Valley City Travel Guide

Explore the top attractions, hiking/biking routes, activities, food and drink scene, local culture, safety tips, and transportation options of Valley City, North Dakota, USA.


Introduction to Valley City

Valley City is a city located in the Coteaus and Plains region of North Dakota, USA. It is known for its vibrant cultural scene, outdoor adventures, scenic views, and friendly locals. Valley City is a perfect destination for those who want to experience the authentic charm of rural North America. This travel guide will help you navigate the top attractions, food and drink scene, local culture, safety tips, and transportation options available in Valley City.

List of Places to Visit in Valley City

Valley City offers a range of attractions for tourists to visit, including:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Sheyenne River Valley Scenic Byway - This beautiful scenic drive explores the Sheyenne River Valley, showcasing local history, geology, and natural features.
  • Barnes County Historical Society Museum - This museum is the repository of over 10,000 artifacts and provides a fascinating insight into the rich history of Barnes County.
  • Medicine Wheel Park - This site features a large medicine wheel made of stones that were gathered from the surrounding area and stands as a symbol of unity and peace among cultures.

Natural Attractions of Valley City: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Fort Ransom State Park - This park in the Sheyenne River Valley offers a variety of outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, and fishing.
  • Chautauqua Park - The park boasts beautiful bird-watching opportunities, a playground, picnic areas, and plenty of walking and biking trails.
  • Baldhill Dam and Reservoir - This beautiful man-made lake is a hotspot for fishing, boating, and picnicking.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Valley City

Valley City is home to a number of scenic hiking and biking trails, including:

  • Sheyenne River Valley National Scenic Byway Trail - This trail is a 62-mile route alongside the Sheyenne River Valley and offers a unique glimpse into North Dakota’s natural beauty.
  • Barnes County Historical Society Trail - This hiking trail will lead visitors through the historic county seat of Valley City, past the courthouse, parks, and scenic views.
  • Gunlogson Nature Preserve Trail - This trail is a relaxing walk for nature-lovers who can enjoy the scenic views of the Sheyenne River and the diverse flora and fauna in the area.

Best Things to Do in Valley City: Activities and Tours

Valley City has a variety of exciting activities and tours that visitors can try out, including:

  • Sheyenne River Valley Wine Tour - This tour offers an opportunity to taste local wines and learn about the roots of winemaking in the Sheyenne River Valley.
  • Fort Ransom State Park Guided Tour - This tour is an inspiring hike for visitors to learn about the geological features of the park, the history of its people, and the wildlife that inhabit it.
  • Sheyenne River Valley Scenic Byway Guided Tour - This tour offers visitors insights into the geology and history of the Sheyenne River Valley, with plenty of stunning scenic landscapes along the way.

Week-Long Itinerary for Valley City

If you’re looking to spend a week exploring Valley City, you can follow this itinerary:

Day Activity
1 Visit the Barnes County Historical Society Museum
2 Explore the Sheyenne River Valley Scenic Byway
3 Go hiking and fishing at Fort Ransom State Park
4 Take a Sheyenne River Valley Wine Tour
5 Visit the Medicine Wheel Park
6 Visit Baldhill Dam and Reservoir for a picnic and games
7 Go bird-watching at Chautauqua Park and head back home

Food and Drink Scene of Valley City

Valley City is home to a number of unique flavors and foods which visitors can enjoy, including:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Knoephla Soup - A soup made with dumplings, potatoes, carrots, and chicken broth that is a staple dish of North Dakota cuisine.
  • Fried Walleye - This dish is a classic of North Dakota that features crispy and lightly battered walleye fish.
  • Lefse- A pastry made with potatoes that is a Norwegian-American treat.

Local Beverages

  • Sheyenne River Valley Wine - The Sheyenne River Valley is home to several vineyards, producing red, white, and fruit-based wines.
  • Fargo Brewing - Beer lovers can enjoy a taste of Fargo Brewing’s locally brewed beers.

