In search of the best and fun things to do in Williston, ND? Williston is the seat of Williams County and a city in North Dakota, United States. It is the sixth most populated city in North Dakota.
Williston got its name from James J. Hill, a railroad magnate, who named the city as a tribute to his friend Daniel Willis James who was a businessman and capitalist.
This region in Williams County, where the Missouri River and Yellowstone River connect, has been a booming commercial center for generations.
Williston boasts numerous fantastic attractions, such as Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site, Williston Area Recreation Center, Fort Buford Historic Site, Williston Basin Speedway, and many others.
Let’s explore the top things to do in Williston, ND.
Things to Do in Williston, ND
1. Travel along the Missouri River
Missouri River
One of the perfect ways to feel the tranquility and beauty of the North Dakota Badlands is to go boating in the Missouri River. It is one of the best places to visit in Williston, ND.
The Missouri River is the United States’ longest river. The river and its tributaries have been relied on by people for feeding and transportation for more than 12,000 years. Popular activities to do on the river include canoeing, kayaking, boating, swimming, and fishing.
There are different access points to the Missouri River and boat ramps close to Williston. They include the Lewis and Clark State Park, Little Muddy River, and Lunds Landing.
It is important to note that boating in the area is regulated, and boat registration is needed from the North Dakota Game and Fish Department.
Address: Williston, North Dakota, United States
2. Fort Buford Historic Site
Fort Buford Historic Site
The Fort was named to commemorate Major General John Buford, a Union Army cavalry general in the Civil War. For 29 years, this Fort was crucial in protecting the northern plains and the roads from settlers traveling to the west.
Besides this, the Fort Buford State Historic Site is famed for being where Sitting Bull, a popular Hunkpapa Lakota leader, yielded in 1881.
Over the years, the Fort became an essential armory for military war operations and features authentic elements still existing at the site.
The artifacts here are a post cemetery, a gunpowder magazine, the field officer’s quarters, currently a museum, and the office of the guardhouse. Tours are available for the restored quarters and barracks. Exploring this site is one of the top things to do in Williston, ND.
Address: 15550 ND-1804, Williston, ND 58801, United States
3. Harmon Park
Harmon Park is among the many lovely parks in Williston and is easily accessible to everyone. The Park is in the city’s center and serves as a home for free summer events and the North Dakota Chokecherry Festival. Attending this festival is one of the fun things to do in Williston, ND.
You can always find bands performing in the Park. Its amenities include picnic shelters, the Virgil Syverson Performance Center, modern restrooms, and open green areas.
This Park is designed to accommodate people of all ages and features other recreational facilities like modern playgrounds, tennis, basketball courts, and a skate park.
For an even more added experience, you can walk around the Park to observe the incredible animal wood carvings, together with the thrilling carvings of a dwarf, an older man, and others.
Address: 1215 Main St, Williston, ND 58801, United States
4. Frontier Museum
Frontier Museum
If you are a history enthusiast, one of the best things to do in Williston, ND, is to check out the Frontier Museum, which offers visitors an authentic learning experience.
Go back in time by walking through various historical exhibits, including houses, a general store, a school, and a church, in a welcoming and learning environment.
Different exhibits showcase local artifacts whose history goes way back from the 1800s to the 1950s. They also welcome their guests to be part of their fun events. You can as well host your event there.
The beautiful church in the Park, constructed in 1909, is a perfect venue for hosting weddings. And its courtyard is ideal for holding outside meetings or gatherings. The museum also provides photography tours and private excursions.
Address: 6330 1st Ave W, Williston, ND 58801, United States
5. Go back in History at the Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site
Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site
From 1828 to 1867, the Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site was the most important fur trading post in Upper Missouri. It was a center for trading among different tribes.
Assiniboine, Blackfeet, Cree, Crow, Hidatsa, and Ojibway are part of the tribes who traded their buffalo robes and other fur coats for items such as blankets, beads, cooking utensils, knives, guns, and clothes.
Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site highlights how certain areas might have appeared in 1851 in relation to archaeological findings and contemporary drawings.
In 1962, the site was also among the initial United States National Historic Landmarks declared by the Department of Interior.
The National Park Service officially named the site Fort Trading Post to differentiate it from the Fort Union National Monument, a historic frontier military post located in New Mexico.
Address: 15550 ND-1804, Williston, ND 58801, United States
6. Visit the Missouri-Yellowstone Confluence Interpretive Center
Missouri-Yellowstone Confluence Interpretive Center
The museum provides detailed information about the history of the confluence of two great rivers, namely, the Missouri and Yellowstone Rivers.
