Take It From Me: Why Life in Williston Is Great

Courtesy of Joe Barsh

Williston has seen tremendous growth and change over the last decade, bringing thousands of newcomers – some of whom moved away after the oil boom slowed. Others, like Joe Barsh, decided to stay and build a wonderful life in Williston. 

Barsh arrived in town in 2014 for an internship started by Williston-raised brothers Tom and Jim Powers. The brothers collaborated with their alma mater, Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington, to bring graduates to Williston to work for newly developing businesses (and potentially stay on for jobs afterward). 

Barsh took an internship at the (then) brand-new Williston Area Recreation Center (ARC). After his internship, Barsh took a full-time job as facility supervisor at another rec center, the Raymond Center, where he moved into recreation programming. He has been executive director of the Williston Parks & Recreation District for the past two years. 

Barsh met his wife, Shelby, when her father was refereeing a game and she was operating the clock. Barsh also is a basketball assistant coach at Williston High School, just another way he is involved in the Williston community. 

Outdoor Fun in Williston

The Williston trail system is one of the bigger civic projects in the works and one that Barsh is closely working on. 

“We love to get out on the trails – my wife, our baby, the dog. We get out on a walk whenever we can,” he says. “If you want to get outside of Williston, Theodore Roosevelt National Park is about an hour away, and that’s popular for camping, fishing and seeing wildlife.” 

During the winter, sledding, ice fishing and winter camping are popular activities. For cycling, nearby Medora in the Badlands has numerous mountain biking and hiking trails. 

Family-Friendly 

Barsh says Williston’s growth has created more options for families, yet the city has retained its small-town vibe. 

“Meeting the needs of individuals and communicating about community needs is still a strong core community value, rather than just economic drivers,” he says. “Williston cares about people. There are avenues for people to make sure their needs are met that continue to grow.” 

The school system is growing to accommodate the increase in the school-age population. New schools are under construction, and thanks to a sales tax funneled into a grant for entrepreneurs, new day care facilities have been opened. 

“It would be easy to just say, it’s a small town in North Dakota, there’s nothing there, but it’s like any community where you get out of it what you put in as far as your involvement and quality of life – the opportunity for things to develop is here,” Barsh says.

“You have to stretch your comfort zone, but the new and different is a benefit in raising a family. It fosters a more diverse childhood experience, which prepares kids for a better adulthood and a better understanding of people in general when everyone doesn’t look or sound the same way.”

Great Community 

Williston makes it easy for newcomers to get connected, as it offers plenty of volunteer opportunities, programs and events. A few popular events include Summer Nights on Main, where Main Street becomes a block party, and Spring Lake Park Holiday Lights Drive, where the trees are decorated beautifully. 

Barsh notes that the ARC offers plenty of adult activities, from pickleball to fitness classes, youth programming, and community events – all of which are great ways to meet new people. 

Growing Diversity 

Barsh says that with more families and permanent residents in town, the city has been able to add more amenities and has also become more diverse. 

“Williston is still in the process of growing and developing, but it’s addressed the obstacles that are residual effects of the oil boom. Honestly, it’s a credit to the town and a reason to move here – because you get to be a part of groundbreaking new things happening and be involved in the community,” he says. 

Expanding Dining Scene

Barsh says he loves that Williston cuisine scene is diversifying. Several restaurants specializing in authentic Mexican cuisine have come to town (the birria trend has swept Williston, too). Among his favorites are Star Thai Cuisine and its numerous curry dishes, Sakura Japanese Steakhouse, and the traditional steakhouses that have always been a staple in town, thanks to the area’s other big industry – cattle ranching.