Visiting Valley City, ND

Gateway to the Sheyenne Valley
If you’re looking for a great site for your next event, take a look at Valley City—a scenic location with all of the amenities you’re looking for and many more that other communities can’t provide. 

Stretching 63 miles along the breathtaking Sheyenne River Valley, from Baldhill Dam to Lisbon following ancient Native American foot paths and pioneer wagon trails, the Sheyenne River Valley Scenic Byway was awarded National Byway designation in June, 2002. Whether it is snowmobiling, cross-country or downhill skiing in the winter or fishing, hiking, biking or canoeing in the summer, the possibilities abound on our byway. In the spring, the air is perfumed with the scent of blooming lilacs, chokecherries, June berries and wild plums, but the valley is especially scenic in the fall season. The green, golden yellows and deep red colors are breathtaking. Because of this fact, Midwest living magazine suggests this roadway as a "Fall Color Drive" and the route was also listed in National Geographic's Guide to Scenic Highways and Byways. Byway Map and Description.

Modeled after the famous Appalachian Trail, the North Country National Scenic Trail is a premier footpath that stretches 4,600 miles linking communities, forests, and prairies across seven northern states.

Valley City was founded in 1872 with the name of Second Crossing of the Sheyenne when the Northern Pacific Railroad crossed the river here. When a town is built around a winding river, bridges become very necessary. Valley City is very proud of its beautiful and historic bridges, and we have developed a tour to showcase them. Bridges Tour

Discover the rich, colorful history of the Sheyenne River Valley. Featured attractions include the Hi-Line Bridge Model, Pioneer Resident Christian Paetow’s specially made shoes (the man was seven feet tall and over 400 pounds), early transportation and one-room school displays, wood carvings, soda shop and local military history. The Barnes County Museum is part of an area consortium that includes Fort Ransom, Wimbledon, and Cooperstown museums. Museum website

Valley City has a wide variety of historic buildings that enhance its quaint, scenic beauty. Historic homes and buildings in Valley City

The City of Valley City boasts five parks. In addition, Medicine Wheel Park is a replica of a Native American solar calendar. Little Yellowstone and Clausen Springs are county parks that are part of the beautiful fall colors display. Fort Ransom State Park stages Sodbuster Days in July and September. More about Valley City parks and camping.

Located 12 miles north of Valley City, Lake Ashtabula is a recreational secret full of great fishing, excellent boating and skiing, and is developing into a cabin resort area as well. This 26 mile fun filled waterway is maintained by the Corp of Engineers and hosts many camping and recreational spots.

There is plenty of hunting variety: mourning doves, deer, sandhill cranes, sharp- and roughed-tail grouse, ducks, Canada geese, pheasant, snow geese, fox and coyote. Popular fishing spots are found along the Sheyenne River, especially below dams at Lisbon, Ft Ransom, near Kathryn, Cooperstown, Mill Dam and Bald Hill Dam.  Other sites are found at Clausen Springs, Hobart Lake, Lake Ashtabula, Moon Lake, St. Mary’s Lake and Dead Colt Creek.

Managed by the Valley City Park Board, the Bjornson Park Public Golf Course is beautifully laid out along the banks of the Sheyenne River on the south side of Valley City. Reservations for tee times can be made by calling the Pro Shop at (701) 845-5452. The semi-private Town & Country Club was built in 1922. A membership is not needed to play, Valley City residents and those living within 10 miles of the community can play four times a year. Out-of-town residents can play eight times year. The club features more than just golf. It also has a weight room, a racquetball court, a sauna, hot tub, showers, locker room, and lounge. Call (701) 845-4626 for further information.

At Rosebud Visitor’s Center you will find the resources to tour Valley City and the Sheyenne Valley. The visitor center is home to Rosebud, the 1881 Northern Pacific Superintendent's railcar with original furnishings.  With hands on interpretive displays, you can experience the history of the Sheyenne Valley and learn about North Dakota agriculture through the Agriculture Hall of Fame.

The first week of March is time for the North Dakota Winter Show. For over 70 years this 6 day event draws more than 65,000 visitors from across the region to North Dakota's premier agriculture show. The North Dakota Winter Show Event Center is packed with entertainment and activities throughout the six days. Activities include a PRCA rodeo, antique shows, tractor pulls, horse pulls, traveling exhibits, concerts, and more. Horse shows and competitions are scheduled throughout the year. The events schedule is found on the North Dakota Winter Show website.

Not known for box stores or mall shopping, Valley City and the Sheyenne Valley has an abundance of specialty shops that feature antiques, local artist wares, quilting supplies and unique dining. Known for extremely friendly customer service, you will find 'down home folks' meeting your needs in the Sheyenne Valley. Want to learn more? Download our Dilly Dally in the Valley brochure.

Motels, hotels, bed & breakfasts, whatever your preference, you’re sure to find a warm welcome in Valley City. Places to stay in Valley City and the Sheyenne River Valley.