► White Buffalo	► Stutsman County Museum
► World's Largest Buffalo	► Louis L'Amour
► National Buffalo Museum	► The Arts Center
► Frontier Village	► St. James Basilica
► Ft. Seward	► Other

Stutsman County Museum	Frontier Village Stagecoach	(c)ND Tourism/Dan Koeck

White Buffalo

The National Buffalo Museum's herd of bison roam 250 acres adjacent to the Frontier Village and museum. Three rare albino bison share the pasture with their brown brethren. The first, White Cloud, was born in 1996 and came to live at the National Buffalo Museum in 1997. She gave birth to four brown calves before she beat the odds in 2007 and produced her first albino, a bull named Dakota Miracle. The herd became truly legendary in 2008, when a third albino, Dakota Legend, was born to one of the herd's brown members. American Indian tradition holds the white buffalo to be a sacred creature.

The herd is on view year-round. Contact info is the same as for the Buffalo Museum.

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Frontier Village 

Take a step back in time at this re-created prairie town of 24 buildings. Original buildings from the frontier villages of North Dakota have been  moved to this site and filled with antiques and artifacts that bring the world of the prairie pioneers to life. The Frontier Village site features such pieces of history as:

• The Kirkpatrick Gallery - Formerly the summer studio and showroom of artist James A. Kirkpatrick, this building was donated to the Jamestown Fine Arts Association by the artist and his wife, Ila.
• Louis L'Amour Writer's Shack - Tucked at the end of the Village Boardwalk, this space celebrates Jamestown's most famous son, Western writer Louis L'Amour. The shack features a complete collection of L'Amour's works, and is staffed by volunteers who are knowledgable about the writer, his history and his importance. 
• Northern Pacific Railroad Depot - Built in 1880, this was the first railroad depot in Jamestown. It was in use until 1965, when it was moved to the Frontier Village.

The Village also features several shops selling handmade goods and souvenirs, light lunch and snacks at the General Store, an outdoor ampthitheater with regular live entertainment, and stagecoach and pony rides. The World's Largest Buffalo Monument, National Buffalo Museum, and Live Herd of Buffalo are also on-site (see individual listings).

• Hours: Memorial Day to Labor Day, 9am-9pm. After Labor Day to mid-October, the Village is open 9am-7pm. Pony and stagecoach rides are only available Memorial Day-Labor Day.
• Admission: free
• Location: at the end of 17th Street SE
• Phone: 701.252.6307 in summer, 800.222.4766 rest of year
• We say: Be sure to take a stagecoach ride--nothing will make you appreciate paved roads and shock absorbers more. 

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Fort Seward

An active military fort from 1872-1877, Ft. Seward was the military outpost that Jamestown sprang out of. The site now houses an interpretive center displaying artifacts excavated from the grounds during archaeological digs.

In 2005, Ft. Seward added its 30x60 foot flag on a 130-foot pole. This symbol of national pride was enhanced by a Veterans' Memorial in 2008, honoring all North Dakotans who have fought for our country.

• Hours: The Interpretive Center is open Memorial Day - Labor Day, 10am-6pm. Grounds are open to the public year-round. The flag is flown when weather permits.
• Admission: Free
• Location: 605 10th Ave. NW
• Phone: 701.251.1875. 605 10th Ave. NW. 
• We say: The Flag and Veterans' Memorial make this a great place for reflection, and the views of the James River Valley are lovely.

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Stutsman County Memorial Museum

The Stutsman County Memorial Museum is housed in the historic Lutz Mansion, an Arts and Crafts-style residence. The mansion is a showcase of period design. Carved wood, embossed plaster, a fresco, stained glass in the Art Nouveau style and a Tiffany lamp all combine to make this mansion a sight to behold. In addition to the fantastic architecture, the museum is home to a wealth of antiques and memorabilia that celebrate the lifestyle of the area's early settlers.

• Hours: Open Memorial Day to September 30. Monday-Friday, 10am-5pm; Saturday-Sunday, 1-5pm.
• Admission: Free
• Location: 321 3rd Ave. SE
• Phone: 701.252.6741. 321 3rd Ave. SE.
• We say: The house's stained glass is impressive. With pieces by Tiffany and inspired by Charles Rennie Mackintosh, this museum has unexpectedly worldly influences.

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The Trail of Louis L'Amour

This self-guided walking tour passes many of Jamestown's historic buildings and the hometown haunts of eternally popular Western writer--and Jamestown native--Louis L'Amour. The site of the author's childhood home, his elementary school, the family's church and the Alfred Dickey Public Library (featured in The Education of a Wandering Man) are all stops on the tour.

A map of the tour route is available at Buffalo City Tourism's Info Center at the Frontier Village. Open year-round, 404 Louis L'Amour Lane. Phone: 800.222.4766. We say: The Trail is the best way to see some of Jamestown's most beautiful and historic buildings.

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The Arts Center

Jamestown's Arts Center exhibits artists of local, regional and national import in monthly rotating exhibits. The Arts Center also regularly hosts theatrical and musical performances for all ages and holds classes.

• Hours: Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm. Saturday by appointment.
• Admission: Free
• Location: 115 2nd St. SW
• Phone: 701.251.2496
• We say: The exhibits are always intriguing. The Area Exhibit held late every spring is a great way to get a glimpse of local talent.

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St. James Basilica

One of only 56 minor basilicas in the United States, St. James Basilica is a stunning American Gothic-style church, erected between 1910-1914. It has been designated a basilica by the Holy See because of its antiquity, dignity and historical significance.

• Hours: 7am-9pm
• Admission: Free
• Location: 622 First Avenue S.
• Phone: 701.252.0119
• We say: The Basilica is an awesome monument to the religious spirit of the prairie pioneers. 

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Other Points of Interest

• Alfred Dickey Public Library - On the National Register of Historic Places. 105 Third Street SE (Allison's favorite place in town--a remarkably beautiful, serene spot). 
•  Historic Franklin School - Oldest surviving school in town and site of author Louis L'Amour's formal education. 308 2nd St. SW
• ND Sports Hall of Fame - Inductees include Phil Jackson, Roger Maris, Jim Kleinsasser. In the Civic Center, 212 Third Ave. NE
• Frontier Fort & Wildlife Museum - Large collection of taxidermy animals. On the road to the Frontier Village, 17th Street SE.
• Stutsman County Courthouse - The state's oldest courthouse, constructed in 1883. Walk-by viewing only. Corner of 5th St. & 3rd Ave. SE. 

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Ready to plan your Jamestown getaway? Click here for more info.

Check out our complete Calendar of Events for further ideas for what to do.