Small towns never seem to lose their charm. They have quiet, tight-knit communities, lovely local family-owned businesses, plenty of stories, and they are often pretty to look at. North Dakota has tons of small towns, from itty-bitty places with less than 50 residents to decent-sized little cities that still have the same characteristics. All of them have their own stories, and they’re the hometowns to many people who think fondly back on them. This particular charming small town in North Dakota is all of this and more, so if you’ve been looking for the perfect place to settle down or simply to visit and get that hometown feeling, give Ellendale a try.
Ellendale, North Dakota is everything you could want in a small town. It’s located in Dickey County, not far from the South Dakota border.
Jimmy Emerson/Flickr
Like many other towns in North Dakota, it was founded in 1882 with the arrival of the railroad. It has had a steady population of 1,000-2,000 residents throughout the years and today has around 1,200 residents.
Andrew Filer/Flickr
Ellendale is the kind of town where everyone knows everyone and word gets around quickly. The community is pretty close and the local school teaches kindergarten all the way through senior year.
Andrew Filer/Flickr
On the town’s Main Street, you’ll find local, family-owned businesses that have been around for years. Stores, eateries, services - with few-to-no big chain stores in sight.
Andrew Filer/Flickr
Ellendale also has some historic buildings throughout town. Some of the Main Street buildings have been around as long as the town has, and places like the historic Ellendale Opera House are hidden gems that are worth visiting (and preserving).
Andrew Filer/Flickr
If you get hungry while exploring the town, be sure to stop by places like the Fireside for some tasty, homestyle North Dakota favorites.
Google maps
And check out the rest of the town’s features, including the gorgeous Dickey County Courthouse.
Jimmy Emerson/Flickr
Surrounded by the prairie and full of local history, Ellendale is absolutely a treasure worth visiting, and possibly even living in, if you love that down-to-earth small-town atmosphere.
Andrew Filer/Flickr
Have you ever visited Ellendale? Where is your favorite small town in North Dakota?
Jimmy Emerson/Flickr
Andrew Filer/Flickr
Google maps
If you have a small town you love that you think more people should know about, nominate it here. Be sure to check out some of the other lovely small towns in North Dakota to see if your favorite made the list!
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Address: Ellendale, ND 58436, USA
