This Little-Known Waterfront Town Is One of the Most Charming in North Dakota

North Dakota is one of the most remote states in the United States, bordering the Canadian Prairies and ranking 48th among the 50 states by population. It's a peaceful place, celebrating wide-open spaces—and that makes finding a little-known waterfront town in North Dakota like this one an even more pleasant surprise. Tucked away in the western part of the state, surrounded by the fast-growing Bakken Oil Fields, is where you'll find the town of Williston. It has a population of around 28,000, making it the sixth-largest city in North Dakota while maintaining its quaint, small-town Midwestern feel. For locals, Williston is known for its charming downtown and its surprisingly great dining scene. For visitors, they're quickly won over by its proximity to the beautiful Missouri River and its surprising number of historic sites. No matter where you come from, Williston is one of those spots in our great country that you can't believe it took so long to discover.

Why This Little-Known Waterfront Town in North Dakota Is So Charming

North Dakota is such a pristine place for much of its expanse that it's a surprise to see one of the state's largest towns not far from the Missouri River. That makes Williston a perfect place to stop off and stay a night or two on a road trip. This region is a popular spot for those on fishing trips, as the Missouri River is known for its abundance of walleye, pike, and catfish.

Strolling Along Williston's Main Street

However, not far from there, you'll find a charming mini-metropolis that is perfectly located. Williston is near the Bakken Oil Fields, which is the fastest-growing economic region in North Dakota. That means Williston is seeing heavy growth, with breweries and restaurants opening fast. One favorite in the area is definitely an old-school choice, though: Doc Holliday's Roadhouse, a retro dive known for the best mac and cheese in North Dakota.

What To See and Do in Williston

If you're in Williston, the most significant place to visit is definitely Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site. This peaceful historic park was the site of a key fur-trading post founded in 1828 and was one of the first designated National Historic Sites, putting this area of North Dakota on the map.

While the original fort no longer existed at the time it was designated in 1961, the park has been recreated and interpreted to be as authentic as possible. It's one of the most distinctive celebrations of the old west in the region, and features an in-depth look at the historic fur trade, one of the first industries to develop in North Dakota.

Have you had a chance to explore Williston, North Dakota, and its many downtown gems and historic sites before? If not, this little-known waterfront town in North Dakota is excited to welcome new visitors, so check out the Williston tourism website for more ideas on what to see, do, and eat when you're in town! And if you're looking for more hidden gems in the Peace Garden State, check out Only In Your State's list of the best small towns in North Dakota!