10 Fun Things To Do In And Around Williston, North Dakota (Williams County Travel Guide)
Looking for things to do in
Williston, North Dakota and around
Williams County? Whether you’re road-tripping along Highway 2, chasing oilfield work, visiting family, or planning a quiet weekend getaway, this corner of northwest North Dakota has more going on than most people expect.
From huge lakes and dinosaur fossils to small-town breweries and scenic drives, here are
10 fun, easy things to do near Williston, ND that are worth your time.
1. Explore Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site
If you do only one thing while you’re in Williston, make it
Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site.
This reconstructed 1800s trading post sits right on the border between North Dakota and Montana, about
25 miles west of Williston along the Missouri River. In the mid-1800s, this was one of the most important fur trading posts on the upper Missouri.
What to do here:
- Walk through the reconstructed fort walls and trading rooms
- Check out period-style trade goods and tools
- Talk with rangers about Native American history and fur traders
- Walk down to the river overlook for classic prairie views
It’s the kind of place where you can actually picture what life was like 150+ years ago. Kids usually like the “fort” vibe, and history buffs could easily spend a couple of hours here.
Tip: Summer weekends sometimes have living history events with people in costume doing blacksmithing, cooking, or demonstrations.
2. Step Back in Time at Fort Buford State Historic Site
Just a few miles from Fort Union, you’ll find
Fort Buford State Historic Site, another must-see stop near Williston.
Fort Buford was a U.S. Army post founded in 1866. It’s most famous as the place where
Sitting Bull surrendered in 1881, which marked a turning point in the history of the Northern Plains.
Highlights include:
- Original buildings like the officers’ quarters and powder magazine
- On-site museum with military artifacts and photos
- Guided or self-guided walking tours
- The nearby old cemetery and quiet prairie surroundings
Visiting Fort Union and Fort Buford back-to-back gives you a fuller picture of the area’s
Native American, military, and frontier history. It’s all within an easy half-day trip from Williston.
3. Get Hands-On at the Williston Area Recreation Center (The ARC)
Traveling with kids, or just want to move after a long drive? Head to the
Williston Area Recreation Center, known locally as
The ARC.
This huge community facility sits on the Williston State College campus and is one of the largest rec centers in the region.
Inside you’ll find:
- Indoor water park with slides and lazy river
- Climbing wall for all ages
- Track, basketball courts, and fitness areas
- Child-friendly play zones
On a cold winter afternoon or a windy spring day (and Williston gets plenty of both), this is one of the best
family-friendly things to do in Williston.
Local tip: Check day-pass options instead of full memberships if you’re just passing through.
4. Discover Dinosaurs at the Missouri-Yellowstone Confluence Interpretive Center
Right near where the
Missouri and Yellowstone Rivers meet, you’ll find the
Missouri-Yellowstone Confluence Interpretive Center, often called the “Confluence Center.”
It’s only about 25 miles from Williston and pairs perfectly with a visit to Fort Buford.
Inside the center you’ll see:
- Exhibits on Lewis and Clark’s journey through the area
- Displays about Native American tribes and early settlers
- Dinosaur and fossil exhibits from the region
- Large windows overlooking the river confluence
There are walking trails outside too, so you can stretch your legs and enjoy the view where two major rivers come together. It’s peaceful, wide open, and very “North Dakota.”
Travel idea: Combine
Confluence Center + Fort Buford + Fort Union into an easy day trip loop from Williston.
5. Spend a Day on the Water at Lake Sakakawea
If you love water, you’ll be surprised how much there is near Williston. Just east of town, the Missouri River widens into
Lake Sakakawea, one of the largest man-made lakes in the United States.
In the Williston area, the main access point is usually
Lewis & Clark State Park, a scenic spot on the north shore of the lake (a bit of a drive, but worth it).
Popular things to do:
- Boating and jet skiing
- Fishing for walleye and northern pike
- Camping in modern or primitive campsites
- Short hikes with big-sky lake views
On a calm summer evening, the sunsets over Lake Sakakawea can be pretty stunning, with the sky turning pink and orange over the water.
Tip: If you don’t have your own boat, ask locally about fishing charters or boat rentals. Some local guides work both the river and the lake.
6. Walk the Trails at Spring Lake Park
Looking for something close to town?
