North Dakota
North Dakota's Best Small Towns For A Weekend Escape
North Dakota, a landlocked Upper Midwest US State that forms a part of North America’s Great Plains region, is distinguished for its expansive flatlands covered by rolling prairies, temperate savanna, badlands, grassland plains, and farmlands. Having a rich heritage influenced by the various indigenous Native American tribes and the enthusiasm of American pioneers, the Roughrider State flawlessly combines vintage allure with the generous hospitality of North Dakotans. Even though the capital city, Bismarck, and the biggest city, Fargo, account for about one-fifth of the population of the entire state, the Peace Garden State is deemed as ‘least touristy’ and not much visited by holidayers in comparison to the adjoining states. Nevertheless, the innumerable postcard-pretty small towns speckled all over the state’s 68,995 sq. mi. terrain are waiting to enchant tourists who tour them either during their extended vacations or short weekend escapades.
Jamestown
Stutsman County’s administrative center, Jamestown, is situated at the junction of James River and Pipestem Creek, roughly halfway between Bismarck and Fargo. Founded in 1872 and christened after Jamestown, Virginia, by General Thomas Rosser of the Northern Pacific Railway, this 15,849-resident town is home to the principal campus of the University of Jamestown – a private Christian university that has been a co-educational institution right from its founding. Located at Jamestown’s southeastern extremity is Frontier Village, which has numerous restored pioneer properties, a museum displaying native history exhibits, and a 26-ft tall and 46-ft long statue of an American bison – considered the “World’s Largest Buffalo Monument.” The Jamestown Reservoir at the northern edge of the town is perfect for water-based recreation like fishing, swimming, and boating. Additionally, stop by the North Dakota Sports Hall of Fame, Jamestown Civic Center, two 18-hole golf courses, Jamestown Arts Center, and the National Buffalo Museum. Unwind after a hectic day of explorations at My Place Hotel – Jamestown, ND.
Valley City
This seat of government of southeastern North Dakota’s Barnes City occupies the Sheyenne River Valley approx. 60 miles west of Fargo. Established in 1874, the town was initially called ‘Worthington’ in honor of its promoter George Worthington, but later renamed after its location in the Sheyenne River Valley. Aside from being the site of the Valley City State University, this dynamic college town proudly upholds its motto: “City of Bridges” regarding the numerous impressive bridges that span the Sheyenne River. Valley City’s most widely known attraction is the 162 ft high and 3,860 ft long Hi-Line Bridge, which, at present, is one of the lengthiest and highest single-track railroad bridges in the nation. When in town, the Valley City State University Planetarium, The Vault – a self-served coffee shop, Medicine Wheel Park, Bjornson Park Public Golf Course, and Rosebud Visitor Center are must-visits. Enjoy your stay at GrandStay Hotel & Suites Valley City, and be sure to be present at the North Dakota Winter Show held every year in the first week of March.
Medora
With only 121 residents as per the latest US Census, Medora is Billings County’s seat and its sole incorporated place that forms a portion of the Dickinson Micropolitan Statistical Area. Primarily settled by the side of the Northern Pacific Railway’s transcontinental rail line and named after the American heiress Medora von Hoffman, the spouse of French duelist Marquis de Mores, Medora is renowned for its Western culture. Abutted by the unspoiled wilderness of the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, adrenaline junkies can soak in the sublimity of the Badlands by engaging in ample family-friendly activities like hiking, horseback riding, and a scenic drive through the extraordinary landscapes of the national park. Do stop by the Chateau de Mores State Historic Site, North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame, Old Town Hall Theater, Harold Schafer Heritage Center, and Maah Daah Hey Trail. Satiate your taste buds at Theodore’s Dining Room, watch a performance by the Medora Musical at the Burning Hills Amphitheater, and de-stress at the Rough Riders Hotel.
Devils Lake
The administrative center of Ramsey County, this teeny town in northeast-central North Dakota acclaimed for its awe-inspiring scenery is situated roughly 90 miles west of Grand Forks. First surveyed in 1883 and dubbed Creelsburg to honor the American surveyor, Heber Mansfield Creel, the town was rechristened after its namesake, Devils Lake – the state’s second-largest natural water body. Often called the “Perch Capital of the World,” the endorheic Devils Lake has long been recognized as an angling and watersports paradise. Additionally, play golf at the Creel Bay Golf Course, grab a bite at the Proz Lakeside At the Cove, partake in plenty of outdoor recreations at the Grahams Island State Park and the nearby White Horse Hill National Game Preserve, and get a homelike feel at the Fireside Inn & Suites.
