The state of North Dakota explodes with colorful flora and fauna. It is chock full of natural beauty and sights to behold, such as the North Dakota Badlands, which are part of the 70,000-acre Theodore Roosevelt National Park, the Painted Canyon, and the Little Missouri River. Travelers may wander freely through the rugged terrain of North Dakota’s national parks and recreation areas, visit wildlife refuges and learn all about the area’s animals, or delve into the local histories of small towns. Of course, while in the state, exploring local communities, stopping by small-town events, and enjoying a night or two in a new place with unforgettable landmarks, such as the World’s Largest Holstein Cow or Buffalo statues, is essential.

Medora

Medora is a bustling small town revered for its entertainment industry, constantly hosting shows, musicals, and live music all throughout town. From the annual Independence Day Festival to the summer concert series and musicals throughout the year at Burning Hills Amphitheatre, there is something to do from dawn to dusk. The area also boasts a western setting, with family-friendly attractions, including Bully Pulpit Golf Course and Point to Point Park, home to zip lines, a lazy river, and more. The great outdoors awaits in Medora, with easy access to the Badlands National Park, where travelers can strap their hiking boots and head out on the trails. To taste Medora’s history, stop by the Cowboy Hall of Fame, the Harold Schafer Heritage Center, or get tickets to the Teddy Roosevelt Show or Brunch with President Roosevelt, two unique shows that merge entertainment with education and history.

Valley City

The town of Valley City is the perfect place to enjoy a number of walking tours, starting off at the Rosebud Visitor Center, which houses exhibits that traverse through the town’s railroad history. The City of Bridges tour is essential as there are many beautiful bridges throughout town, including the Hi-Line Bridge which transported soldiers and supplies during both world wars. For those looking to enjoy the outdoors, visit Medicine Wheel Park, which has a solar calendar, a scenic overlook, and Native American burial mounds. The Valley City State University Planetarium is another top spot amongst visitors and locals alike, with a 24-foot domed ceiling and 50 reclining seats, perfect for an evening well-spent stargazing.

New Salem

New Salem is a quick, 30 miles West of North Dakota’s state capital, Bismarck, a gorgeous and quaint small town nestled off Interstate 94. It is a great stop on a road trip through North Dakota because of its memorable sights, such as the 38-foot high fiberglass Holstein cow installed in 1974 to honor the local dairy farmers. Nicknamed “Salem Sue,” the cow remains a standing monument in town and a stop for visitors to grab a picture and remember their visit. The New Salem Historical Society/Custer Trail Museum is another must-see, featuring ten historic buildings, such as a 1904 church and two schoolhouses, open by appointment only. For a game of 9-holes, stop by Red Trail Links Golf Course or enjoy a stroll through the historic downtown, which boasts some of the original architecture that transports visitors back in time.

Fargo

Featured in famous films and television shows of the same name, the town of Fargo has deep Scandinavian roots. This history is discoverable at spots like Hjemkomst Viking Ship, a replica of a real Norwegian structure. The nearby town of Moorhead also hosts annual events that delve into its heritage: the Midwest Viking Festival and Scandinavian Hjemkomst Festival. There are also several museums for a more laidback afternoon, including the Fargo Air Museum, Bonanzaville Pioneer Village, Plains Art Museum, and the Roger Maris Museum. Fargo’s landscape is large and flat, allowing plenty of open sky and prairies to enjoy. Visitors may kayak along the river that separates North Dakota and Minnesota (Red River), bike along trails, cross-country ski, and more.

Mandan

Mandan does all it can to embody the western heritage from which it was born, once a village for the Mandan tribe, turned into a cavalry fort, then railroad town, and also home for local ranchers and farmers. The town continues to grow and flourish, hosting annual events such as Mandan Rodeo Days, a Summer Concert Series, and Midwest Flavor Fest. The Mandan Historical Society offers a heritage home tour of over 40 residences in the area, once home to significant persons and encapsulating the town’s beginnings. The Mandan Historical Society Museum and N.D. State Railroad Museum is a family-friendly stop, as is the Midway Lanes bowling and arcade. Camping at Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park is an especially popular activity nearby. It is the oldest state park in North Dakota, offering insight into the lives of Mandan Native Americans and frontier soldiers, chock full of blockhouses, furnished barracks, and more.

Jamestown

Like New Salem, Jamestown boasts a “world’s largest” statue, home to the World’s Largest Buffalo Monument, standing 26 feet tall and weighing 60 tons and standing since 1959. As the town has long been known for its buffalo and, of course, the statue, the North American Bison Discovery Center is an essential stop. Other unique destinations steeped in history include the Fort Seward Military Post, the Stutsman County Memorial Museum, and the Frontier Village, where visitors step back in time to when prairie pioneers came to life. The Jamestown Reservoir is the perfect spot to enjoy a stroll or head out on the water, with plenty of room for boating, picnicking, biking, swimming, and more.

The small towns of North Dakota offer an escape from the city’s sounds and lights, boasting a cozier, more welcoming atmosphere, with a chance to stargaze, watch for wildlife, and explore all the natural beauty of the state’s diverse landscape. From unique monuments to storied histories, small towns such as Medora to Jamestown promise a memorable stay and a delightful atmosphere.