Spring Lake Park sits right on the north side of Williston and is a favorite local hangout.
You’ll find:
- Walking and biking paths
- A small lake with ducks and geese
- Playground areas
- Picnic shelters and open green spaces
In the summer, this is the place for an easy walk or a picnic. In the winter, you might see people sledding or just getting some fresh air.
If you’re staying in a nearby hotel and need a quick break from the highway or the oilfield traffic, this is one of the easiest
outdoor things to do in Williston without a long drive.
7. Sip Local Brews at a Williston Brewery or Bar
After a day of exploring, you might be ready for something cold. Williston’s growth over the past decade has brought in more places to eat and drink, including
local breweries and taprooms.
Why stop in?
- Try North Dakota craft beers you won’t see back home
- Meet locals and hear stories about life in the Bakken oil patch
- Grab a hearty burger, wings, or a steak
The vibe is usually casual—work boots and baseball caps are just as common as anything else. If you enjoy sampling local flavors when you travel, checking out a Williston bar or brewery is an easy win.
Reminder: Always plan a sober ride back to your hotel or campground. Distances can be long and the roads are dark at night.
8. Visit the James Memorial Art Center
Right in downtown Williston, the
James Memorial Art Center—often called “The James”—is housed in a beautiful old brick building that used to be a public library.
Inside you’ll find:
- Rotating art exhibits from local and regional artists
- Art classes and workshops
- Community events and small performances
If you’re looking for a quieter indoor activity or you simply enjoy local art and architecture, this is a nice stop. It also gives you a reason to walk around downtown Williston and see a different side of the city beyond the highway and truck traffic.
9. Drive the Backroads for Prairie Views and Photography
One of the most underrated things to do around
Williams County is also one of the simplest:
just drive.
Within a few minutes of leaving Williston, you can be out on two-lane country roads surrounded by:
- Rolling wheat fields in summer
- Golden stubble and hay bales in fall
- Snow-covered open prairie in winter
- Endless horizons and big cloud-filled skies any time of year
If you enjoy photography—or even just snapping shots on your phone—you’ll find plenty of chances for classic
North Dakota landscape photos:
- Old red barns
- Abandoned farmhouses
- Windbreaks of trees around homesteads
- Sunsets that seem to last forever
Just remember to:
- Pull safely off the road before taking pictures
- Respect private property and “No Trespassing” signs
- Keep an eye on weather—storms can roll in fast
Sometimes the best memory from a Williston trip is a quiet moment on a gravel road, watching the sun go down over miles of open land.
10. Time Your Visit with a Local Event or Fair
If your schedule is flexible, it’s worth checking what’s going on in Williston and Williams County during your visit. For a smaller community, the area hosts a surprising number of events.
Depending on the time of year, you might find:
- County fairs with rides, food, and 4-H exhibits
- Rodeos and ranch events
- Holiday light displays and winter festivals
- Car shows or outdoor concerts
Local events are one of the best ways to experience the real culture of northwest North Dakota. You’ll see families, oilfield workers, farmers, and visitors all in one place.
Tip: Check the City of Williston website, the Williston Convention and Visitors Bureau, or community Facebook pages for updated event calendars.
Planning Your Trip to Williston, ND
A few quick tips to make your visit smoother:
- Weather: Winters are cold with plenty of snow; summers can be hot but usually dry. Pack layers, even in June and September.
- Driving: Distances between things can be longer than you think. Keep gas in the tank and snacks in the car.
- Cell Service: Around Williston it’s fine, but on remote backroads and near the lake it can get spotty.
- Lodging: Williston has a good number of hotels thanks to the oil boom, plus some campgrounds and RV parks.
If you’re used to big cities, Williston and Williams County may feel quiet and wide open—but that’s part of the charm. It’s a chance to slow down, learn some history, and enjoy North Dakota’s big sky country.
What Would You Add to This Williston Bucket List?
Have you spent time in
Williston or Williams County, North Dakota?
- Did you find a favorite fishing spot on Lake Sakakawea?
- Have a go-to bar, café, or local diner in town?
- Discover a hidden roadside attraction or great photo stop?
I’d love to hear your tips and stories.
Drop a comment below and share your favorite
things to do in and around Williston, ND—your experience might help someone else plan their trip.
And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with a friend, post it on social media, or save it for your next North Dakota road trip.
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