A midwestern state bordering Canada, North Dakota is known for its wide and expansive Great Plains, which was once the home of Native Americans, enterprising pioneers looking for a new life out west, and free-roaming bison. The western part of the state also celebrates its rugged Badlands, which are teeming with a diverse population of mammal, bird, amphibian, and insect species. All throughout the Peace Garden State, you can find small, cozy towns that welcome visitors and new residents. Put these six on your “must-visit” list the next time you are in North Dakota.

Medora

The historic town of Medora is special for many reasons, but one of its biggest draws is its location in the beautiful, expansive Badlands. Medora is also the gateway to the southern point of the Theodore Roosevelt National Park, making it a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages. Although it has a quaint, cozy feel, Medora offers all the best big-city amenities, such as unique boutiques, delicious eateries, and top-notch attractions.

Start your visit to Medora with a trip to the Theodore Roosevelt National Park, where you can hike along miles of rugged Badlands trails and view wildlife such as bison, elk, wild horses, bobcats, and prairie dogs. Western history and culture lovers will enjoy a trip to the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame, which tells the exciting stories of the state’s Native Americans, ranchers, homesteaders, pioneers, and cowboys. If you are a golfer, don’t miss the 18-hole Billy Pulpit Golf Course, considered one of the country’s most scenic.

Valley City

Located near picturesque Lake Ashtabula, pretty Valley City is a tight-knit community that celebrates all that the region has to offer. The cozy town’s claim to fame is its breathtaking 162-foot-tall and 3,860-foot-long Highline Bridge, known as one of the country’s longest and highest bridges. Whether you are just passing through this charming destination or plan on spending a few days or more there, start your exploration at Rosebud Visitors Center to learn about the town’s history and current attractions.

Don’t miss a trip to explore the 30-acre Medicine Wheel Park, home to a medicine wheel solar calendar, a walking trail, a solar system model and five interpretive panels, a blooming garden, and even Indian burial mounds. The Valley City State University Planetarium wows skywatchers with its state-of-the-art science center and 24-foot domed ceiling.

Walhalla

Welcoming Walhalla was one of North Dakota’s earliest settlements. It has a rich history, more than its fair share of exciting outdoor recreational opportunities, and a scenic landscape. No matter when you visit this quaint northern town, you will find no shortage of interesting things to do. The town is the ideal backdrop for summer family vacations, romantic weekend trips, and even solo adventures.

Gingras Trading Post State Historic Park pleases history and outdoor lovers alike with its original 1840s house and trading post, owned by a prominent legislator and fur trader. The site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and features authentic fur trade goods sold in the shop. If you want to hike, bike, or ride your ATV while exploring local scenery and wildlife, check out the Pembina Gorge State Recreation Area, which is also home to the Frost Fire Summer Theatre and Frost Fire Ski and Snowboard Area.

Devils Lake

For a place to get away from it all while surrounded by natural beauty and an abundance of outdoor adventures, look no further than charming and cozy Devils Lake. Named after the body of water it’s situated on, Devils Lake is the ideal destination for fishermen, hikers, boaters, and people who appreciate fresh air and scenic landscapes. It is North Dakota’s largest natural body of water and draws in visitors from all over the Midwest.

Grahams Island State Park is situated on the shores of Devils Lake, and is surrounded by miles of heavily wooded land ideal for hiking and camping. The park is an angler’s paradise and is home to several regional and national fishing tournaments each year. Fort Totten State Historic Site is a treat for history lovers as much of it is still as it stood when it was built in 1867. The site is now home to an interpretive center, a theater, traveling exhibits, and more.

Bottineau

Known as North Dakota’s “four-season playground,” beautiful Bottineau is located just below the US-Canadian border, at the base of the stunning Turtle Mountains. Bottineau is also home to Pride Dairy, the state’s last family-owed creamery that produces delectable desserts made with local ingredients. The sweet town has a close-knit community that welcomes visitors to explore all that the area has to offer, such as the nearby International Peace Garden.

Just a short drive from Bottineau, Lake Metigoshe State Park is nestled in the Turtle Mountains and is the premier local destination for canoeing, kayaking, mountain biking, hiking, sledding, snowshoeing, and ice fishing. If you are visiting this cozy town during the snowy winter months and love outdoor adventures, check out Bottineau Winter Park, where you can ski and snowboard. During the warmer months of the year, golfers can head to the Bottineau Country Club Golf Course.

Jamestown

Set in the heart of North Dakota’s pretty prairie, Jamestown is known for its wide, open grasslands, starry night sky, grazing buffalo, and rugged landscape, which inspired famous local writer Louis L’Amour. The first stop of all Jamestown visitors and an attraction that is hard to miss is the World’s Largest Buffalo Monument.

Another must-see attraction in Jamestown is Frontier Village, which features original, restored buildings filled with antiques, unique gifts, and artifacts. The village is also home to Louis L’Amour’s former writer’s shack, where he penned some of his well-known works, a frontier school, bank, church, and Northern Pacific Railroad depot dating back to 1880. Also, don’t miss a trip to the North American Bison Discovery Center while in town.

No matter where you are traveling in expansive North Dakota, from the Badlands to the open prairie, you will find a warm and welcoming town you can call home for a night, a few days, or even forever. These cozy communities are filled with one-of-a-kind historic sites and attractions, scenic beauty you won’t find anywhere else in the world, and a strong sense of community.