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Despite its considerable land size, North Dakota has one of the smallest state populations in the country, with its largest city housing just 133,000 people. As of 2017, the Census of Agriculture revealed that nearly 90% of the state's land is made of farms and ranches, highlighting its strong agricultural roots. For many of North Dakota's small towns, this means being overlooked in favor of larger cities or even states with flashier tourist attractions. However, like all states, this midwestern beauty has amazing secrets if you know where to look. Tucked away in rural towns and wide-open regions, travelers can find some of the country's most unique hidden treasures. From breathtaking national parks and ski resorts to historic landmarks and exciting excursions, uncover the definitive guide to North Dakota's hidden gems.

Valley City

Valley City shines as one of North Dakota's most beautiful towns, blending natural and manmade splendor. The Sheyenne River Valley community is anchored by the 325-mile winding waterway, which is the longest river located entirely in North Dakota. But what truly sets Valley City apart is its eight historic bridges. Whether driving the Valley City Historic Bridges Tour or traveling by foot to explore Main Street treasures like the City Park Footbridge, these iconic structures illuminate the town's natural landscape.

Nearby, the Valley City State University campus attracts attention with Medicine Wheel Park, a unique landmark that started as a class project. The 30-acre park features scenic walking trails, overlooks, a perennial garden, and the soul of the space: a rock sculpture medicine wheel calendar marking Earth's seasons and journey around the Sun.

Toward the northern edge of town, Chautauqua Park is a great next stop to see more of the City of Bridges. The park offers spectacular views of the Hi-Line Bridge, a significant structure known for its role in both 麻豆AV Wars. Paired with a playground, dog park, and fishing dock, Chautauqua has something for the whole family.

Fort Ransom

About 40 minutes south of Valley City, Fort Ransom is another North Dakota community with breathtaking natural scenes. With around just 100 permanent residents, the town flies under the radar despite its setting along the Sheyenne River Valley National Scenic Byway, a path famous for its natural scenes. After exploring the Byway's many charms, like its award-winning interpretive panels and pastoral scenery, your next stop should be Fort Ransom鈥檚 star attraction: Fort Ransom State Park.

Named after a military fort from the late 1800s, Fort Ransom State Park is a serene and secluded escape from everyday life. Kayak and canoe rentals are available right in the park for a tranquil day on the Sheyenne River, or you can explore the park's 20-mile trail system. Paths like the Little Twig Nature Trail can be hiked, snowshoed, or explored on horseback for views of local flora and fauna. Woodland birds like cuckoos and Eastern wood pewees are especially prominent on this trail, so keep your eyes and ears peeled.

Visitors can also travel back in time to Fort Ransom's homesteading past by participating in Sodbuster Days. The semi-annual event brings history to life, showcasing "demonstrations and exhibits of homesteading life."

Medora

As the only incorporated town in Billings County, Medora is another North Dakota gem that often goes overlooked. However, its surroundings tell a different story. The town of under 200 residents is located inside Theodore Roosevelt National Park, a landscape famous for its high plains, rugged badlands, and ties to the 26th US President. The park is named in honor of Theodore Roosevelt, who spent time in the region in the late 1800s and was a powerful advocate for the then-emerging conservation movement. Visitors can even tour the Maltese Cross Cabin, Roosevelt鈥檚 temporary residence, now situated behind the park's South Unit Visitor Center.

As a gateway to the park's wonders, Medora鈥檚 backyard is a hub of recreation. The setting includes several scenic drives through the North and South units of the park, showcasing the region鈥檚 dramatic badlands. However, many prefer to take in the park鈥檚 historic landscapes up close through its hiking trails. With over 400 species of flora and a range of native and non-native mammals like bison, prairie dogs, elk, and wild horses, visitors can experience North Dakota's wild side just as Roosevelt did.