Where to Stay in Valley City: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Valley City provides many options for visitors to find a place to stay, including:

  • Grandstay Hotel and Suites - A modern, pet-friendly hotel that prides itself on its warm hospitality.
  • AmericInn by Wyndham - A hotel that offers clean and comfortable rooms with a variety of amenities for guests.
  • Valley City Hostel - For budget travelers, this hostel offers affordable and clean accomodations in dorms or private rooms.

What to Buy in Valley City: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Valley City has many unique items that visitors can take home as souvenirs, including:

  • Art Crafts by Spence and Friends - Those who love handmade items can check out the crafts at this shop, which offer pottery, jewelry, paintings, and sculptures created by local artists.
  • Fargo-Moorhead Dragon Calendar - A cool and quirky local calendar featuring photographs of Fargo-Moorhead dragons.
  • Sheyenne River Valley Wines - Visitors can take home some handmade North Dakota wines with them.

Local Culture and Customs of Valley City

Valley City has a deep-rooted heritage and customs that visitors can learn about, such as:

  • Family Values - The town places a strong emphasis on family values and community involvement.
  • Native American Influences - The valley’s history displays the influence of Native American culture, which is evident from the Native American artistry and the community’s respect for traditional history.
  • Civil War Remembrance- The town commemorates the Civil War with biennial ceremonies and a display of wartime history held around July 4th.

Best Time to Visit Valley City

The best time to visit Valley City is during the summers when the temperatures are mild and the days are long, making for an ideal time for outdoor activities and exploration. The Valley City winter scenery is exceptionally beautiful but can often be too extreme for many visitors, with temperatures dropping below -20°F.

Do’s and Don’ts of Valley City

Do:

  • Try knoephla soup and other local North Dakota specialties.
  • Enjoy the Sheyenne River Valley Scenic Byway.
  • Respect the local customs and culture.

Don’t:

  • Litter in parks and public spaces.
  • Ignore the safety instructions during outdoor activities.
  • Disrespect Native American culture and history.

Safety and Health

Safety in Valley City

Valley City is a very safe town with a low crime rate. Visitors should still take precautions to stay safe while enjoying their travels, such as:

  • Staying alert and aware of their surroundings at all times, even in safe locations.
  • Not leaving valuable items unattended.
  • Keeping their accommodations securely locked and providing their itinerary to friends or family for emergency purposes.

Health in Valley City

Valley City has a robust healthcare system with a variety of medical facilities, clinics, and doctors that visitors can access if required. Visitors should keep the following safety guidelines in mind:

  • Visitors should wear insect repellent when going outdoors to prevent tick-borne illnesses such as Lyme disease or Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
  • Visitors should stay hydrated and avoid spending too much time in the sun.

Getting to Valley City: Transportation Options and Logistics

Valley City can be reached by air, bus, and car.

Airports Near Valley City

The nearest airports to Valley City are:

  • Hector International Airport in Fargo, which is 54 miles away.
  • Jamestown Regional Airport in Jamestown, which is 40 miles away.

Bus Stations Near Valley City

The nearest bus stations to Valley City are:

  • Jefferson Lines in Fargo.
  • Greyhound in Jamestown.

Other Options

For those who choose to travel by car, Interstate 94 or U.S. Route 52 are popular routes to Valley City.

How to Get Around in Valley City

The best ways to travel around Valley City are on foot, by bike or by car. Visitors can rent a car from car rental agencies or see the area by bike or on foot.

Where to Go Next from Valley City: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Visitors can take day trips from Valley City to explore nearby destinations, including:

  • Fargo - 60 miles from Valley City and the largest city in North Dakota, known for its art, shopping, and dining.
  • Jamestown - 40 miles from Valley City and home to the National Buffalo Museum and the world’s largest buffalo statue.

Conclusion

Valley City is an excellent destination for exploring the rich history and culture of North Dakota and for enjoying outdoor activities and scenic views. With our comprehensive travel guide, visitors can explore the top attractions, food and drink scene, local culture, safety tips, and transportation options available in Valley City. By following this guide, visitors can ensure that they get the best out of their visit to Valley City, North Dakota, USA.