Ghost Towns in North Dakota
11 documented ghost towns
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History
Explore the ghost towns of North Dakota.
All Ghost Towns
Alkabo
Alkabo is a nearly abandoned grain elevator town right on the Canadian border. The name comes from 'alkali bottom' for the flat alkaline terrain. A fe...
Arena
Arena was a small railroad town that thrived while trains stopped there. When the Northern Pacific Railway eliminated the stop, the town's reason for ...
Charbonneau
Charbonneau was a Missouri River farming community named for Sacagawea's husband Toussaint Charbonneau. When Garrison Dam was built in the 1950s, Lake...
Fort Abraham Lincoln
Fort Abraham Lincoln was Lt. Col. George Custer's last home. From here, he led the 7th Cavalry to Little Bighorn in 1876. The Custer House and other b...
Fort Mandan
Fort Mandan was where Lewis & Clark spent the winter of 1804-05. Here they met French trapper Toussaint Charbonneau and his wife Sacagawea, who joined...
Fort Ransom
Fort Ransom was a frontier fort established in 1867. The town that grew nearby attracted many Norwegian settlers. It remains a tiny hamlet in a dramat...
Medora
Medora is where Theodore Roosevelt ranched in the 1880s after his wife's death. The town nearly died but was revived as a tourist destination. Now the...
Medora
Medora is where Theodore Roosevelt became Theodore Roosevelt. He ranched here after his wife and mother died on the same day, and later said he 'never...
Sanish
Sanish was a small town that was flooded when the Garrison Dam created Lake Sakakawea in the 1950s. The residents were relocated to 'New Town'. At low...
Sims
Sims produced coal and high-quality bricks (used in the state capitol). The town declined as the coal seams ran out. The Sims Scandinavian Lutheran Ch...
Tagus
Tagus was a wheat farming community that thrived during the homesteading era. As farms consolidated and young people left for cities, the town slowly ...
Frequently Asked Questions
How many ghost towns are in North Dakota?
We have documented 11 ghost towns in North Dakota. These range from completely abandoned mining camps to semi-inhabited historic settlements.
Are ghost towns in North Dakota safe to visit?
Most ghost towns are safe to explore, but exercise caution. Watch for unstable structures, mine shafts, and wildlife. Some are on private property - always check access rules before visiting.
What should I bring when visiting ghost towns?
Bring water, snacks, sun protection, sturdy shoes, a flashlight, and a first aid kit. Many ghost towns are in remote areas without cell service, so download offline maps.
Can I take artifacts from ghost towns?
No. Removing artifacts, bottles, or debris is illegal and destroys historical sites. Take only photos and leave only footprints.
What's the best time to visit ghost towns in North Dakota?
Spring and fall offer the best weather for exploring. Summer can be extremely hot in desert locations, while winter may make roads impassable.