There's A Tiny Town In North Dakota Completely Surrounded By Breathtaking Natural Beauty
A lot of towns in North Dakota have some absolutely lovely scenery, and one of the smallest yet most beautiful spots may just be the town of Fort Ransom. Located about 30 miles south of Valley City and in the heart of the Sheyenne River Valley, this teeny town of less than 100 residents is tucked up among the trees and the winding river. And that’s just the beginning!
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According to the US Census Bureau, about 78 people currently live here as of 2015. The small town is surrounded by the winding Sheyenne River and the dense trees and wooded areas around it.
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Right next to the entrance of the town is the Sheyenne River Dam that was constructed in 1953 over an original dam much older. Today, it is on the National Register of Historic Places.
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Not only does this place have scenic, natural views, it also has a lot of history you can visit yourself. The TJ Walker Historic District is one of the highlights of the town with some unique and interesting shops and buildings that have been around for decades.
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From the only restaurant and bar in town, Thor's and the Old Mill Grill, to a small gift shop shown above, the Uff Da Shop, they love embracing their viking heritage here.
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While geologists believe this hill was formed from the glaciers that covered much of North Dakota thousands of years ago, some people believe the hill was man made much later in time.
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The statue was built in 1972 and has stood tall and proud since then.
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The building above was once a general mercantile type store built in 1907 that later became the Ransom County Historical Museum that you can visit today. The building is partially made of materials that were originally used in the actual fort of Fort Ransom.
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Everything about this place is beautiful. The river, the forest, the historical buildings and the heritage they embrace... It is definitely one of North Dakota's best kept secrets!
You can learn more about the town of Fort Ransom by visiting their website.
Fort Ransom State Park is just a few minutes north of the town and is well worth a visit. Learn more about it here.
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