations of travelers.