Sometimes the best spots to visit aren’t the ones that everyone seems to know about. There are a lot of hidden gems in North Dakota that not many people besides the locals are aware of, and it can pay to know where those are. We’ve made a compilation of some of our best featured little-known places in the Peace Garden State that you are sure to love.
- Gunlogson Nature Preserve: A Little Known Natural Oasis
NDPRD/Flickr This beautiful nature preserve is hidden within the Icelandic State Park near Cavalier, North Dakota. It has hundreds of species of birds and plants, some of which you can’t find anywhere else in the state. The scenic trails through the dense forest are perfect for relaxing and taking your mind off of things.
More information here.
- Kenmare: The Most Criminally Overlooked Town
City of Kenmare/Facebook Kenmare, North Dakota has everything a good small town should and more. Local sights include an old theater, a toy museum, a recreation of a pioneer town, and a Danish windmill to celebrate the town’s heritage. Not only does it have all this within the town, but it is located in an absolutely gorgeous part of North Dakota with natural views surrounding it.
More information here.
- Prairie Bistro: The Hidden Restaurant On A Farm
The Prairie Bistro/Facebook Have you ever eaten while surrounded by flowers in a greenhouse before? Probably not, but this cute cafe on a farm in North Dakota will allow you to do just that. The food is fantastic to go with the unique experience and there is no way you won’t love this place.
More information here.
- Rainbow Garden: The Secret Garden You’re Guaranteed To Love
Rainbow Garden and Sculpture Walk/Facebook Even though North Dakota is more known for being the host of the International Peace Garden, there is a delightful hidden garden in the town of Mayville that you don’t want to miss. Along with being a garden, it is also a sculpture walk featuring one of a kind pieces from many artists.
More information here.
- Fort Ransom: The Tiny Town Surrounded By Breathtaking Nature
Andrew Filer/Flickr This itty bitty town of just about 100 residents is tucked away in the Sheyenne River Valley of North Dakota and surrounded by amazing natural views. The trees and the hills fill the town itself and it is also right next to the lovely Fort Ransom State Park.
More information here.
- Turtle River State Park: The Little Known Park
Renae & Eric W./Tripadvisor The peaceful serenity of this state park is unrivaled, offering the best way to escape reality and just immerse yourself in the natural setting. From the river that winds through the park to the lovely trails weaving through the trees, this place will be your new favorite summer destination.
More information here.
- Silver Prairie Saloon: The Small Town Restaurant That Will Give You A Unique Experience
Emily Bruderer Stefonowicz/Silver Praire Saloon/Facebook In the dusty, tiny town of McLeod, North Dakota that has a population of less than 30, you’ll find a hidden gem of a restaurant. The Silver Prairie Saloon is a western-themed spot to eat with absolutely amazing food you don’t want to miss. Even if it is a bit of a drive to reach it’s well worth the distance. More information here.
- Gackle: The Small Town You’ve Never Heard Of But Will Fall In Love With
Andrew Filer/Flickr Gackle is a town full of charm and a great example of why small town North Dakota is the best. Whether you grew up in this twn or not, you’ll feel welcomed here.
More information here.
- Roosevelt Inn: A Piece Of Mt. Rushmore You Didn’t Know North Dakota Had
Roosevelt Inn/Tripadvisor Our southern counterpart isn’t the only state with a larger-than-life stone bust of Theodore Roosevelt’s head! This huge statue rests at the Roosevelt Inn, a hotel in Watford City, North Dakota, that originally came from a park just outside the famous monument in South Dakota. It was transported all the way up north to its place now and most people don’t even know it’s there.
More information here.
- Napoleon: North Dakota’s Best Kept Small Town Secret
NDPRD/Flickr The adorable town of Napoleon, ND has everything you’d want in a small town. Great sights, a wonderful small town diner, and the perfect location next to Beaver Lake.
More information here.
What is your favorite secret spot in North Dakota?
NDPRD/Flickr
This beautiful nature preserve is hidden within the Icelandic State Park near Cavalier, North Dakota. It has hundreds of species of birds and plants, some of which you can’t find anywhere else in the state. The scenic trails through the dense forest are perfect for relaxing and taking your mind off of things.
More information here.
City of Kenmare/Facebook
Kenmare, North Dakota has everything a good small town should and more. Local sights include an old theater, a toy museum, a recreation of a pioneer town, and a Danish windmill to celebrate the town’s heritage. Not only does it have all this within the town, but it is located in an absolutely gorgeous part of North Dakota with natural views surrounding it.
More information here.
The Prairie Bistro/Facebook
Have you ever eaten while surrounded by flowers in a greenhouse before? Probably not, but this cute cafe on a farm in North Dakota will allow you to do just that. The food is fantastic to go with the unique experience and there is no way you won’t love this place.
More information here.
Rainbow Garden and Sculpture Walk/Facebook
Even though North Dakota is more known for being the host of the International Peace Garden, there is a delightful hidden garden in the town of Mayville that you don’t want to miss. Along with being a garden, it is also a sculpture walk featuring one of a kind pieces from many artists.
More information here.
Andrew Filer/Flickr
This itty bitty town of just about 100 residents is tucked away in the Sheyenne River Valley of North Dakota and surrounded by amazing natural views. The trees and the hills fill the town itself and it is also right next to the lovely Fort Ransom State Park.
More information here.
Renae & Eric W./Tripadvisor
The peaceful serenity of this state park is unrivaled, offering the best way to escape reality and just immerse yourself in the natural setting. From the river that winds through the park to the lovely trails weaving through the trees, this place will be your new favorite summer destination.
More information here.
Emily Bruderer Stefonowicz/Silver Praire Saloon/Facebook
In the dusty, tiny town of McLeod, North Dakota that has a population of less than 30, you’ll find a hidden gem of a restaurant. The Silver Prairie Saloon is a western-themed spot to eat with absolutely amazing food you don’t want to miss. Even if it is a bit of a drive to reach it’s well worth the distance. More information here.
Gackle is a town full of charm and a great example of why small town North Dakota is the best. Whether you grew up in this twn or not, you’ll feel welcomed here.
More information here.
Roosevelt Inn/Tripadvisor
Our southern counterpart isn’t the only state with a larger-than-life stone bust of Theodore Roosevelt’s head! This huge statue rests at the Roosevelt Inn, a hotel in Watford City, North Dakota, that originally came from a park just outside the famous monument in South Dakota. It was transported all the way up north to its place now and most people don’t even know it’s there.
More information here.
The adorable town of Napoleon, ND has everything you’d want in a small town. Great sights, a wonderful small town diner, and the perfect location next to Beaver Lake.
More information here.
Here are more of the Peace Garden State’s best hidden gems!
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