Towner Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Towner, North Dakota with this comprehensive tour guide covering top attractions, hiking and biking routes, food and drink scene, local culture and customs and much more.


Introduction to Towner

Towner is a small town located in the region of Lakes and Gardens in North Dakota, United States of America. It is a peaceful and friendly community that offers a variety of exciting activities and attractions for travelers of all ages and interests. The town is surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes, including hills, forests, and lakes, providing a perfect backdrop for outdoor adventures. Whether you are looking to explore the local culture, take a stroll in beautiful parks, or simply relax and unwind, Towner is an ideal travel destination.

List of Places to Visit in Towner

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Towner is steeped in history, and visitors can explore its rich heritage by visiting the following museums and historical places:

  • Rolette County Museum - This museum showcases the history of Rolette County, including exhibits tracing the area’s settlement by the Chippewa Indians. Visitors can also explore artifacts of early settlers and local military veterans.
  • Heritage Park - This living history park has several historical buildings, including a one-room schoolhouse, a church, a railway station, and an early settler’s home.
  • Elevation Station - This former church has now been renovated to become an art gallery, and gift shop showcasing local artists.

Natural Attractions of Towner: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Towner has plenty of natural attractions suitable for those who love outdoor adventures and scenic views. Here are a few must-visit locations:

  • Cobblestone Lake - This scenic lake is located a few miles north of Towner, providing visitors with an opportunity for fishing, boating, and swimming. It is surrounded by a beautiful campground with picnic areas and hiking trails.
  • Rural Route 5 - A scenic drive that starts in Towner and takes visitors through the picturesque rolling hills of North Dakota.
  • International Peace Gardens - Located 30 miles northeast of Towner, the International Peace Gardens is an extensive botanical garden with multiple trails that showcase a plethora of beautiful plant life. Visitors can also participate in bird watching and attend musical events held here.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Towner

Towner is an ideal destination for hiking and biking. It offers several trails suitable for both beginners and advanced adventurers. Here are some notable hiking and biking routes:

  • Doug Thorson Trail - This trail runs 11 miles east of town and is ideal for hikers, walkers, and bikers. It offers magnificent views of rolling hills and agricultural landscapes, a perfect opportunity to see the North Dakota countryside.
  • Rudd Lake Trail - This trail is located southwest of Towner and runs through the beautiful countryside. It is ideal for nature enthusiasts looking to discover local wildlife and birdlife.
  • Trinity Lakes Trail - This trail is located to the north of town and is ideal for hikers who want a more challenging terrain.

Best Things to Do in Towner: Activities and Tours

Towner offers several exciting activities for travelers looking to enjoy their time in the town. Some must-do activities include:

  • Fishing - Visitors can enjoy excellent fishing at Cobblestone Lake, Rudd Lake, and Trinity Lakes. These lakes are stocked with walleye, northern pike, and bass, making them ideal for anglers.
  • Hunting - Towner is an ideal destination for hunting enthusiasts, with a variety of game birds and animals.
  • Golfing - The town has multiple golf courses catering to all skill levels, making it an ideal destination for golf enthusiasts.
  • Horseback Riding - Towner offers multiple horseback riding options for visitors, including trail rides and guided tours.

Week-Long Itinerary for Towner

Here’s a comprehensive itinerary for a week-long stay in Towner:

Day Activity
1 Visit the Rolette County Museum and go hiking on Doug Thorson Trail
2 Go fishing at Cobblestone Lake and visit Elevation Station
3 Tour the Heritage Park and enjoy a game of golf in the afternoon
4 Visit the International Peace Gardens for birdwatching and attend the local concert
5 Go on horseback rides and attend the event in the local community center
6 Explore the Trinity Lakes Trail and have a picnic in the Trinity Lakes
7 Spend a relaxing day on a guided tour in the beautiful North Dakota countryside

Food and Drink Scene of Towner

Towner offers some local dishes and drinks that every visitor should try:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Lefse - Lefse is a traditional Norwegian flatbread made with potatoes, flour, and butter. It is a popular snack in Towner.
  • Knoephla Soup - This creamy soup is a staple in restaurants in Towner. It is made with dumplings and potatoes.
  • Wild Game Sausages - Visitors who love wild game should try sausage made from elk, deer, beef, and bison.

