What to see

Are you ready to explore everything Jamestown has to offer? Use the handy links below to jump straight to the attraction that most interests you, or read the entire list for a mental mini-vacation. If you're wondering how you could possibly see it all in one day, we have an itinerary for you!

► White Buffalo

► Stutsman County Museum 

► World's Largest Buffalo

► Louis L'Amour

► National Buffalo Museum

► The Arts Center

► Frontier Village

► Saint James Basilica

► Fort Seward

► Other

 White Buffalo

White Buffalo in the National Buffalo Museum HerdThe 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 the National Buffalo Museum for more information.

  • Address: 500 17th St SE
  • Phone: 800-807-1511 or 701-252-8648
  • Website: www.buffalomuseum.com

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World's Largest Buffalo Monument

This 26-foot-tall, 60-ton concrete giant has been standing watch over Jamestown from his perch at the Frontier Village since 1959. Created by sculptor Elmer Petersen, he has proven one of the midwest's most popular roadside attractions for 50 years.  In 2010, the World's Largest Buffalo received his name, Dakota Thunder.

  • Hours: 
    • Memorial Day - Labor Day, 9am-9pm
    • After Labor Day - mid-October, 9am-7pm
    • Rest of year, 8am-5pm
  • Admission: Free
  • Location: Frontier Village, end of 17th St SE
  • Phone: 800-222-4766
  • We say: A great, big photo op you don't want to miss.

Chekc out our World's Largest Buffalo Monument video.  Would you like more information on Elmer Petersen?  Take a look at his website.
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National Buffalo Museum

National Buffalo MuseumThe NBM has preserved the history of bison on the Great Plains from prehistoric times to the present. Interpretive panels, artifacts and original artwork tell the story of these majestic creatures and their significance in the history of the American plains.

Prairie Winds Gift Shop, located in the museum, highlights locally-made and buffalo-themed souvenirs.

  • Hours:
    • Summer Hours
      Memorial Day - Labor Day -- 8am-8pm
    • Labor Day - Oct. 31 and May 1 - Memorial Day -- Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm; Saturday, 10am-5pm; Sunday 12-5pm
    • November 1 - April 30 -- Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm; Saturday, 10am-5pm; Sunday, closed
  • Admission: $5/person. Discount for seniors, families or with AAA membership. Group rates available.
  • Location: At Frontier Village, 500 17th St SE
  • Phone: 800-807-1511 or 701-252-8648.
  • Website: http://www.buffalomuseum.com/
    Watch a video 

  • We say: If you don't know anything about the importance of Buffalo to the Native American, or to the early settlers of this area, you certainly will when you leave!

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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.

Stagecoach at the Frontier VillageThe Village also features several shops selling handmade goods and souvenirs, North Dakota products, leather goods, 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).  Watch the Frontier Village Video.

  • Hours: Memorial Day (2011 opening date is May 26th) 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 St SE
  • Phone: 701-320-2725
  • 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

Fort Seward Interpretive CenterAn 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 2008, Ft. Seward added Veterans' Memorial honoring all North Dakotans who have fought for our country.

  • Hours: The Interpretive Center is open Memorial Day (2011 opening day is May 25th) through the end of September, 10am-6pm. Grounds are open to the public year-round.
  • Admission: Free
  • Location: 605 10th Ave NW
  • Phone: 701-251-1875 
  • We say: This is a great place for reflection, and the views of the James River Valley are lovely.

       Watch the cannon shoot at Fort Seward.   
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Stutsman County Memorial Museum

Stutsman County Memorial MuseumThe 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
  • 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.
    Watch a Stutsman County Memorial Museum Video

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The Trail of Louis L'Amour

Historic Franklin SchoolThis 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

The Arts Center, Jamestown, NDJamestown'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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Saint James Basilica

The Saint James Basilica in Jamestown, NDOne of only 56 minor basilicas in the United States, Saint 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 Ave 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 (A 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 3rd Ave NE
  • Frontier Fort & Wildlife Museum - Large collection of taxidermy animals. On the road to the Frontier Village, 17th St 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.

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