At the Missouri-Yellowstone Confluence Interpretive Center, visitors can experience the spectacular views seen by the Lewis and Clark Expedition crew when they visited from 1805 to 1806.
The Interpretive Center has a gallery spanning 2,000 square feet showcasing the history and exhibits of confluence in relation to the region’s geography, geology, and history.
Exhibits to find there include the Fort Union, transportation development in the rivers, fur trade, the Corps of Discovery, and their expedition in the region.
Address: 15349 39th Ln NW, Williston, ND 58801, United States
7. Williston Area Recreation Center
The Williston Area Recreation Center is a go-to destination for anyone who wants to enjoy a fun-filled day in Williston, ND. The recreation center was established in 2014 and is located on the Williston State College WSC premises.
This top-notch community center occupies more than 250,000 square feet, packed with diverse amenities for your entertainment, such as indoor fitness tracks, multiple-sport courts, and even tennis and racquetball courts.
In addition to amenities, the recreation center has a golf simulator, turf fields, an Olympic swimming pool, FlowRider, indoor wave equipment for surfing and wakeboarding, a water park, batting cages, and a lazy river.
Students of Williston State College are provided with ARC memberships. However, the public can also enjoy the center’s daily admission and other membership options.
Other recreational amenities available at the center are an indoor children’s play area, cardio and weight lifting areas, a barbel room, spinning and tram fitness classrooms, a patio space, party rooms, and meeting rooms.
Finally, Williston Area Recreation Center offers a free Senior Room for people ages 60 years and above.
Address: 822 18th St E, Williston, ND 58801, United States
8. Williston Basin Speedway
If you enjoy watching cars racing against each other, visiting the Williston Basin Speedway should be a must-add to your bucket list of fun things to do in Williston, ND.
Williston Basin Speedway feathers a quarter-mile dirt track on the Upper Missouri Valley Fairgrounds in Williston.
Make sure to see the Marquee Races, the Can-Am Shootout, Fall Round-Up, the Tougher Than Dirt Tour, Dakota Modified Tour, and other exciting races around the season.
Williston Basin Speedway also provides weekly car tutorials for visitors who want to try something different. You can opt-in for their Junior Slingshots, Sport Mods, IMCA Modifieds, Stock Cars, and Hobby Stocks.
To learn more about Dirt track racing in North Dakota, visit the Dakota Dirt, the foremost dirt track racing website for every racing location and schedules for upcoming race events.
Address: 519 53rd St E, Williston, ND 58801, United States
9. Buffalo Trails Campground
Visit the Buffalo Trails Campground to enjoy a night or weekend getaway with loved ones and friends. The campground is an ideal destination to enjoy quality time with your family. It is located five miles north of downtown Williston.
There are 79 campsites available for use, each measuring 30 feet in width, 59 full hookups with 20,30, 50-amp systems, 40 pull-through sites, and RV supplies.
For extra comfort, they provide Internet and phone accessibility, limited groceries, showers, ice, and laundry. If you are looking for a place to stay the night or weekend when you visit Williston, you might want to opt for the Buffalo Trails Campground.
Address: 6700 1st Ave W, Williston, ND 58801, United States
10. Book a Sound Bath at Good Vibes Crystal Sounds
Good Vibes Crystal Sounds
Visit the Good Vibes Crystal Sounds to experience the healing and rejuvenating power of vibration flowing through your inner mind. It is one of the best things to do in Williston, ND.
This metaphysical store in Williston sells a wide selection of crystals and Crystal Tones crystal singing bowls.
Their shopping services are available solely by appointment. They also provide pop-ups on some days. Other services they offer include monthly and private sound baths in the studio.
A sound bath is a healing method where an individual or group listens to resonating sounds while sitting or lying on the floor, carried out using singing bowls. If you have never had a sound bath, this might be a perfect time to do so.
Address: 203 Main St, Williston, ND 58801, United States
11. James Memorial Art Center
The James Memorial Art Center was established in 1993 by a group of volunteers with the goal of preserving a historic library.
In 1979 the historic library earned its place on the National Register of Historic Places due to its historic significance to the Williston community.
Today, the building serves as a home to the James Memorial Art Center. Visitors can find an art gallery in the art center showcasing foreign, regional, and local art in diverse media.
It also features an extra gallery for exhibitions, meetings, receptions, and performances. It does not stop there, as there is an Auditorium with a theater and even a classroom that offers art classes for children and adults.
Address: 621 1st Ave W, Williston, ND 58801, United States
12. Go Golfing or Camping at Blacktail Dam
Blacktail Dam features a park and campground about 25 miles north of Williston’s city center, offering diverse recreational activities and amenities for your entertainment and pleasure.
