Valley City & Medicine Wheel Park

Valley City is known as the City of Bridges and is one of the most charming small towns in the east of North Dakota. The city is picturesquely located in the valley of the Sheyenne River and is surrounded by rolling hills, historic railway bridges and green parks.

Valley City is particularly well-known for its impressive Hi-Line Railroad Bridge, one of the longest and tallest railway bridges in the United States. Together with the unique Medicine Wheel Park and idyllic river landscape, the city is ideal for a relaxing stopover on a journey between Fargo and Bismarck.

Category | Information

Inhabitants | ca. 6

Ideal stay | 1⁄2–1 day

Fifth-wheel access | Check your vehicle, specific campsite and approach road.

Landscape | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

History | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

Family Friendly | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

The Hi-Line Railroad Bridge is the city's landmark.

With a length of about 1.2 kilometers and a height of about 50 meters, it is one of the most impressive railway bridges in North America.

Even today, long freight trains run daily over the building.

From City Park or the Valley City State University Campus, you can enjoy the most beautiful views of the bridge – especially during the evening hours.

One of North Dakotas' most unusual sights.

On a hill above the city there is a modern Medicine Wheel, oriented towards the traditional stone circles of indigenous peoples.

The park includes:

a large medicine wheel

Sundials

Star Charts

Hiking trails

Viewpoints

After dark, the park is ideal for stargazing.

Visit the park shortly before sunset and stay until dawn. Thanks to low light pollution, impressive starry sky can be observed here.

The small city center offers:

historic brick building

local shops

Cafés

Galleries

A cozy place for a short walk.

The museum tells the story of the first settlers, railways and agriculture in the region.

Several paths lead along the river through well-kept parks.

The section around the Chautauqua Park is particularly beautiful.

Medicine Wheel Park is one of the best places in East North Dakota for astronomical observations.

Anyone who has a tripod can take beautiful pictures of the Milky Way here.

The quiet streets and paths along the Sheyenne River are ideal for a relaxing bike tour.

In Downtown Valley City you will find:

Small boutiques

Antique shops

regional art

Food stores

Fargo is recommended for larger purchases.

One of the city's most popular addresses.

Recommended are:

Burger

Steaks

Regional specialities

Known for American cuisine in a cozy atmosphere.

A local institution with homemade pizza.

Located directly on the Sheyenne River.

Benefits:

Quiet location

Spacious pitches

Electricity connections

beautiful park

Ideal for large campers.

A little out of town.

Located directly on Lake Ashtabula.

Ideal for anglers and water sports.

Nature camping with lots of peace and direct access to hiking trails.

Valley City is an excellent place to stay, a relaxing stop between Fargo and Bismarck. The streets are wide and the campsites easily reachable with large Fifth Wheels.

Many visitors just pass the railway bridge. However, the short ascent to Medicine Wheel Park is definitely worth it and offers a completely different perspective on the landscape.

When a freight train crosses the Hi-Line Railroad Bridge, particularly impressive pictures emerge. A little patience pays off.

The bridge must not be entered – use only the official viewpoints.

Plan enough time for Medicine Wheel Park. The view changes significantly depending on the time of day.

In summer there are mosquitoes along the river – insect protection is recommended.

Some smaller shops in downtown are closed on Sundays.

Valley City is not one of North Dakotas' most famous destinations, but offers a successful mix of technical history, nature and relaxed small town atmosphere. The huge railway bridge, the extraordinary Medicine Wheel Park and the idyllic location on the Sheyenne River make this place a worthwhile stopover.