Grace City North DakotaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Grace City, North Dakota.
1. Arrowwood National Wildlife Refuge
NATURAL WILDLIFE PARADISE
Arrowwood National Wildlife Refuge offers visitors a chance to observe diverse prairie wildlife in their natural habitat. The refuge features hiking trails, bird watching opportunities, and seasonal hunting activities for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy beautiful scenery across wetlands, grasslands, and wooded areas that provide sanctuary for migratory birds.
2. Grahams Island State Park
LAKESIDE RECREATION HAVEN
Grahams Island State Park is situated on Devils Lake, offering exceptional fishing, boating, and camping opportunities. The park features modern campgrounds, picnic areas, and boat ramps that make it a popular destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy scenic hiking trails that showcase the natural beauty of the island and surrounding lake.
3. Fort Totten State Historic Site
MILITARY HISTORY PRESERVED
Fort Totten State Historic Site preserves a well-maintained 19th-century military post that offers visitors a glimpse into frontier history. The site includes original buildings, exhibits, and guided tours that bring to life the interactions between military personnel and Native Americans. Visitors can explore the grounds and learn about this important chapter in North Dakota's development during the western expansion era.
4. White Horse Hill National Game Preserve
WILDLIFE AND HISTORY
White Horse Hill National Game Preserve (formerly Sullys Hill) offers visitors a combination of wildlife viewing and historical significance. The preserve features a driving tour, hiking trails, and observation points where bison, elk, and prairie dogs can be spotted in their natural habitat. Nature enthusiasts can also enjoy the visitor center with educational displays about local ecosystems and Native American history.
5. Frontier Village
HISTORIC PIONEER EXPERIENCE
Frontier Village takes visitors back in time with its collection of historic buildings relocated from throughout North Dakota. The village includes a general store, church, schoolhouse, and other structures that recreate the atmosphere of a frontier settlement. Visitors can explore the buildings, view artifacts, and sometimes witness demonstrations of pioneer crafts and skills.
6. Painted Canyon Overlook
BREATHTAKING BADLANDS VIEW
Painted Canyon Overlook provides visitors with a spectacular introduction to the North Dakota Badlands. The overlook features interpretive displays explaining the geological formations and historical significance of the area. Visitors can enjoy the dramatic landscape from the viewing platform or explore nearby hiking trails for a more immersive experience.
7. Enchanted Highway
GIANT METAL SCULPTURES
The Enchanted Highway features a series of massive scrap metal sculptures spread along a rural highway route. Created by artist Gary Greff, these whimsical roadside attractions include themes such as pheasants, deer, fish, and even a family of tin men. Visitors can drive the route at their leisure, stopping at each sculpture site which often includes picnic facilities.
8. Devils Lake
PREMIER FISHING DESTINATION
Devils Lake is known as one of North America's premier fishing destinations, particularly for walleye, northern pike, and perch. The massive natural lake offers year-round fishing opportunities, including popular ice fishing during winter months. Visitors can enjoy water recreation activities, scenic drives around the shoreline, and numerous access points for boats and shore fishing.
9. International Peace Garden
SYMBOL OF FRIENDSHIP
The International Peace Garden straddles the border between the United States and Canada, symbolizing the friendship between the two nations. The garden features meticulously maintained floral displays, a peace chapel, and monuments commemorating the longstanding peaceful relationship. Visitors can explore over 2,300 acres of gardens, lakes, and hiking trails while experiencing both countries in one visit.
10. Custer House
HISTORIC MILITARY RESIDENCE
The Custer House is a reconstructed residence where Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer and his wife lived during his command at Fort Abraham Lincoln. Guided tours provide insights into the personal and military life of the Custers during the 1870s before the infamous Battle of Little Bighorn. The house features period furnishings and artifacts that help visitors understand daily life at a frontier military post.
11. Grace City Community Church
HISTORIC LOCAL LANDMARK
The Grace City Community Church stands as a historic landmark in this small North Dakota town. The church has served as a gathering place for local residents for generations, reflecting the importance of faith in rural communities. Though currently boarded up, the structure remains a significant piece of local heritage and is featured in the book 'Churches of the High Plains.'
12. Carrington City Park
FAMILY RECREATION AREA
Carrington City Park offers visitors a pleasant green space with facilities for family recreation and community gatherings. The park includes playground equipment, picnic shelters, and sports facilities that serve local residents and travelers alike. Its convenient location makes it an ideal stopping point for those traveling through Foster County.
13. The Rusty Spoke Bar & Grill
LOCAL FLAVOR HOTSPOT
The Rusty Spoke Bar & Grill provides a welcoming atmosphere for visitors seeking authentic local dining near Grace City. The establishment serves hearty Midwestern fare including steaks, burgers, and traditional comfort foods that satisfy hungry travelers and locals. Visitors appreciate the friendly service and opportunity to mingle with area residents while enjoying affordable meals in a casual setting.
14. Foster County Museum
REGIONAL HISTORY COLLECTION
The Foster County Museum preserves and displays artifacts and information about the history of the region including Grace City and surrounding communities. The museum houses collections of agricultural equipment, household items, photographs, and documents that tell the story of pioneer settlement and development. Visitors can gain insight into the challenges and triumphs of the people who shaped this rural North Dakota area.
15. Putnam House
HISTORIC BED & BREAKFAST
The Putnam House offers visitors a charming accommodation option with historical significance near Grace City. This bed and breakfast combines period charm with modern amenities in a beautifully preserved building. Guests can enjoy comfortable lodging while experiencing the hospitality and slower pace of small-town North Dakota.