The Park at Blacktail Dam offers picnic and camping sites, a boat ramp, showers, portable and nonportable water, multiple playgrounds, and beach accessibility. Bring your golf equipment to play some golf at the nine-hole, par-three golf course on the north side of the Park.
Swimming is permitted on the lake but at your own risk. Motorized and non-motorized boats are also allowed for boating on the lake. If you want to go fishing, obtaining a North Dakota fishing license is essential.
For camping activities, Blacktail Dam offers overnight camping in tents, including electric and primitive campsites. They also provide seasonal and overflow camping facilities for visitors who want to enjoy an extended camping experience.
Address: Williston, ND 58801, USA
13. Links to North Dakota
Golf lovers on vacation in Williston can check out the Links of North Dakota to enjoy a fantastic golfing experience. Besides the small distance (30 minutes drive) to cover to reach the Links of North Dakota, rest assured it will be worthwhile.
This 18-hole golf course is tucked away atop the bluffs that provide spectacular vistas of Lake Sakakawea. The golf course is in its best condition, and its greens and fairways are well-maintained.
Golfweek and Digest have consistently acknowledged The Links of North Dakota as the best Golf Course in North Dakota. It is also ranked on their Top 100 list as the second most pocket-friendly golf course.
Address: 5153 109th Ave NW, Ray, ND 58849, United States
14. Lewis & Clark Cut Bluff Overlook
Lewis & Clark Cut Bluff Overlook
For outdoor lovers, the Lewis & Clark Cut Bluff Overlook should make your list of the best places to visit in Williston, ND.
Lewis & Clark Cut Bluff Overlook, also called “Cut Bluff Overlook,” is a historical landmark located approximately four miles from downtown Williston and easily accessed via Highway 1804.
This site is a tribute to the Lewis and Clark camp located next to Cut Bluff and on the southern shores of the Missouri River.
Lewis & Clark, Cut Bluff Overlook is a lovely destination to enjoy a great time outdoors and nature’s fresh air and beauty. Birding is among the famous activities to do there.
You can spot diverse species of birds, such as s tremendous blue heron, ring-billed gull, ring-necked duck, American avocet, etc.
Lewis & Clark, Cut Bluff Overlook is a perfect destination for embarking on a day’s adventure. It features amenities like picnic tables, water access, restrooms, and garage cans.
Address: Williston, ND 58801, United States
15. Safari Trampoline Park
Wondering what to do in Williston, ND, with kids? Check out the Safari Trampoline Park, an indoor playground with a diverse selection of fun attractions for your entertainment. It is an ideal venue to enjoy a fun-filled day with loved ones and friends.
The attractions available in Safari Trampoline Park include a freestyle jump area, air pillow, basketball, ninja warriors, dodgeball, climb wall, and a toddler area.
You can check out their arcade game room which features 40 plus modern games with state-of-the-art technology and classic arcade games. They also have VR games and bumper cars.
Admission into the Park is wallet-friendly for everyone. With the many activities available, there is never a dull moment at the Park, be sure to stop by.
Address: 3206 26th St W, Williston, ND 58801, United States
Also, check out our list of things to do in Minot for a fun time in North Dakota.
16. Painted Woods Sporting Range
Painted Woods Sporting Range is the largest shooting range facility in the Bakken region, offering the residents and tourists on vacation a unique and memorable outdoor shooting experience.
This family-friendly sporting range is among the foremost venues in the Upper Midwest for shooting sporting clays. The facility offers a sporting clay course, pistol and rifle ranges, a five-standard clay shooting field, arch long ranges, long-range shooting lessons, leagues, etc.
They also have a well-outfitted pro shop and motorized carts to make your experience splendid. It is an ideal place to enjoy a fun-filled day with loved ones or friends.
Address: 5050 145th Ave NW, Williston, ND 58801, United States
17. Eagle Ridge Golf Club
Eagle Golf Club is an 18-hole community golf course in Northwest Williston. Its layout offers fun and challenging play for every skill level type of golf player. It features rolling fairways, well-maintained bent putting greens, and a thrilling Island 7th hole green.
Since its inception in 1958, Eagle Ridge Golf Club has stood as a long-established pillar to the community of Williston for more than 60 years.
Eagle Ridge Golf Club offers one of the most outstanding course conditions in Williams County. It also hosts diverse golf events and outings all year round.
This destination is perfect for playing golf with loved ones and friends when visiting Williston. Their friendly staff can offer helpful strategies and tips to help you play your best during your game.
