North Dakota features a diverse array of architectural styles that reflect its rich history and cultural heritage. From the Gothic-Revival style of the 1883 Stutsman County Courthouse to modern residential designs, the state’s buildings tell a story of growth and adaptation through the decades.
What are the must-see architectural gems in North Dakota?
This article will guide readers through the 20 best architectural buildings in North Dakota, highlighting both historical landmarks and contemporary structures.
Whether you’re an architecture enthusiast or simply interested in learning more about the state’s built environment, this list offers a comprehensive overview of North Dakota’s most impressive buildings.
1. North Dakota State Capitol
The North Dakota State Capitol is a prominent government building located in Bismarck. Constructed between 1931 and 1934, it is the tallest habitable building in the state, standing 21 stories high.
This Art Deco structure serves as the seat of the state government.
The capitol sits on a 160-acre campus that includes other government buildings. Visitors can explore its history through various tours.
The design by architects Joseph Bell DeRemer and W. F. Kurke reflects significant architectural style and historical importance. For more information, visit North Dakota State Capitol.
2. Fargo Theatre
The Fargo Theatre, located in downtown Fargo, North Dakota, is a notable example of art deco architecture.
Completed in 1926, this historic theater features a large marquee and an interior showcasing the artistic style of its period.
In 1999, it was restored to its original beauty and continues to be a hub for the arts, showing films and hosting live events.
The theater’s 870-seat auditorium is equipped with a 4-manual, 32-rank Wurlitzer Theatre Pipe Organ.
3. Chateau de Mores
The Chateau de Mores is a historic home located in Medora, North Dakota. It was built in 1883 by the Marquis de Morès as a summer residence and hunting lodge.
The home features twenty-six rooms and sits on a sprawling 128-acre site. It includes attractions like Chimney Park and De Mores Memorial Park.
Visitors can explore the Chateau de Mores Historic Site daily from May to October. An Interpretive Center provides context and history.
4. Pembina State Museum
Pembina State Museum, located in northeastern North Dakota, offers visitors a glimpse into the region’s rich history.
The museum has a seven-story observation tower that provides a view of the Red River of the North and the surrounding area.
Architecturally, the museum was designed by YHR Partners and opened in 1995. It stands as a significant landmark, visible from miles away, especially along the interstate to the Canadian border.
This museum helps preserve and showcase the cultural heritage of the Pembina region.
Learn more about Pembina State Museum by visiting the State Historical Society of North Dakota website.
5. Stutsman County Courthouse
The Stutsman County Courthouse in Jamestown, North Dakota, was built in 1883. It is the oldest surviving courthouse in the state and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
This building is one of only two courthouses in North Dakota built in the Gothic Revival style. It features a unique pressed metal interior that covers the interior walls.
Designed by Henry C. Koch, the courthouse was completed in less than a year. Visit the Stutsman County Courthouse for more details.
6. Bonanzaville
Bonanzaville, located in West Fargo, is a unique historical museum complex. It features 41 historic buildings and over 400,000 artifacts.
Visitors can explore a pioneer village that showcases the history of the Red River Valley.
Some of the notable buildings include Fargo’s First House, the Dobrinz Schoolhouse, and the Embden Train Depot. Each building offers a glimpse into the past, highlighting different aspects of local history.
This educational attraction is managed by the Cass County Historical Society. It covers 12 acres and offers tours, special events, and year-round programming. Bonanzaville is a must-see for history enthusiasts visiting North Dakota.
7. Camp Hancock State Historic Site
Camp Hancock State Historic Site is in Bismarck, North Dakota. Located at 101 East Main Avenue, this site preserves part of a military installation.
It was originally established in 1872 as Camp Greeley to protect work gangs building the Northern Pacific Railroad.
In 1972, Camp Hancock was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Visitors can explore its grounds, which feature outdoor interpretive signs year-round. The museum and Bread of Life Church are open by appointment, offering deeper insights into its storied past.
8. Bismarck Tribune Building
The Bismarck Tribune Building, located on N. 4th St. in Bismarck, North Dakota, holds historical significance. Designed by architect George H. Shanley, it was completed in 1920.
The building is an example of Prairie School architecture, which is rare in North Dakota. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.
