North Dakota's 'Buffalo City' Is Pure Frontier With Tourist Attractions, Museums, And Tours

Sandwiched between Fargo and Bismarck, is a friendly North Dakota frontier town with unique local shops, western-themed activities, and a high dose of frontier heritage — yet it remains off many travelers' radars. Jamestown, North Dakota, is home to the "world's largest buffalo monument," which towers 26 feet tall and weighs 60 tons. Visitors can walk through a frontier village for insight into what life was like long ago, or learn about the bison that roamed the area at the interactive North American Bison Discovery Center, where they can also see a live bison herd.

Jamestown was also once the home of the iconic western writer, Louis L' Amour, who is known for works like "Hondo," "The Walking Drum," and "Last of the Breed," among others. If you like escape rooms with an educational edge, the Stutsman County Courthouse, built in 1883, has a unique jail escape from a historic site. In addition to historical attractions, the area has plenty of outdoor recreation available, including camping and hunting, or water activities like kayaking, boating, and fishing at the Jamestown Reservoir. Or, explore your creative side at the town's burgeoning arts scene, including an artist market and arts center with exhibitions and an art park. For more adventures, drive a few hours to Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site to enjoy breathtaking gardens and scenic trails.

No visit to Jamestown would be complete without a visit to Dakota Thunder, the larger-than-life statue that was erected in 1959 (despite its name as a buffalo, it's technically a bison). American bison and buffalo are not the same thing (buffalo are native to Asia and Africa), but the name is often used interchangeably. The iconic statue is located in the Frontier Village, and both are free to visitors.

The Frontier Village has ​​a historic railroad depot from 1880, gift shops and a general store, and other historic buildings like a school, church, and bank, plus a "writer's shack" that pays homage to Louis L' Armour. The village also had stagecoach rides on select days. Outside of the village, another interesting historical site is Fort Seward, which once housed railroad workers and today is home to the largest United States flag on display in the state. The fort also offers overnight camping options in cone-shaped Sibley tents to experience what it would have been like if you worked on the railroad.

When it's time to grab a bite to eat, Jamestown has numerous eateries and breweries, including Hondo's Hideaway, a local's favorite that's perched right along the reservoir for amazing views and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Or, check out the Drift Prairie Brewing Company tap room and family-friendly restaurant with craft brews, burgers, barbecue, and root beer floats. If you want to watch a few sports with a cold beverage in hand, head over to Spirits Bar and Grill, offering pub grub and over a dozen televisions.

The Jamestown Regional Airport has a handful of flights with United Express that can connect visitors to Denver. Otherwise, about an hour and 30 minutes west is Bismarck Airport in the eponymous city of Bismarck, North Dakota's second-largest city, which is full of eclectic dining and culture. Or, heading east, as the Fargo Hector International Airport is about the same distance. If you want to extend your trip, Fargo is a walkable city that's full of intriguing attractions and shops.

Jamestown has an abundance of different types of accommodations, including several traditional chain hotels as well as vacation rentals. If you prefer to be outdoors, the Lakeside Campground is right next to the Jamestown Reservoir and has sites for tents and RVs, plus a few cabins. The campground also has a boat launch, fishing docks, and a marina. Or, the Jamestown Campground is another solid option with clean grounds and spacious sites, although it isn't on the lake.