7 Cities You’ll Love in Rural North Dakota
Find peace, quiet, beauty and community away from the hustle and bustle.
North Dakota’s rural communities are what many consider hidden gems. Tucked away in various parts of the state, these cities and towns allow residents to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, know their neighbors and other residents by name, make a difference in their region, and – of course – enjoy the outdoors. Ahead discover seven cities you’ll love in rural North Dakota.
In This Article
1. Rugby, North Dakota
Nestled in the northern part of the state is Rugby, a rural city with a population of around 2,500. Its museums and monuments celebrate much of what make this community unique. For example, Rugby has a monument that marks the geographic center of North America (a much-debated claim that Rugby stands by), and the Prairie Village Museum tells the story of Rugby’s history and how it started as a pioneer village. The museum features preserved buildings and artifacts that span decades.
“They do a really good job of telling their story in Rugby,” says Alicia Jolliffe, social media strategist for the North Dakota Department of Commerce.
Additionally, Rugby boasts an 88-foot-high metal sculpture that honors the beauty of the northern lights, which can be seen across the state thanks to low levels of light pollution.
“Rugby is a fantastic spot to see the northern lights in general,” Jolliffe says.
Soon, Rugby will be featured in an upcoming docuseries called My Town, highlighting rural living across the Midwest.
2. Garrison, North Dakota
Found in central North Dakota is the charming city of Garrison. Home to less than 1,500 people, this rural community offers peace and quiet yet plenty of beauty and adventure. With Lake Sakakawea and Fort Stevenson state parks nearby, residents can take part in several outdoor activities, from camping and hiking to boating and fishing.
“One of the main images that people always associate with Garrison is Wally the Walleye (a 26-foot-long Walleye sculpture),” Jolliffe says. “It’s an ode to the fact that Garrison is known for being the Walleye Capital of North Dakota.”
In addition to its outdoor attractions, Garrison is home to Ye Olde Malt Shoppe, a classic diner known for its ice cream, and the North Dakota Firefighter’s Museum and its Hall of Fame, which recognizes North Dakota firefighters.
During winter months, Garrison is known for having a quaint, festive atmosphere, thanks to its annual Dickens Village Festival. The event offers a double-decker bus tour, live music and unique vendors.
3. Carrington, North Dakota
While there are many things to love about Carrington, this rural central North Dakota city of approximately 2,000 residents has become a destination for birders. From pelicans to birds of prey, residents and visitors alike can enjoy the diverse range of birds that populate in nearby prairies as they migrate along the Central Flyway in the spring and fall.
Experience Cows and Co Creamery, an on-farm creamery that uses milk from the family farm to make artisan gouda cheese, fresh cheddar cheese curds and authentic Italian-inspired gelato.
Additionally, downtown Carrington will soon house a beautiful Japanese garden, along with a playground and community center. The development will reinstate the gardens that North Dakota resident Harry Hayashi developed in the 1920s. They originally closed after World War II.
4. Grafton, North Dakota
Beautiful, quaint and friendly. Grafton, which is in northeast North Dakota, has all the qualities you want in a small, rural community – just ask its 4,100+ residents. Here, residents and visitors can enjoy the city’s many outdoor amenities, like those available at Leistikow Park. The park offers cabin and campsite rentals, tennis, volleyball and basketball courts, a disc golf course and even cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and ice skating during the winter. And for those who love hockey, Schumacher Park Outdoor Ice Rink is a great place to drop your puck.
“These are some of the quaint, nice parts about small-town living,” Jolliffe says.
5. Beulah, North Dakota
Situated in the central part of the state, this city of just over 3,000 people is a bit of an outdoor oasis.
“They definitely live the lake life next to Lake Sakakawea,” Jolliffe says.
Residents and visitors love exploring Beulah Bay, a popular destination along the lake that offers gorgeous views as well as opportunities for camping, boating, fishing, swimming and water skiing. Residents also have access to Black Sands Golf Course, a nine-hole course south of Lake Sakakawea.
6. Beach, North Dakota
Western North Dakota claims Beach, a warm, inviting community of less than 1,000 that is near some of the state’s most spectacular parks.
“Being right next to Theodore Roosevelt National Park and the surrounding Badlands does give some nice opportunities to hardly go far at all and be able to go horseback riding and hiking and be pretty much completely by yourself while you do it,” Jolliffe says.
Inspired by the surrounding prairie, local potter Tama Smith creates art from her Beach studio, Prairie Fire Pottery. Whether you’re a resident or just visiting, her business is considered a must-visit.
7. Crosby, North Dakota
Crosby, a rural city in northwest North Dakota with approximately 1,060 people, is built for fun and community connection, as it’s outfitted with a swimming pool, splash pad, local country club and golf course. Outside of the city, Writing Rock State Historic Site features centuries-old petroglyphs depicting art from some of the area’s Plains Indians.
This article was sponsored by the North Dakota Department of Commerce.