Explore the Best of Williston, ND

Jason Lindsey/North Dakota Tourism

Sabrina Ramey has lived in Williston for 25 years. She loves being able to take advantage of the wide-open spaces and outdoor recreation opportunities throughout northwest North Dakota. She enjoys geocaching, hiking with her dogs and photographing the region’s landscape. Ramey shares her favorite places to visit in Williston.

Here’s where to go if you want to … 

Order a coffee: Williston is blessed with so many independent coffee shops! I like to go in and sit down, so my top picks are Daily Addiction downtown, Caffeinated on the north end and Meg-A-Latte in Harvest Hills. All of them have a great atmosphere and a nice selection of baked goods to go with your coffee. 

Eat breakfast with friends: You can’t go wrong with the prices and the menu at either Lonnie’s Roadhouse Café or Gramma Sharon’s if you are looking for a classic eggs, hashbrowns and bacon breakfast. If you are feeling something more adventurous, check out the Egg & Tequila Bar on Second Avenue West. 

Meet colleagues for drinks: The Williston Brewing Co. has a lot of room to spread out, and they have a huge selection (one of the largest in the state) of beer and wine. Their giant pretzel with jalapeno beer cheese sauce is iconic. 

Have dinner: For special occasions, I wish I could do a progressive supper idea. I would hit the Eleven Restaurant & Lounge (love their coconut shrimp), Sagas Primehouse (cowboy candy appetizer and the buffalo flank) and Dabeno’s Bistro (for the French onion soup and their dessert menu).

Go on a date night: Busted Knuckle Brewery and Pit 105 (they share space) is a great place to unwind and get to know someone. You can smell the mouthwatering barbecue from blocks away. I like that you can take your food into the attached brewery and order from Busted Knuckle’s current selections on tap, like the Hot Rod Jalapeno or Raspberry Blond. 

Take a walk: If you like a walking path, Spring Lake Park offers a mile-ish loop through a large public park with several playgrounds, a small lake and some elevation changes. It takes about a half hour to complete. If you like to get a few miles out of town, check out the trails at Lewis & Clark State Park or Missouri-Yellowstone Confluence Interpretive Center. 

Kellie Llewellyn

Go shopping: I love our unique shopping opportunities downtown. You will find so many independent retailers who are passionate about what they do and who have created really beautiful spaces. Books on Broadway is a great stop, as is Cooks on Main and Crocus N Flair. Lilac Lane and 701 Kids are both wonderful places to shop for children’s items. 

Enjoy the water: One of my favorite spots is Little Egypt Park, about 30 miles east of Williston. Unless the water is high, you will be able to enjoy really nice beaches and have a lot of space to spread out. 

Watch the sunset: Everyone should catch a sunset from the Fairview Lift Bridge at some point. Built in 1913, the bridge is now a unique walking trail over what was once a crossing for trains and vehicles. 

Have a relaxing Sunday: My kid and I like to get the cowboy egg rolls at Doc Holliday’s Roadhouse for lunch and go for a gravel road drive. We like to pull up wilderness management areas or county recreation areas on the GPS and go exploring. 

Exercise: I really appreciate the lap pool at the Williston ARC (Area Recreation Center), and my kid loves the waterpark area. I have taken several classes there, as well, that have helped me be more comfortable in the weight room and feel confident using equipment and free weights on my own. 

Grab a beer and watch sports: The Sports Den was recently remodeled, and the result is really nice. They make a great brick oven pizza, too. River’s Edge Bar & Grill is another local favorite. Try their poutine.

Entertain family when they come into town: When the cousins come to town, I am always excited when there is a class going on at The James Memorial Art Center that we can try. I also like to take them to Fort Union and Fort Buford about a half hour southwest of Williston. Both sites have cute little gift shops. If there are small kids in the group, then Safari Trampoline Park is a great way to run some of their energy off. 

Have a “me” day: In the summer, head out to The Links of North Dakota for a round of golf overlooking the lake. Afterward, be sure to stop at Lund’s Landing for a walleye sandwich and a piece of juneberry pie. I can usually talk my mom into going with me.