Local Beverages

  • Craft Beer - North Dakota has several microbreweries that produce delicious craft beers. Towner has a few bars that serve local beers.
  • Honey Wine - Towner is known for its honey wine, also known as mead, which is made from honey and water.

Where to Stay in Towner: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Towner has several accommodation options suitable for every type of traveler. Here are some recommendations:

  • Old School Bed & Breakfast - A unique bed and breakfast that offers comfortable and affordable rooms.
  • Cobblestone Inn & Suites - A modern hotel located in the heart of Towner that offers all amenities, including a fitness center and high-speed internet.
  • Kerma Hotel - The Kerma Hotel is a historic hotel in Towner, North Dakota, famous for hosting Theodore Roosevelt during his visit to the area.

What to Buy in Towner: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Travelers can buy souvenirs and local products to take home as mementos of their trip to Towner. Some recommended items include:

  • Local Artwork - Towner has a thriving local art scene, with several galleries showcasing the work of local artists.
  • Honey and Honey Products - Visitors can purchase honey and honey-based products at local shops.
  • Towner T-Shirts - T-Shirts with phrases like “I Love Towner” are popular souvenirs.

Local Culture and Customs of Towner

The people of Towner are known for their friendly nature and welcoming attitude towards visitors. Visitors should dress appropriately and behave respectfully in places of worship, museums, and cemeteries. Tipping is customary in restaurants, hotels, and other service-oriented businesses.

Best Time to Visit Towner

Towner has a continental climate with cold winters and hot summers. The best time to visit Towner is during the spring and fall when the weather is pleasant and the foliage is beautiful to look at.

Do’s and Don’ts of Towner

Do:

  • Respect local customs and traditions.
  • Enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and fishing.
  • Try local cuisine and visit local breweries.
  • Take plenty of pictures of scenic views.

Don’t:

  • Smoke in public places.
  • Litter in public places.
  • Ignore road signs.
  • Be disrespectful towards local people and their customs.

Safety and Health

Safety in Towner

Towner is a safe town to visit, and crime rates are low. Visitors should take precautions while exploring natural areas, such as hiking and hunting. They should carry a first-aid kit, dress appropriately, and carry water and snacks for long hikes or outdoor activities.

Health in Towner

Towner has a few medical facilities that offer basic medical services. Visitors should carry their necessary medications and report any health concerns to a medical professional as soon as possible.

Getting to Towner: Transportation Options and Logistics

Towner is well connected to the rest of North Dakota and nearby states by roads and highways.

Airports Near Towner

  • Minot International Airport - 58 miles from Towner.
  • Grand Forks International Airport - 131 miles from Towner.
  • Bismarck Municipal Airport - 139 miles from Towner.

Bus Stations Near Towner

  • Minot Bus Station - 60 miles from Towner.
  • Devils Lake Bus Station - 62 miles from Towner.

Other Options

Visitors can also rent a car to reach Towner from nearby cities like Minot or Bismarck.

How to Get Around in Towner

Towner is a walkable town and visitors can easily explore it on foot. Visitors can also rent a car or bike to explore nearby locations.

Where to Go Next from Towner: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Towner is an excellent base for exploring nearby destinations and excursions, including:

  • Dakota Zoo - Located in Bismarck, the Dakota Zoo is home to over 600 animals and is a popular tourist attraction.
  • Fort Stevenson State Park - This park offers a variety of outdoor activities, including camping, hiking, and fishing. It is located 15 miles northwest of Garrison.
  • Lake Metigoshe State Park - Located 25 miles northeast of Towner, this state park offers hiking, boating, fishing, and camping.

Conclusion

Towner is a hidden gem in North Dakota, offering a variety of attractions and activities for travelers. Whether you are a history buff, nature lover, or adventure seeker, Towner has something to offer. Plan your trip today and explore all that this charming town has to offer!