North Dakota has quite a handful of picture perfect midwest small towns. You know – those kind of charming little towns that you think only exist in books or movies, except they really are here. There are a few towns in particular which have become so much more than the typical small town. Some would say they have even become the coolest places in the midwest! Here is a great example of exactly this, and it became this way so quietly that barely anyone knows about it:
Valley City, North Dakota has been named one of the most beautiful, scenic towns in the state across many places.
Andrew Filer/Flickr
The quiet little town has a population 6,585 and was founded in 1874. Many of the buildings here are quite old, including the Carnegie Library that is over a century old. It is also home to Valley City State University.
Andrew Filer/Flickr
Valley City was founded along the Sheyenne River and has now been dubbed the “City of Bridges.” There are many historic and beautiful bridges throughout the town, and you can even take a tour to see them all.
Scott Archer/Flickr
Along with its own special attraction, it has everything you could want and more in a perfect midwest town. Many family owned businesses and a tight community make it a wonderful place to call home.
Andrew Filer/Flickr
A perfect example of Valley City’s great community is The Vault, a coffee shop located in the downtown area. This shop’s story was covered by national news because of their unique business structure: the entire shop is self served and based on an honor system. There are never any employees manning the store; they trust that you will pay what is fair. The concept has been proven to work over the years the store has been open in a historic former bank building.
The Vault Coffee Shop/Facebook
Being located on the Sheyenne River has put Valley City in naturally stunning surroundings. The Sheyenne River Valley is gorgeous and this town is right in the heart of it. It is also located close to great outdoor activities like hiking and camping in Fort Ransom State Park.
Jim Bowen/Flickr
Another fun fact about Valley City is that it has what was once the longest railroad bridge in the world, the Hi-Line Bridge.
Kurt Haubrich/Flickr
Valley City is truly a fantastic place, and you can make your own stories there by visiting it and checking out the sights.
Chad Kainz/Flickr
If you want to check out the “City of Bridges” tour to see these historic structures, you can learn more about it by following this link.
Andrew Filer/Flickr
Scott Archer/Flickr
The Vault Coffee Shop/Facebook
Jim Bowen/Flickr
Kurt Haubrich/Flickr
Chad Kainz/Flickr
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