Trails like the Skyline Vista offer stunning scenes atop the Johnson's Plateau, or you can take on the Wind Canyon Trail to view a canyon carved by wind and time. Wildlife routes like the Prairie Dog Town via the Buckhorn Trail are also popular, while landscape-lovers can take on paths like the Painted Canyon Nature Trail.

Devils Lake

Named after the lake on which it resides, Devils Lake is a Ramsey County town with a colorful past that lives up to its name. Today, the town is a stunning outdoor retreat, but this was not always the case. The water levels in Devils Lake have fluctuated since glaciers covered the region, rising and falling with climate patterns. This became disastrous in 1993 when the Devils Lake Basin flooded the area鈥檚 communities and farmlands. After countless years, the town of Devils Lake finally completed the construction of levees to protect the community from future flooding.

There are plenty of ways to enjoy the waterfront in town, including restaurants like Proz Lakeside At The Cove and hotels like the Woodland Resort. Devils Lake, the nearly 200,000-acre lake known as the "Perch Capital of the 麻豆AV," is also famous for its fishing scene. Passionate anglers can book charters like Perch Patrol Guide Service or cast a line at Grahams Island State Park. In addition to its angling essentials like a bait shop, fish cleaning station, and boat ramp, the park also boasts a swimming beach, nature trails, and over three miles of cross-country ski paths in the winter.

Walhalla

Just five miles south of the Canadian border, Walhalla is located in the Pembina Hills along the Pembina River, making it another show-stopping nature retreat. Winter is when Frost Fire Park takes the spotlight, the modest but charming Pembina River Gorge ski area featuring seven runs, a quad-chair lift, and a 350-foot vertical drop. In the summertime, the park transforms into a downhill mountain biking zone with eight invigorating trails, while its outdoor amphitheater puts on fantastic live shows.

Walhalla is also a gateway to the Pembina Gorge State Recreation Area, whose 2,800 public acres are stunning in every season. Many of the park's trails are groomed in the winter for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, and there is even more to do from spring through fall. The Area boasts over 30 miles of multi-use nature trails, exposing the park鈥檚 cliffs, forests, wetlands, and prairies. Whether hiking, horseback riding, or mountain biking through the landscape, there are postcard scenes in every season. However, the landscape is especially enchanting in the fall when the trees and plants take on shades of orange and gold. Summer, on the other hand, is the preferred time to rent kayaks from the park and paddle the Pembina River.

Bottineau

Similar to Walhalla, Bottineau is a four-season outdoor playground close to the Canada-United States border. The town is also at the base of the Turtle Mountains, whose impact on the region can be seen in the town鈥檚 quirkiest attraction. Celebrated as the 麻豆AV鈥檚 tallest turtle, Bottineau's 30-foot-tall Tommy the Turtle statue can be seen riding a model snowmobile at its namesake park. This choice of pose is the perfect homage to the town's ski area, Bottineau Winter Park. Here, adventurers can enjoy eight alpine trails, two lifts to the beginner hills, and a triple chairlift to reach the park鈥檚 highest point.

Winter recreation is also a staple at Lake Metigoshe State Park. Visitors can enjoy a section of North Dakota鈥檚 famous Peace Garden Snowmobile Trail, along with cross-country ski trails, ice fishing, and sledding. During Bottineau鈥檚 warmer months, the park鈥檚 setting in the Turtle Mountains transforms into a paradise of lush woodlands and wetlands. With 13 miles of hiking trails and various alpine lakes for kayaking and birding, this Bottineau park is a must-visit for nature lovers.

Discover North Dakota's Hidden Gems

While nearly 90% of North Dakota is covered by agricultural land, if you know where to look, its small towns will reveal some remarkable attractions. While underrated and, in many cases, unheard of, these towns boast gorgeous parklands, significant historic sites, and exciting excursions. Whether adventuring through Theodore Roosevelt National Park, touring Valley City's historic bridges, or booking a fishing charter in the "Perch Capital of the 麻豆AV,鈥� your time in North Dakota will reveal the state's exciting side beyond its rural reputation.