Small towns never seem to lose their charm. They have quiet, tight-knit communities, lovely local family-owned businesses, plenty of stories, and they are often pretty to look at. North Dakota has tons of small towns, from itty-bitty places with less than 50 residents to decent-sized little cities that still have the same characteristics. All of them have their own stories, and they're the hometowns to many people who think fondly back on them. This particular charming small town in North Dakota is all of this and more, so if you've been looking for the perfect place to settle down or simply to visit and get that hometown feeling, give Ellendale a try.
Ellendale, North Dakota is everything you could want in a small town. It's located in Dickey County, not far from the South Dakota border.
Like many other towns in North Dakota, it was founded in 1882 with the arrival of the railroad. It has had a steady population of 1,000-2,000 residents throughout the years and today has around 1,200 residents.
Ellendale is the kind of town where everyone knows everyone and word gets around quickly. The community is pretty close and the local school teaches kindergarten all the way through senior year.
On the town's Main Street, you'll find local, family-owned businesses that have been around for years. Stores, eateries, services - with few-to-no big chain stores in sight.
Ellendale also has some historic buildings throughout town. Some of the Main Street buildings have been around as long as the town has, and places like the historic Ellendale Opera House are hidden gems that are worth visiting (and preserving).
If you get hungry while exploring the town, be sure to stop by places like the Fireside for some tasty, homestyle North Dakota favorites.
And check out the rest of the town's features, including the gorgeous Dickey County Courthouse.
Surrounded by the prairie and full of local history, Ellendale is absolutely a treasure worth visiting, and possibly even living in, if you love that down-to-earth small-town atmosphere.
Have you ever visited Ellendale? Where is your favorite small town in North Dakota?
If you have a small town you love that you think more people should know about, nominate it here. Be sure to check out some of the other lovely small towns in North Dakota to see if your favorite made the list!
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