The Remote Small Town in North Dakota Locals Don’t Want You To Find

If you tend to fall in love easily with small towns (same), you might appreciate this one as much as I do. Just 35 miles from the Montana state line, Crosby is a remote small town in North Dakota that’s equal parts secluded and delightful. With a population of just over 1,000, it’s jam-packed with cool things to do. It’s probably my favorite middle-of-nowhere town in North Dakota. Check it out!

The Divide County Courthouse is probably the first building you'll notice—don’t worry, it’s the first building we all notice, and for good reason. Built in 1917 in the impressive Beaux Arts style, it’s gorgeous, with intricately beautiful decor, stained glass, and stunning terrazzo floors.

Keep an eye out for the dome's rotunda, which features four large murals depicting early area history. Even if you’re not an architecture geek like me, you’ll still find the courthouse something special. Who knew there was impressive architecture in North Dakota? Well, now we do.

From there, you’ll be charmed by the friendly vibe of the whole Main Street area, complete with old-school buildings and storefronts you won’t find anywhere else. Various bars, shops, and eateries make it worth exploring. Crosby is a great small town for a day trip, and the possibilities are only as limited as your imagination.

Once you’ve had your fill of downtown Crosby, pivot to the Pioneer Village, which is like stepping backward in time (or as close as we can get). This living history museum features around 25 restored buildings—including an old bank, general store, and blacksmith shop—and will teach you all sorts of amazing things about Crosby and the surrounding region, leaving you both enlightened and welcome. If you visit in July, check out the annual threshing show, which features antique steam tractors! And you are welcome—Crosby is awfully friendly, after all.

Nature lovers will find plenty to adore here, too. I definitely recommend checking out the Writing Rock State Historic Site, located in nearby Alkabo. This fascinating spot features two granite boulders inscribed with ancient petroglyphs—most notably, thunderbird figures. Believed to date from A.D. 1000 to 1700, these carvings were sacred to many Plains tribes, including the Sioux and Assiniboine, and are an incredible piece of the region’s Indigenous history to see up close.

During the warm months, kids will love visiting and playing at the Crosby Swimming Pool & Splash Pad. Kids of all ages enjoy it, and yours will likely ask to come back repeatedly (which is a great excuse to return).

If you’re looking for a nice, quiet escape from real life for a while, this remote small town in North Dakota is one of my favorites—first and foremost for its remoteness. Sometimes, when we want peace and quiet, we really want peace and quiet, and Crosby is perfect for just that. Of course, when you feel like being a bit more sociable, there are plenty of things to do in Crosby, North Dakota.

If you’re ready to see what makes this remote town in North Dakota so special, check out the official website of North Dakota Tourism to start planning your trip. Have another charming small town you think deserves a shoutout? Nominate your favorite North Dakota town—we’d love to hear about it. And when you’re ready to hit the road, don’t forget to use the Only In Your State itinerary planner to map out your visit and make the most of every stop along the way.