Jamestown

Jamestown is located halfway between Fargo and Bismarck, a popular stopover on Interstate 94. The city combines history, nature and a pinch of American curiosity. It is known worldwide for the World-Largest Buffalo, a huge buffalo statue that welcomes visitors from far away.

But Jamestown has far more to offer than this famous photo motif. The superbly designed National Buffalo Museum, the historic Frontier Village and the quiet landscape around the Jamestown reservoir make the city a worthwhile destination for campers.

Category | Information

Inhabitants | ca. 15-500

Ideal stay | 1⁄2–1 day

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

History | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

Family Friendly | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

With a height of about eight metres and a weight of over 25 tons, the huge concrete buffalo is one of North Dakotas' most famous landmarks.

The statue was built in 1959 and is still one of the most popular photo motifs along Interstate 94.

The buffalo looks particularly impressive from a low perspective, so that the sky serves as a background.

Right next to the statue is one of the most interesting museums about the American bison.

The exhibition will cover, among other things:

The history of the bisons

the importance for indigenous peoples

the almost complete eradication

Successful protection programmes

modern bison breeding

A small herd of bison often lives on the open area.

With some luck you can also observe a rare white bison – an animal that is considered sacred to many indigenous cultures.

This small open-air museum gives an authentic impression of the life of the first settlers.

To discover:

historic wooden houses

Church

Schoolhouse

Forge

Railway depot

General Store

Many buildings can be entered.

The museum shows the history of the region from settlement to the present.

The exhibitions on the railways and agriculture are particularly interesting.

Plan enough time to explore the historic buildings in peace.

The facility is ideal for families.

The nearby recreation area offers:

Hiking trails

Picnic areas

Viewpoints

Boat ramp

Ideal for a relaxed break.

The bison pastures at the museum and the surroundings of the reservoir offer good opportunities for animal observation.

With a little luck you discover:

Bisons

White-tailed deer

Wild turkeys

Birds of prey

Jamestown offers:

Supermarket

Outdoor shops

Gift shops

Camping equipment

Ideal to fill up supplies before leaving.

Cozy restaurant with regional cuisine.

Especially popular are:

Burger

Steaks

homemade desserts

A good address for American classics.

If you want, you can also try bison dishes here.

Modern restaurant with pizza, pasta and burgers.

Right at Jamestown Reservoir.

Benefits:

Full Hook-up

Large pull-through pitches

modern sanitary facilities

Quiet location

Ideal for large Fifth Wheels.

Nice location right by the water.

Particularly popular with anglers and boaters.

Small, well-kept campsite near the city.

Jamestown is ideal for a relaxing night's stay on the way between Fargo and Bismarck. The campsites have spacious pitches and offer a pleasant atmosphere.

First visit the National Buffalo Museum and then walk through Frontier Village. Both attractions are right next to each other and can be easily connected.

The combination of the huge buffalo and the historic Frontier Village offers varied photo motifs in a small space.

Many travellers only take pictures of the buffalo statue and continue to drive. However, the museum is one of the best of its kind in the USA.

The herd of bison must not be fed or entered on foot – keep a sufficient distance.

In summer there can be many mosquitoes around the reservoir.

Plan enough time for indoor exhibitions in bad weather.

Jamestown is far more than just the home of the world's largest buffalo. The combination of vibrant pioneer history, exciting exhibitions and the opportunity to observe real bisons at close range makes the city a varied stopover on every trip through North Dakota.