Address: 6401 3rd Ave East, Williston, ND 58801, United States
18. Davidson Park
If you are looking for a place to have a fun-filled day with your family and, most significantly, the kids, an ideal place to hold a checkout while vacationing in Williston is Davidson Park.
Several facilities are available at the Park, such as a seasonal splash pad, tennis courts, a playground with play structures for the kids, and picnic areas where you can bond with your family.
If you are visiting during summer and would like a place to cool from the sun’s heat, be sure to stop by the Park. The Park is well-maintained and also has restrooms for your convenience.
Address: 11th St W & 9th Ave W, Williston, ND 58801, United States
19. Old Armory
Old Armory
This unique historic building, dedicated in 1916, served as a venue for various events, from being a home for soldiers to hosting performers. It was also a venue for life celebrations and tributes for the dead, and other important events.
The Old Armory is a premier performing arts and events venue in Williston, ND. The building can also be used to host weddings, celebrations, graduation ceremonies, art exhibitions, business meetings, etc.
Address:320 1st Ave E, Williston, ND 58801, United States
20. Wheat Monument
Still wondering what to do in Williston, ND? Make a quick stop at the Wheat Monument, a giant wheat stalk measuring about 35 feet tall. It is situated in Northwest Williston within Davidson Park.
The Wheat Monument was officially inaugurated in 1987, being Independence Day. It is dedicated to the pioneers of this area that cultivated wheat and other grains on its plains.
The design and construction of the Wheat Monument were carried out by a local artist named David Njos and was built entirely in 1887.
The monument showcases three iron wheat stalks, each standing at an impressive height of 35 feet, plus three distinct black granite plaques where people can inscribe the names of the area settlers.
It is an iconic Monument in this area that reminds the locals of the settlers whose commitment and efforts helped immensely in the growth of the city’s economy.
Address: 11th St W & 9th Ave W, Williston, ND 58801, United States
21. Busted Knuckle Brewery
Beer enthusiasts will enjoy every bit of their stay at Busted Knuckle Brewery, a family-owned and operated brewery in downtown Williston, ND.
The Busted Knuckle Brewery was formerly an old county shop building that was converted into what it is today. The brewery features ample space with high ceilings, oversized windows, a spacious parking area, and a space that serves as an outdoor patio, making it a nice spot to have some good beer with loved ones or friends.
The atmosphere at Busted Knuckle Brewery is welcoming and friendly, and beer orders are done at the bar to create an interactive experience among patrons and brewers.
The tap room at Busted Knuckle Brewery offers a diverse range of draft beers, such as Name This Beer, Irish Red Ale, 80/90 Stout, Busted Knuckle Root Beer, Spun Bearing Sour, Zero Mile Raspberry Blonde Ale, etc.
Address: 213 11th St W, Williston, ND 58801, United States
22. Strike Zone Bowling Alley
Bowling is a favorite pastime for many people, and if it is the same for you, visiting the Strike Zone Bowling Alley should add to your checklist of best things to do in Williston, ND.
Strike Zone, previously known as Million Dollar Lanes, is the city’s sole bowling alley and caters to every level type of bowler, so rest assured you will have the best bowling experience when you visit.
They have the necessary facilities for diverse bowling activities, including tournaments, play, parties regardless of size, and sweeper groups.
Nevertheless, suppose you are not really into bowling. In that case, you can check out their arcade redemption center or the sports bar within Strike Bowling Alley, which offers different entertainment options.
Address: 1804 2nd Ave W, Williston, ND 58801, United States
23. The Eleven Restaurant and Lounge
Eleven Restaurant and Lounge
After long hours of touring through different attractions in the city, you will be famished. So, to fill your stomach with a delicious meal, the ideal place to visit is The Eleven Restaurant and Lounge.
The Eleven Restaurant and Lounge is among the best restaurants in Williston due to its exceptional services and mouth-watering dishes. They offer an excellent food and drink menu for your enjoyment.
It is also a perfect spot to plan a date with your partner or eat with loved ones and friends. You do not need to break the bank before you visit since the restaurant is budget-friendly. The restaurant offers a fashionable and relaxed ambiance. Additionally, its staff are helpful and friendly.
Address: 408 1st Ave E, Williston, ND 58801, United States
Explore other parts of North Dakota, Check out our list of things to do in Dickinson, and things to do in Fargo.
Plan Your Trip to Williston
Williston offers diverse activities to keep you engaged and active throughout your stay, from car racing to boating, fishing, visiting museums to learn about the local history, hiking, and shooting.
With the many attractions in Williston, you are sure never to run out of ideas for things to do. Ensure to visit with your friends and family for a maximum fun time. Fun awaits you!