Quaint small towns, snowy winters, and wide open spaces make North Dakota a perfect winter destination. Thanks to the Midwest hospitality of the locals, travelers feel right at home here. Now, the state doesn’t see the same volume of tourists as New York or California, and large luxury hotels are few and far between here. Still, homey, family-friendly accommodation is the most popular type of lodging visitors will find across the plains of North Dakota. Whether travelers come for rugged unfiltered nature, sprawling plains views, or quirky Midwest culture, there is no shortage of unique things to do. Here are 10 top-rated stays to make the winter season cozy and bright. (Travelers who can't choose between North or South Dakota should keep reading here to see the important differences.)
10 El Rancho Hotel - Williston
In decor and design, this hotel embraces the spirit of the Old West. Taxidermized animal busts hand on exposed brick walls, and furniture appears in various leather textures. The unique rustic vibe is charmingly authentic, while the amenities are modern and substantial - including a game room with a pool table, sprawling bar, and crackling fireplaces.
- Accommodation: El Rancho Hotel
- Address: El Rancho Hotel, 1623 2nd Avenue West, Williston, ND 58801
- Amenities: Bar/lounge, fitness center, WiFi in all areas
9 Bowman Lodge & Convention Center - Bowman
Less than ten minutes from the Pioneer Trails Regional Museum, this simple and no-fuss lodge offers rooms with hot tubs, a fireplace, and a shared accessible indoor pool. In Midwest style, this cozy lodge focuses on function and not frill, offering modern amenities, including a fitness center and free WiFi. Spacious rooms are great for traveling couples, friends, and families.
- Accommodation: Bowman Lodge & Convention Center
- Address: Bowman Lodge & Convention Center, 207 West Highway 12, Bowman, ND 58623
- Amenities: Bar/lounge, fitness center, free WiFi
8 MainStay Suites - Williston
Well-suited to long stays and group travel, guestrooms feature well-equipped kitchenettes, and a fitness center makes staying in shape on the road as easy as swiping the key card. The decor is simple and unfussy, with oak wood touches and ample sunlight throughout the property. The cozy lobby features a stone fireplace and a warm color palette. Outdoor dining is available, and a grill is available onsite to enjoy that hallowed, authentic Midwest experience – barbecuing in the great outdoors.
- Accommodation: MainStay Suites
- Address: MainStay Suites, 200 26th Street East, Williston, ND 58801
- Amenities: Free WiFi, business center, free parking
7 C’mon Inn - Fargo
Designed around an enclosed, leafy and sun-filled atrium, the Inn offers indoor/outdoor space that is comfortable all year round. Rooms are well-lit, with views of the majestic prairie. In winter, the landscape is a winter wonderland, but an indoor pool and fitness center keep guests moving even in the coldest weather. The hotel is only about three hours from one of the most unusual decommissioned military sights in the country.
- Accommodation: C’mon Inn - Fargo
- Address: C'mon Inn Fargo, 4338 20th Avenue, Fargo, ND 58103
- Amenities: Indoor pool, free parking, free WiFi
6 Landmark Suites - Williston
Conveniently located near the border with Montana, this hostel is ideal for a Midwest road trip to enjoy the rugged charm of the region. Guest suites feature ample sitting areas and kitchenettes, particularly suited to family travelers. The neat and minimal design relies on a palette of neutral colors and wood grains.
- Accommodation: Landmark Suites - Williston
- Address: Landmark Suites, 307 Town & Country Lane, Williston, ND 58801
- Amenities: Free WiFi, fitness center, free parking
5 Jasper Hotel - Fargo
With an elegant and airy design decorated in jewel tones, the Jasper Hotel is a modern escape in the heart of downtown Fargo. Massive guestroom windows offer views of the city and act as living postcards during winter when the city becomes a snowy dream. Here, it’s easy to enjoy the city without going far. Guests can enjoy the pop-up ice skating rink just beyond the front doors of the hotel.
- Accommodation: Jasper Hotel
- Address: Jasper Hotel, 210 Broadway N, Fargo, ND 58102
- Amenities: Bar/lounge, fitness center, free WiFi
4 Clubhouse Hotel & Suites - Fargo
Featuring spacious guestrooms with kitchenettes and living rooms, Clubhouse is designed with group and family travelers in mind. The indoor pool offers a children’s play area with water toys and a slide. The lounge is the cozy social center of the hotel, with a fireplace and soft throws over couches and armchairs. Busy travelers enjoy the business center and modern meeting facilities.
- Accommodation: Clubhouse Hotel & Suites - Fargo
- Address: Clubhouse Hotel & Suites Fargo, 4400 15th Avenue South, Fargo, ND 58103
- Amenities: Indoor pool, fitness center, bar/lounge
3 Van Hook Territorial Inn - New Town
Cozy yet modern with a touch of lodge style, this accommodation is ideal for longer-term travelers with key amenities like laundry, free WiFi, and a business center. The location is just a short drive to New Town, where travelers can find all the essentials. What’s more, its location near the Van Hook State Wildlife Management Area means guests can easily access outdoor activities.
- Accommodation: Van Hook Territorial Inn
- Address: Van Hook Territorial Inn, 8226 39TH Street, New Town, ND 58763
- Amenities: Laundry facilities, business center, free WiFi
2 GrandStay Hotel & Suites - Valley City
An indoor fireplace and outdoor firepit add to the homey comfort of this low-rise hotel set in the bucolic charm of Medicine Wheel Park in Valley City. Guests enjoy well-stocked kitchenettes and easy access to Interstate 94. The decor effortlessly mingles contemporary and traditional lodge styles with brick accents and nude-and-jewel tone palates.
- Accommodation: GrandStay Hotel & Suites - Valley City
- Address: GrandStay Hotel & Suites Valley City, 271 Wintershow Road Southwest, Valley City, ND 58072
- Amenities: Free WiFi, indoor pool, fitness center
1 The Watford - Watford City
Recalling the charm of the American West, this hotel embraces natural materials in its dark wood bar, stone fireplace, and low-rise profile that matches the surrounding Midwest plains. Ideal for a winter stay, some rooms feature hot tubs, and the fitness center keeps guests active regardless of the weather. The location on the major east-west thoroughfare 2nd Avenue SW positions travelers to access urban Watford in just a few short minutes.
- Accommodation: The Watford - Watford City
- Address: The Watford, 810 3rd Avenue Southwest, Watford City, ND 58854
- Amenities: Free WiFI, free parking, business center