Walhalla
North Dakota’s second-oldest town, Walhalla, occupies the Pembina River banks in Pembina County, around 45 miles from the state boundary with Minnesota and 5 miles from the international border with the Canadian province of Manitoba. Steeped in the fur trading heritage of the Red River Valley, the town rightfully lives up to its motto: “Heart of the Rendezvous Region.” Located in the Walhalla State Historical Park is the state’s oldest building – the Kittson Trading Post, set up in 1843 by the American Fur Company agent Norman Kittson. When visiting the town, do not forget to discover the Gingras Trading Post State Historic Site, Frost Fire Ski & Snowboard Area, Walhalla-Masonic Scenic Overlook, Frost Fire Summer Theatre, the 9-hole golf course of Walhalla Country Club, and Pembina Gorge State Recreation Area featuring several acres of untouched wilderness and many trails for hiking, off-road motorcycling, mountain biking, ATVing activities. Taste delectable dishes at the Waters Family Restaurant & Bakery and relax after an eventful day at the Sanctuary Guest House & Tearoom.
Bottineau
Bottineau, christened in honor of the Metis pioneer Pierre Bottineau, is situated at the base of the Turtle Mountains close to the International Peace Garden, approximately 10 miles south of the US-Canada international boundary. Nicknamed “Four Seasons Playground,” this seat of Bottineau County invites holidaymakers to visit some of its notable attractions, including the Bottineau Winter Park, the 30-foot-tall iconic “Tommy Turtle” – the largest turtle statue in the world, Lake Metigoshe State Park, the astronomical-themed site Mystical Horizons, and Bottineau Country Club Golf Course. Relish the scrumptious cuisines offered at the China Inn Restaurant and rest for the night at the Cobblestone Inn & Suites.
Lisbon
Lisbon, the seat of government of Ransom County, is nestled in the Sheyenne National Grasslands at the meeting point of State Highways 27 (5th Avenue) and 32 (Main Street). Labeled by founder Joseph L. Colton after his better half’s hometown, Lisbon serves as a gateway to the southern terminal of Sheyenne River Valley National Scenic Byway and Fort Ransom State Park. The 591-mile-long Sheyenne River meandering freely through the town highlights the marvelous outdoor recreation opportunities that the area offers, in addition to marking off the pleasant downtown chock-a-full of quirky shops, eating establishments, a renovated opera house, and The Scenic Movie Theater – the country’s oldest continuously running theater. Picnickers can watch kayakers paddle the flowing Sheyenne River at Sandager Park while adventure enthusiasts must not miss the Sheyenne River Speedway, Lisbon Bissell Golf Course, Sheyenne State Forest, a picturesque byway, and the adjoining Fort Ransom State Park. For comfortable accommodation, check out Super 8 by Wyndham Lisbon and try to be there at the Ransom County Fair hosted by the town every August.
Garrison
Laid out at the time of the extension of the Soo Line Railroad, this McLean County community is set alongside the northern shores of Lake Sakakawea. Travelers on a visit to this 1,462-resident town are at the outset welcomed by a 26-foot-long statue of “Wally the Walleye” on Main Street’s northern extremity that promotes Garrison as the self-proclaimed “Walleye Capital of the World.” Vacationers must not forget to tour the Fort Stevenson State Park, North Dakota Fishing Hall of Fame, North Dakota Firefighter’s Museum & Fallen Firefighter’s Memorial, Garrison Golf Club, and the modern SACA KOTA Theater. Luxuriate in a unique lodging experience at the North Shore Inn & Suites and participate in the Dickens Village Festival, a Christmas-themed event that takes place on three consecutive Fridays and Saturdays between late November and mid-December.
Kenmare
A portion of the Minot, ND Micropolitan Statistical Area, this serene settlement in Ward County, called after its namesake town in Ireland, has only 961 inhabitants as per the latest US Census. At the core of Kenmare’s business district in the downtown park square stands the town’s most popular attraction – an authentic Danish windmill constructed in 1902 by a Danish immigrant farmer. Also, gain knowledge about the area’s past at the Lake County Pioneer Village Museum, make a note of the different toys from the bygone era at the V & R Toy Museum, and watch movies at the Kenmare Theatre. The 19,500-acre Des Lacs National Wildlife Refuge and its 14-mile-long scenic byway provide abundant opportunities for wildlife watching aside from a chance to observe more than 250 species of birds. Travelers must savor mouthwatering pizzas at M&K’s Pizza Hub, be present at the Kenmare Goosefest – a yearly eight-day hunting festival in October, and spend the night at the San Way Ve Motel.
From Bottineau – the “Four Seasons Playground” to Garrison – the self-professed “Walleye Capital of the World,” the countless gorgeous small towns in the nation’s 19th largest and 4th least populous state have something for vacationers of every age and interests. Boasting incredible natural sceneries, fascinating histories, outstanding cultural attractions, dozens of outdoor recreational activities, and finger-licking local cuisines, these captivating Flickertail State communities are ideal locales for a rejuvenating weekend getaway.