Constructed with a concrete frame, structural clay tile walls, and a Hebron pressed-brick exterior, it stands as a testament to durable architectural design after facing multiple fires. Learn more about this notable building here.
9. Ellendale Opera House
The Ellendale Opera House is a historical gem located on Main Street in Ellendale, North Dakota. Built in 1908, this three-story brick building was designed by George Issenhuth. It showcases elements of Chicago School architecture.
The opera house originally opened in 1909 and has undergone several restorations, the most recent being from 1990 to 2012.
The building serves as a cultural hub, hosting plays, shows, and community events.
Visitors are often captivated by the beautiful murals on the ceilings and the grand marble staircase, making it a must-see destination in Ellendale.
10. Liberty Memorial Building
The Liberty Memorial Building, located on the North Dakota State Capitol grounds in Bismarck, is a historic landmark.
Built in 1924, it stands as the oldest building on the Capitol grounds. It was designed to provide additional office space for the State Historical Society Museum, the Adjutant General, and the Library.
The building’s architectural design reflects early 20th-century styles. Its construction was authorized by the Legislative Assembly in 1919.
The Liberty Memorial Building is a testament to the era’s dedication to public service and governmental development. This building continues to serve important functions within the state.
11. Rough Rider Hall of Fame
Located on the Ground floor of the North Dakota State Capitol, the Rough Rider Hall of Fame honors notable North Dakotans. The hall features portraits of these individuals, who are recognized for their national achievements.
Created in 1961, the award celebrates those who reflect honor upon North Dakota. Visitors can learn more about the inductees through guided tours and displays.
For more details, visit the official Theodore Roosevelt Rough Rider Hall of Fame.
12. Fort Totten State Historic Site
Fort Totten State Historic Site, located near Devils Lake in North Dakota, offers a glimpse into the past.
Established in 1867, it served as a military post during the American Indian wars.
In 1891, the fort transitioned into an industrial school for Native American children. Sixteen original structures from the military era remain.
The site was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1971. Visitors can explore the preserved buildings and learn about its rich history at Fort Totten.
13. Dickinson Museum Center
The Dickinson Museum Center is a 12-acre complex in Dickinson, North Dakota. It showcases the region’s history through various exhibits and buildings.
The center includes the Joachim Regional Museum, which features artifacts from southwestern North Dakota.
Visitors can also explore the Pioneer Machinery Hall, which houses a vast collection of early agricultural equipment.
The Prairie Outpost Park, part of the complex, contains both historic and reproduction buildings that provide a glimpse into the area’s past.
14. James Memorial Art Center
The James Memorial Art Center stands out in Williston, North Dakota. Built in 1911, this historic building initially served as the public library.
Today, it hosts monthly art exhibits and offers art classes for both kids and adults.
The center also holds special annual events like Art Fest in September and Warm-up After Light-up following the Thanksgiving Lights Parade.
Located at 621 1st Ave W, the center is managed by the James Memorial Preservation Society. It operates through grants, donations, and memberships. For detailed info, visit James Memorial Art Center.
15. Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center
The Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center is located in Washburn, North Dakota. It tells the story of the famed Lewis and Clark Expedition.
Visitors can explore engaging exhibits, see hundreds of period artifacts, and view world-class art collections.
The center interprets the history of the Corps of Discovery’s winter stay at Fort Mandan during 1804-1805. Learn more by visiting the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center.
16. Enchanted Castle Hotel
The Enchanted Castle Hotel is in Regent, North Dakota. It captivates guests with its unique medieval theme.
Located at 607 Main St., this hotel offers a whimsical experience.
Guests park under a drawbridge and are welcomed by knights in armor.
The hotel features amenities like a steakhouse and a tavern, ensuring a comfortable stay. This imaginative hotel is a creation of Gary Greff, known for his work on the Enchanted Highway.
17. Cavalier County Courthouse
The Cavalier County Courthouse, located in Langdon, North Dakota, was built in 1958. It features modern red brick, metal, and concrete construction.
This courthouse sits at the intersection of 3rd Street and 9th Avenue, which is also North Dakota State Highway 5. The architects for this building were Foss and Company. An earlier version of the courthouse dates back to 1895.
