North Dakota has many, many rivers within its borders. A large portion of the people who live here live in river valleys or just a short distance from a river, creek, pond, or lake. Even some of our most well-known attractions were formed by or have to do with rivers! Naturally, many towns and cities lie alongside the coursing waters of these natural formations, and there are a few choice ones that would be perfect to visit in this upcoming spring.
- Park River
Google maps Park River is a beautiful town located along the South Branch Park River in eastern North Dakota. It has a lovely downtown area and fantastic views of the river that winds its way through the town.
- Walhalla
maralinn/Flickr The town of Walhalla, ND lies right by the Pembina River. This river forms one of the most beautiful river valleys in the state, the Pembina Gorge. People flock to this gorge each year to see the beautiful, dense forests, especially in the fall when the leaves of the trees are bursting with color.
- Washburn
J. Stephen Conn/Flickr Washburn rests next to the mighty Missouri River in central North Dakota. Its official nickname is “The Grandest Little City on the Missouri,” and it certainly lives up to that name!
- Valley City
Kurt Haubrich/Flickr They don’t call Valley City the “City of Bridges” for nothing! The Sheyenne River flows through much of the city and created a need for many bridges to cross it, some of which are breathtakingly beautiful. You can take a historic tour of the bridges when you visit it.
- Riverdale
Andrew Filer/Flickr A town called Riverdale definitely belongs on a list like this! It is located right at the edge of Lake Sakakawea and the Missouri River that formed it. Only around 200 people live here, giving it that North Dakota small town charm. From the views to the pleasant streets, this place is great to visit.
- Drayton
Google maps This town is located along the Red River on the eastern edge of North Dakota. Other than having a small town charm, it has wonderful sights along the river’s edge.
- Fort Ransom
Jimmy Emerson/Flickr The adorable little town of Fort Ransom sits right next to the Sheyenne River and the absolutely stunning Sheyenne River Valley surrounding it. From the calm waters to the natural forests, this place is a must visit for everyone.
- Kenmare
Andrew Filer/Flickr The charming town of Kenmare is right next to the Des Lacs Lakes and Des Lacs River that forms them. There is beautiful countryside here, and the lakes and river themselves are positively gorgeous.
- Jamestown
Google maps One of North Dakota’s biggest cities is also one of its most charming river cities. The James River, of course, flows through it and creates the fantastic views you can see above.
- LaMoure
Jimmy Emerson/Flickr Located along the James River, this town of almost 900 residents is the county seat of LaMoure County and has beautiful views of the river.
What other great North Dakota towns are located alongside rivers? You can learn more about some of our state’s rivers here.
Google maps
Park River is a beautiful town located along the South Branch Park River in eastern North Dakota. It has a lovely downtown area and fantastic views of the river that winds its way through the town.
maralinn/Flickr
The town of Walhalla, ND lies right by the Pembina River. This river forms one of the most beautiful river valleys in the state, the Pembina Gorge. People flock to this gorge each year to see the beautiful, dense forests, especially in the fall when the leaves of the trees are bursting with color.
J. Stephen Conn/Flickr
Washburn rests next to the mighty Missouri River in central North Dakota. Its official nickname is “The Grandest Little City on the Missouri,” and it certainly lives up to that name!
Kurt Haubrich/Flickr
They don’t call Valley City the “City of Bridges” for nothing! The Sheyenne River flows through much of the city and created a need for many bridges to cross it, some of which are breathtakingly beautiful. You can take a historic tour of the bridges when you visit it.
Andrew Filer/Flickr
A town called Riverdale definitely belongs on a list like this! It is located right at the edge of Lake Sakakawea and the Missouri River that formed it. Only around 200 people live here, giving it that North Dakota small town charm. From the views to the pleasant streets, this place is great to visit.
This town is located along the Red River on the eastern edge of North Dakota. Other than having a small town charm, it has wonderful sights along the river’s edge.
Jimmy Emerson/Flickr
The adorable little town of Fort Ransom sits right next to the Sheyenne River and the absolutely stunning Sheyenne River Valley surrounding it. From the calm waters to the natural forests, this place is a must visit for everyone.
The charming town of Kenmare is right next to the Des Lacs Lakes and Des Lacs River that forms them. There is beautiful countryside here, and the lakes and river themselves are positively gorgeous.
One of North Dakota’s biggest cities is also one of its most charming river cities. The James River, of course, flows through it and creates the fantastic views you can see above.
Located along the James River, this town of almost 900 residents is the county seat of LaMoure County and has beautiful views of the river.
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