The view through a North Dakota Highway Patrol squad’s windshield. (Facebook)
(FOX 9) – Blizzard warnings are in for parts of both North and South Dakota, creating hazardous conditions for drivers on Thursday morning.
Blizzard warning in effect
What we know:
In North Dakota, the blizzard warning covers most of the northern two-thirds of the state, stretching into northwest Minnesota.
In South Dakota, the blizzard warning only covers three counties in the far northeast part of the state, including Day, Marshall, and Robert counties.
The National Weather Service is only forecasting between one and four inches of snow in North Dakota and two inches of snow in South Dakota, but whipping winds up to 70 miles per hour will greatly reduce visibility and cause damage to trees and power lines.
READ MORE: White-out conditions reported in NW Minnesota
What they’re seeing:
North Dakota Highway Patrol shared photos showing the blizzard conditions along Interstate 94 just east of Bismark. In the photos, it appears you can only see a few feet past the front bumper of the squad.
Another post shows snow whipping in the high winds in Grand Forks County. Troopers are urging residents to stay home in North Dakota if they are able.
Travel restrictions in place
Big picture view:
A travel alert is in effect for western parts of North Dakota while no travel is advised for central and eastern parts of the state. Troopers have restricted oversized loads from roads in the northwest and northeast regions of the state as of 5:30 a.m. and empty or light-loaded high-profile vehicles due to the high winds and icy conditions.
In South Dakota, officials warn that there are reports of multiple downed powerlines and trees blocking roadways. No travel is advised in Day and Marshall counties.
The Source: This story uses information from the North Dakota Highway Patrol and the National Weather Service.
FARGO, N.D. (Valley News Live) – A 24-year-old suspect wanted on fraud charges in Florida was arrested in Bismarck following a multi-state investigation into alleged economic crimes targeting St. Lucie County, Florida residents in 2024.
Kylen Running Hawk was arrested on Tuesday, Dec. 16, by Bismarck authorities working with the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office. Running Hawk is being held at the Burleigh County Jail pending extradition to Florida.
Running Hawk faces three charges under Florida law:
- Fraud/swindle: Defrauding to obtain property valued at less than $20,000
- Fraud/impersonation: Use or possession of another person’s identification without consent
- Grand theft: Property valued at $750 or more but less than $5,000
Detective Cpl. Redler coordinated the cross-state apprehension, according to the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Copyright 2025 KVLY. All rights reserved.
GRAND FORKS – Seven professionals from the Grand Forks region have been named to the Prairie Business magazine’s 2025 list of “40 Under 40.” Honorees must be 40 or younger by the end of the year.
They are: Dustin Fanfulik, civil engineer and vice president at Widseth in East Grand Forks, Minnesota; Travor Fredrickson, senior project manager and senior electrical engineer with CMTA in Grand Forks; Kelby Laxdal, principal civil engineer at Houston Engineering, Inc. in Grand Forks; Courtney McNamee, director of Revenue Cycle and Reimbursement at Altru Health System in Grand Forks; Maggie Melvin, director of Admissions at University of Minnesota Crookston in Crookston, Minnesota; Geoff Slick, Rural Water practice leader at AE2S in Grand Forks; and Sean Sorteberg, MultiMarket Semiconductor director at Digikey in Thief River Falls, Minnesota.
They will be honored at an event in the fall, along with Prairie Business magazine’s other honorees for “Top 25 Women in Business” and “Leaders and Legacies.”
The 40 Under 40 list highlights exceptional professionals, including industry executives, administrators, community leaders, entrepreneurs and more.
Contributed
As a civil engineer and vice president at Widseth, Fanfulik, 36, is known for his professionalism and sound engineering judgment. He prioritizes client needs and consistently delivers high-quality results.
He serves as consulting city engineer for Pembina, North Dakota, and several northwest Minnesota communities. His work includes master planning for development, feasibility studies, assessments, design, inspections, and comprehensive project management. His experience spans infrastructure and extends to schools, campground expansions, and commercial and industrial developments across both states. He has also collaborated with the Minnesota and North Dakota Departments of Transportation on major infrastructure projects.
As a shareholder, Fanfulik brings vision, integrity, and a collaborative spirit to his work. His dedication to mentorship, community involvement and engineering excellence makes him a vital contributor to Widseth’s success and a standout young professional in the field.
Contributed
Fredrickson, 37, is a senior project manager and senior electrical engineer with CMTA’s paper Midwest office in Grand Forks.
Fredrickson began his career at Ulteig Engineers in Fargo as a substation engineer, designing substations and windfarm grounding systems. He joined CMTA in 2013 to help grow the Grand Forks office and has since designed electrical systems for hospitals, wellness centers, schools and commercial buildings. He focuses on delivering innovative, sustainable solutions that reduce carbon footprints by combining proven design principles with the latest green technologies.
