There are many unique and interesting small towns in North Dakota. Towns with giant animal statues, like New Salem or Jamestown, or towns with unusual yet fascinating museums, like Parshall – but none have quite as many wacky, beautiful, and interesting things as Dunseith, North Dakota. If you’ve never been there before, add it to your bucket list because it’s pretty darn neat. Here’s why it’s one of the best towns in North Dakota:

Welcome to Dunseith - one of the most unusual yet best towns in North Dakota. Located far north near the Canadian border, it's known as the home of the International Peace Garden as well as being the gateway to the Turtle Mountains. Right away when you enter town you'll be greeted with something eye-catching.
Jimmy Emerson/Flickr
This is the Wee'l Turtle, a massive turtle - taking after the Turtle Mountains - made entirely out of wheel rims. It's certainly the biggest manmade turtle structure of this kind, and will certainly make you take a second glance.
Jimmy Emerson/Flickr
The town itself is quite lovely. Dunseith only has just shy of 800 residents, though it is busy with people going to and from Canada. It is also home to the International Music Camp.
Andrew Filer/Flickr
You'll find more than one of these beautiful stone buildings in Dunseith along with all the locally owned businesses and a charming small town atmosphere. Many visitors come here to see all it has to offer, so they welcome more with open arms.
Andrew Filer/Flickr

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One of the neat attractions in the area is the Butte Saint Paul Historic Site. Take a hike to the top of this towering hill and you'll find a special monument on top, as well as a breathtaking view.
blindcreek42/Tripadvisor
Dunseith is also home to the one and only North American Game Warden Museum - the only museum of its kind in the entire world. Here you'll find plenty of history on game wardens, and memorials, as well as lots of fantastic mounts that would make any hunter envious.
North American Game Warden Museum/Tripadvisor
Right next door is the famous International Peace Garden, where North Dakota gets its official nickname. Over 80,000 flowers are planted here each year and there are also plants from all over the continent brought to this one symbolic place.
Management/TripAdvisor
And this is all within the absolutely gorgeous Turtle Mountains of the north, with forested hills and tons of lakes and ponds. People love visiting here for hiking, fishing, hunting, and snowmobiling. No other town but Dunseith can say it has all this - and that's just scratching the surface.
Gary Eslinger/USFWS/Flickr

Have you ever been to Dunseith, the best town in North Dakota? What was your favorite part of your trip? Let us know in the comments. Even if you only visit Dunseith for one thing, it should definitely be the International Peace Garden. I think it’s one of the most amazing spots in North Dakota; see if you agree.

This Underrated Attraction Might Just Be The Most Beautiful Place In North Dakota

 

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Fun Things To Do In North Dakota

Will Suphan | April 02, 2024

What are some hidden gem attractions in North Dakota?

Hidden gem attractions in North Dakota include:

  • Fire Hall Theatre. This was once a fire hall and is now a community theatre where performances happen year-round.
  • Paul Briste Rock Museum. This is a geological museum that is made out of rocks. Come see rare and beautiful minerals.
  • Ronald Reagan Minuteman Missile State Historic Site. Go deep underground to see a nuclear missile command center.
  • Lewis and Clark Trail Museum. This museum shows artifacts and relics from the pioneer days when settlers passed through here.

Find out more about hidden gem attractions in North Dakota.

What are the best little-known attractions in North Dakota?

The best little-known attractions in North Dakota include:

  • Dinosaurs on the Prairie. This is a collection of threshing machines that were used on local farms and are an important part of local history.
  • Fort Mandan. Visit the place where fur traders, pioneers, and early settlers once gathered.
  •  Rainbow Garden. This is a gorgeous public garden with sculptures made by locals and from sculptors all over the world.
  • Chateau Des Mores. This mansion was the home of Marquis des Mores who founded Medora, North Dakota, and it has a historic tour.

Learn more about the best little-known attractions in North Dakota. 

What are the most bizarre roadside attractions in North Dakota?

The most bizarre roadside attractions in North Dakota include:

  • Wahpper. At the entrance to the town of Wahpeton sits Wahpper, a 5,000-pound catfish statue right next to the Red River.
  • Wee’l Turtle. This huge turtle is made up entirely of about 2,000 tire rims that have been welded together.
  • Tommy the Turtle. This is a massive turtle riding a snowmobile that stands 30 feet tall and he guards the nearby tennis court.
  • Viking on a Hill. Standing atop Pyramid Hill, this statue of a Viking represents local Norwegian heritage. 

Discover more about the most bizarre roadside attractions in North Dakota. 

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Dunseith, ND 58329, USA