Learn more about the Cavalier County Courthouse.
18. Old Main at NDSU
Old Main at North Dakota State University (NDSU) serves as a historic landmark on the campus.
Construction of the building started in 1891, funded by a $25,000 appropriation from the North Dakota State Legislature.
Completed by 1893, Old Main stands as the first permanent building on the NDSU campus. Originally known as College Hall, this building has witnessed the university’s growth.
Old Main functioned as the Administration Building, central to the university’s operations. Today, it remains a symbol of NDSU’s history and enduring legacy. Learn more about its significance from the NDSU’s official site.
19. Minot Carnegie Library
Built in 1911, the Minot Carnegie Library is an excellent example of Classical Revival architecture. Designed by Minot architects Woodruff & McGulpin, the building served as the Minot Public Library until 1965.
Funding for the library was provided by Scottish-American businessman Andrew Carnegie. The Minot Carnegie Library was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980, recognizing its historical and architectural significance.
The building now houses the Minot Area Council of the Arts, which took on its restoration and preservation.
20. Hettinger County Courthouse
The Hettinger County Courthouse is located prominently at the end of 4th Street in Mott, North Dakota. It was built in 1934 and reflects the Art Deco architectural style.
The three-story building features a raised basement and is clad in light-colored Hebron brick and Kasota limestone.
Slightly lower, shallowly projecting two-story bays at each corner give the facade a distinctive stepped-up profile.
The courthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1985, marking its historical and architectural significance.
More details can be found on its Wikipedia page.
Architectural Styles in North Dakota
North Dakota’s architecture is a blend of historical influences and modern trends. The state features a range of styles from early European-inspired structures to contemporary designs that highlight functionality and innovation.
Influences and Evolution
North Dakota’s architectural landscape has been shaped by European, Midwestern, and New England settlements.
During the late 19th century, settlers brought their building traditions. This led to the construction of courthouses, schools, and commercial buildings reflecting varying European styles.
Key styles included Victorian, Gothic Revival, and Colonial Revival. The intricate woodwork and brick facades are often seen in public buildings from this era.
The 1883 Stutsman County Courthouse is an example of this evolving cultural heritage.
As time progressed, early 20th century structures included Modernist and Art Deco elements. These styles represented a shift towards simplicity and functionality.
The Moderne ward building at the State Hospital in Jamestown showcases this transition beautifully.
Contemporary Styles and Trends
Modern architecture in North Dakota focuses primarily on sustainability and functionality. A great example is the North Dakota Heritage Center, which has been expanded to offer state-of-the-art research and exhibition spaces.
Current trends emphasize minimalism and incorporate eco-friendly materials.
New buildings often feature open floor plans and extensive use of glass and steel. This approach not only maximizes natural light but also boosts energy efficiency.
Firms like Craftwell Architecture + Construction are driving these trends. They offer full-service design and build solutions, often blending interior design with advanced construction methods to create innovative and sustainable spaces.
Notable Architects of North Dakota
North Dakota boasts an impressive roster of architects who have shaped its architectural landscape. This includes influential figures from the past as well as contemporary architects who continue to innovate.
Prominent Figures in History
One of the notable architects is Gilbert Horton, known for designing the North Dakota State Capitol. His work is a prime example of modernist architecture. Horton’s design replaced the original building that was destroyed by fire in 1930.
Another key figure is Joseph Bell DeRemer. He played a significant role in designing many public buildings, including schools and courthouses, during the early 20th century. His works are notable for their classic revival style.
Van Horn & Ritterbush designed many significant structures in the early to mid-1900s. Their architectural prowess is evident in various institutional buildings throughout the state.
Modern Day Contributors
Michael J. Burns is a prominent modern-day architect with over 40 years of experience.
His firm, Michael J. Burns Architects, Ltd., is known for adapting historic buildings and preserving architectural heritage.
Another contemporary figure is the HGA architectural firm.
They handled the expansion of the North Dakota Heritage Center, turning it into a cultural destination with state-of-the-art technology and exhibit space.
Lastly, the firm EAPC Architects Engineers has made significant contributions with projects spanning healthcare, education, and commercial sectors.
Their designs focus on sustainability and innovation, making them a leading firm in the region.