Find Your Community in Williston, ND

Williston Downtowners Association

With its affordability, career opportunities and continued growth, Williston offers residents a high quality of life. Amenities include an international airport, great outdoor attractions and a vibrant restaurant scene, making it an excellent place to live, work and play. 

“Williston is an inclusive place to call home,” says Kallie Bratlien, a Realtor and co-owner of CrossFit Vokse, a gym in Williston.

“Growing up here was incredible. When raising a family, there’s a supportive, safe community with numerous recreational activities. Retirees and empty nesters enjoy the ease of access to amenities and the community’s commitment to providing a fulfilling environment.” 

Explore life here through these residents, who found community in Williston.

Katelynn Lesmann

Laying Down Roots in Williston

Katelynn Lesmann, a mineral and land services land manager at First International Bank and Trust, moved to Williston in 2014 for a career opportunity. Since that time, she’s become active in the community and started a family. 

Lesmann and her husband appreciate the outdoor recreation activities and enjoy spending time in nature with their 2-year-old daughter. 

“Williston is conveniently located [near] incredible open water and ice fishing spots, hiking trails and other recreational areas,” Lesmann says. “It’s important to our family to be able to enjoy these things and not feel trapped by the hustle of city life.” 

Some of their favorite spots include Lewis & Clark State Park, Theodore Roosevelt National Park North Unit and Spring Lake Park. 

Bratlien’s blended family includes five daughters, ages 10 to 18. 

“Williston was a great community to be raised in, and I am now doing the same with my children,” Bratlien says.

“Williston hosts many diverse opportunities where my children can thrive. It offers small-town warmth, growing resources, community values and connection.” 

As a busy, active family, her kids are involved in archery, swimming and hockey. They also enjoy attending community events like Summer Nights on Main and Band Day. 

Finding Community in Williston

Residents David and Debbie Richter enjoyed the safe and community-driven aspects of the city when they raised their kids. Now that their children have grown and fled the nest, Debbie and David, a retired educator and current North Dakota state representative, still maintain active lifestyles. 

“There’s always something going on,” says Debbie, a retired vice president at American State Bank & Trust Co. “We have been through many stages of life in Williston. As empty nesters for the past few years, things haven’t really slowed down for us.” 

Williston hosts many community events. For example, Summer Nights on Main brings live music, food, drinks and kids’ activities downtown on Thursday nights. Other offerings include Crazy Days, Main Street Market and Trail of Treats. 

As a board member of the Williston Area Chamber of Commerce, Lesmann volunteers for and participates in many community events around town. 

“It brings me incredible joy to witness individuals from varying industries and backgrounds come together and make connections,” Lesmann says. “We are extremely fortunate to be a community that has become home to so many amazing people from all walks of life and different cultures. By leaning into this, we create endless possibilities for ourselves and the future of Williston.” 

Courtesy of Debbie Richter

Investing in Growth Around the Region

The Richters have seen Williston’s population more than double since they moved to the city in 1990. 

“The growth has been amazing,” Debbie says. “Between new businesses, new housing and new schools, there has been so much investment of time, money and talent. Community leaders have great vision for the big picture of what Williston can be and how to get there.” 

A recent development, Williston Square, turned the site of the Sloulin Field International Airport into a mixed-use development. In the coming years, the 800-acre space plans to welcome housing, retail, restaurants and community-centered public spaces. 

As a business owner, Bratlien appreciates the consistent growth. 

“It’s provided ample opportunities for collaboration, networking and support,” Bratlien says. 

“Both fields of work I’m in have only shown upward progress since the beginning, thanks to the business resources Williston has to offer. Williston providing a significant amount of new opportunities is exciting. Not every community gets to experience that.”