The Most Charming Small Town in Every U.S. State
The Most Charming Small Town in Every U.S. State
While there’s so much to see in the United States—including its national parks and big cities—there’s plenty to be said for the country’s small towns. Come upon one (perhaps on a road trip) and you can catch a glimpse of American life that’s hidden from the well-trodden path, but just as appealing.
With so many memorable small towns in the United States, it’s hard to pick the best ones in each state. But we’re giving it a shot. Here are 51 of the country’s most charming small towns (which we’ve defined as places of about 25,000 people or fewer) all with their own unique reason to visit—whether it’s their singular streets or spectacular outdoor adventure opportunities.
Medora, North Dakota
Medora is one of the smallest towns on our list, but it’s the gateway to Theodore Roosevelt National Park in the staggeringly beautiful Badlands, an area that America’s 26th president says dramatically shaped his views on conservation. Watching the Old West–themed Medora Musical, an outdoor production at the Burning Hills Amphitheatre, is a must-do summer experience, as is witnessing the live-fire grilling of 12-ounce New York strip steaks at the town’s annual Pitchfork Steak Fondue. You can learn about the state’s ranching heritage at the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame year round.
Why we love Medora, ND:
The scenic Badlands getaway is the place to go for cowboy musicals and barbecues.
Stay here:
Rough Riders Hotel seamlessly blends the old (pressed tin ceilings, balconies where former presidents were rumored to have given speeches) and new (walk-in showers, a restaurant serving bison osso bucco).
LITTLE PICTURES. BIG MOMENTS.