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The famed Lewis and Clark Expedition is known for traversing the American West in the early 1800s, but did you know the explorers spent a quarter of their journey in North Dakota? Lewis and Clark were in the state for over 200 days. You won’t need that long to uncover the history and magic of North Dakota’s stunning small towns, but you’ll definitely want to plan a return visit. Along with amazing culture, history, and nature, these towns are bustling with downtown areas that can give even urban cities a run for their money. They are perfect for a 2024 travel bucket list, promising great shopping, delicious dining, rare sights, and fun activities — all within just a few blocks.

Lisbon

Nestled in the heart of the Sheyenne National Grasslands, Lisbon is surrounded by natural beauty, but this small town also has a quaint downtown that is packed with historic buildings and charming local businesses. One of the oldest structures on Main Street is the Lisbon Opera House, built in the late 1800s and the town’s foremost entertainment venue for nearly two hundred years. The Opera House has seen a lot in those years, playing host to a memorial service for President William McKinley in 1901 and the first showing of a moving picture in 1910. Today, tours are available by appointment, and history enthusiasts adore its ambiance. A few doors down, the Scenic Theater has continued the Opera House’s legacy, billing itself as the oldest continuously running theater in America.

Just off Main Street, you’ll find Sandager Park, a downtown oasis along the Sheyenne River. The park is the perfect place to unwind or enjoy a picnic on a sunny day. If you need to cool off, take a dip in the swimming pool or stroll back up Main Street to visit a local favorite — the I Scream, U Scream ice cream parlor offering over 50 flavors of frozen treats.

Medora

A visit to Medora means following in the footsteps of President Theodore Roosevelt, who stayed here in 1903. You can still see reminders of his visit all over town, starting with the Rough Riders Hotel, which houses one of the largest collections of books about the 26th President. The historic hotel’s restaurant, Theodore’s Dining Room, is one of the town's best eateries, serving up fine fare in Old West style.

A few blocks west of the Rough Riders Hotel is the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame, where visitors can explore the fascinating history of the state’s pioneers, homesteaders, ranchers, and rodeo legends. Stroll back up the street to get some sweet treats from a modern-day cowboy at Cowboy Lyle’s Candy Barn. This nostalgic emporium offers handmade chocolates, a huge selection of jelly beans, and classic candies. In summer, Medora becomes a mecca for country music fans. The legendary Medora Musical takes place from June to September 2024 and features music concerts, variety performances, and a fireworks finale — all in a stunning outdoor amphitheater carved out of the Medora hillside in 1958.

Garrison

If you enter Garrison from the north end of Main Street, don’t forget to say hi to the town’s most famous resident, Wally the Walleye. This striking 26-foot-long statue commemorates Garrison’s status as ‘the walleye capital of the º£½ÇÉçÇø.’ Anglers can check out the North Dakota Fishing Hall of Fame for a quirky look at Garrison’s long sportfishing history and try their skills on the water at Fort Stevenson State Park just south of town. This park is perfect for fishing, camping, and boating on beautiful Lake Sakakawea. After some outdoor fun, one can stop by Ye Olde Malt Shoppe on Main Street for a quick bite. This funky 50s-style diner offers daily specials, homemade treats, and over 18 ice-cream flavors.

Visit Garrison in winter to see the town transformed into a quaint Victorian wonderland. The Dickens Village Festival begins at the end of November and runs until mid-December. This annual event is why Garrison is known as the ‘Christmas capital of North Dakota,’ featuring a lighted parade, fruitcake toss, horse-drawn carriages, and Dickensian performances.

Washburn

Washburn, on the banks of the Missouri River, is a bustling river town with scenic streets, quaint boutiques, friendly locals, and a lot of history. One of the town’s first residents, a Quaker soldier named Joseph H Taylor, first came to the area in 1869. You can see his original log cabin downtown, just off Main Avenue. Those looking for a drink can walk along Main Avenue to the Riverboat Saloon, a quaint spot full of authentic North Dakota charm. A few blocks southeast of Main Avenue is Riverside Park, a beautiful green space along the river where you can view the historic Sioux Ferry. History enthusiasts adore this part of town as it is one of the last paddle-wheel ferries to operate on the Missouri River. In fact, the ferry transported passengers over the river for a decade before closing in 1962.

Rugby

Rugby is a scenic Pierce County destination with a main street that dates back to the early 1900s. A walk along downtown Rugby is full of charm, and one can choose to eat, shop, or just take some pretty photos. Foodies will adore the 3rd St Station, a grill restaurant with succulent food options. A short walk away is This ‘N’ That antique store, where one can buy some wonderful pieces to take back as souvenirs. Meanwhile, history enthusiasts are flush with choice thanks to Rugby’s prominent past. Landmarks include the Pierce County Courthouse, built in 1908 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and the Rugby Train Depot, built in 1907.

Wandering through town, be sure to stop by the Niewoehner Funeral Home to see the striking 30-foot Niewoehner Bell Tower out front. Inside the steel tower are 15 historic bells, collected from old churches and rung by a simple cable system.

Mayville

Mayville is a cozy small town where tourists have endless opportunities, all within a few blocks. This charming community was founded in 1881 and is home to one of North Dakota’s oldest schools, the Mayville State University. Find out more about Mayville at the Goose River Heritage Center Museum on Main Street and First Avenue. Housed in an 1897 brick depot, this specialty museum includes a barber shop, school room, pioneer kitchen, and military displays.

Just across the road is the iconic Soholt Bakery. A local landmark, this popular eatery has served Mayville since 1918 and is still beloved by locals for its made-from-scratch treats. After fuelling up, continue down Main Street past the historic Delchar Theatre, built in 1927, to where Main ends at Island Park and the Rainbow Garden. This unique green space by the river features a sculpture walk and a scenic bridge with tranquil views of the Goose River.

Valley City

Valley City is a welcoming town in the Red River Valley with a walkable downtown packed with scenic spots. Stop into the Barnes County Historical Society Museum downtown to see some unusual exhibits, including a dinosaur statue and a miniature of Valley City’s famous Hi-Line Railroad Bridge (to see the real thing, head north out of town on 117th Ave SE). From there, it’s just a short walk to the Rudolf Hotel, built in 1907 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Emblazoned on the north wall of the hotel is a mural commemorating music icon Peggy Lee, whose singing career began in Valley City in 1936. Afterward, one can grab a bite at Taco John’s for some quick tacos or Pizza Corner for a hefty pizza.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Valley City is the starting point for the North County National Scenic Trail and is surrounded by gorgeous scenery along the Sheyenne River, making it a hotspot for cyclists, hikers, and kayakers. Get a taste of that natural beauty in the heart of downtown at City Park. This former zoo is now a recreation area with river walks, picnic facilities, tennis courts, and disc golf. In the summer months, the park’s bandstand features an exciting line-up of free, live concerts.

Wrapping Up

Known for its sprawling badlands, Western heritage, and pioneer prairies, there’s more to North Dakota than means the eye. You’ll find the true spirit of the state in its homespun small towns where tradition and history comfortably mix with modern-day amenities. Each community has its personality and character; visit several in one epic North Dakota road trip, spend a long weekend getting to know the locals, or just stop by for the day. Whatever your travel plans in 2024, North Dakota promises an experience you’ll never forget.