Arena
When the Train Stopped
State: North Dakota
County: Burleigh County
Founded: 1883
Abandoned: 1928
Peak Population: 200
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 existence vanished. A few buildings remain.
Railroad Town
Arena existed to serve travelers and ship grain. Without the train stop, farmers shipped elsewhere.
Slow Decline
Unlike towns that died suddenly, Arena faded over decades as residents moved to places with better connections.
Timeline
- 1883 - Founded Railroad station opened
- 1928 - Train Stop Ends Railway eliminated stop
Plan Your Visit
Best Time: Summer
Difficulty: Easy
Time Needed: 30 minutes
Quick Facts
- Named for circular cattle arena
- Train stop elimination killed it
- A few structures remain
Location
Address: Near Wing, North Dakota
Coordinates: 46.9333, -100.35