Passionate about mentoring the next generation, Fredrickson regularly shares his expertise with engineering students, emphasizing that much of real-world engineering is learned on the job. His outreach has helped recruit several local engineers from UND and NDSU. He’s also active in the Grand Forks–East Grand Forks Chamber of Commerce, supporting both business development and broader community initiatives.
Laxdal, 37, is a principal civil engineer with Houston Engineering, Inc. (HEI) in Grand Forks, bringing nearly two decades of experience in transportation and municipal design across North Dakota and Minnesota. Specializing in urban, multimodal transportation corridors, Laxdal is known for his leadership in shaping infrastructure that supports vibrant, connected communities.
He began his career with CPS in Grand Forks, contributing to major urban reconstruction projects including Columbia Road, 42nd Street, and 48th Street, along with a variety of municipal utility and transportation initiatives.
Joining HEI in 2018, Laxdal quickly advanced from project engineer to principal, managing key projects for the North Dakota Department of Transportation and the City of Grand Forks. His portfolio includes I-94 reconstruction near Beach, North Dakota, highway improvements, and numerous city infrastructure upgrades. Currently, he leads several transformative efforts such as the U.S. Highway 81 reconstruction, southwest Grand Forks master planning, and the Mouse River Enhanced Flood Protection Project in Minot.
Contributed
McNamee, 34, is the director of Revenue Cycle and Reimbursement at Altru Health System. Since joining Altru in March 2024, she has combined a patient-first mindset with strong financial leadership, introducing programs that reduce costs for patients and advancing e-payment technology through MyChart. Her ability to balance patient needs with organizational goals has quickly set her apart as a leader who drives both innovation and results.
McNamee is committed to developing people. Her team demonstrates strong engagement, and under her leadership, more staff across multiple departments have earned professional finance certifications.
Her influence extends beyond Altru. As the former president and active member of the Minnesota Healthcare Finance Management Association, she is recognized across the industry as a thought leader. She is frequently invited to speak on critical issues, such as price transparency, patient engagement, the No Surprises Act and reimbursement enhancement, representing both Altru and the broader healthcare community.
Melvin, 29, director of Admissions at the University of Minnesota Crookston, brings energy, vision and a genuine commitment to helping students find their path.
Melvin began her career at the University of North Dakota School of Law, serving as director of Admissions and Records. There, she gained valuable experience working with diverse students and faculty, learning how thoughtful admissions practices can shape a university’s culture. At UMN Crookston, she leads the admissions team with a focus on making the process welcoming and accessible for all.
Melvin is pursuing an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership with a specialization in Higher Education, expecting to graduate in 2026. Her commitment reflects both personal development and a desire to advance the field for others. Through her leadership and dedication, Melvin is shaping admissions today while paving the way for future generations of students and educators.
Slick, 39, began his career at AE2S as an intern and during the past 16 years has risen to Rural Water practice leader. In this role, he leads a team of engineers and technical staff providing specialized expertise to rural water districts across the Midwest. Slick’s experience spans management, mentorship, project leadership, hydraulics and strategic planning, with a focus on concept planning, funding development, project coordination, regional system planning, mergers and construction management.
He has worked with over 20 rural and regional water clients, often acting as an extension of their staff. Notable projects include the Red River Valley Water Supply Project, the Western Area Water Supply Project, and the development of Minnesota’s first new rural water district in over 40 years — the West Central Regional Water District serving Clay, Norman and Polk counties.
Slick serves on the North Dakota Water Users Board and volunteers as a youth hockey coach. He is committed to continuous professional growth and is active in the National Rural Water Association, the National Society of Professional Engineers, the North Dakota Rural Water Association and the Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society.
Contributed
Sorteberg, 36, is an accomplished leader in the supply chain and semiconductor industries, currently serving as director of Multi-Market Semiconductor at DigiKey. In his role, he directs global product segment strategy, leads a comprehensive semiconductor portfolio designed to outperform market growth expectations and oversees all product management and asset management functions. He manages aggressive business performance metrics across cross-functional teams, while building trusted relationships with supplier executives and key partners.
With more than 13 years of progressive experience in supply chain management, Sorteberg has demonstrated expertise across distribution, manufacturing and procurement. Before his current director role, he served as the manager of the technology business at DigiKey, overseeing all procurement activity in the semiconductor business unit.
Sorteberg is a strong leader on DigiKey’s supplier management team. He excels at helping his team members grow and collaborating with other departments to achieve mutual goals. He also excels at developing strong relationships with executive-level connections at many of DigiKey’s supplier organizations, building engagement and collaboration across companies.
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