North Dakota is one of the least populated states in the country, yet it is also bigger in size than over half of the rest of the states. Scattered across this sparsely-populated state are many small towns, ranging from around 2,500 residents to less than 5. All of them have their own histories, communities, special qualities, and many other quirks. Few, however, have quite as many great attributes as the town of Washburn. Even though this unique town in North Dakota has less than 1,500 residents, it has a ton of reasons to visit it. Here’s why this place is worth a day trip:

Washburn, North Dakota - a town of around 1,200 residents, located right along the Missouri River that's more than your typical town.
J Stephen Conn/Flickr
There are your usual things here to give it that small-town charm. A water tower, grain elevator, a few local shops and businesses - all the staples for a North Dakota prairie town.
Andrew Filer/Flickr
Washburn is also the county seat of McLean County and you can visit their local county museum there.
Andrew Filer/Flickr
There is more than a county museum, though. Washburn is also the home of a fantastic museum called the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center. Overlooking the river that the Corps of Discovery traveled extensively, this facility has tons of exhibits and fun information about the explorers.
J Stephen Conn/Flickr

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As you might have guessed, Washburn has quite a history. Fort Mandan, the fort where Lewis and Clark spent the winter of 1804-1805, has been accurately rebuilt here and you can visit it for yourself.
Jon/Flickr
While you're busy checking out all of this history and the local attractions in Washburn, you might get a bit hungry. Lucky for you, there are multiple restaurants in the town such as the wonderfully retro Cafe 77. They serve a fantastic breakfast here and it's highly recommended.
Phillip L/Tripadvisor
The perks of visiting Washburn don't end there. The town is located along a scenic byway, hinting at its other great attribute: being surrounded by beautiful natural scenery.
Jimmy Emerson/Flickr
Right next to Washburn is the Cross Ranch State Park, a park notable for being located on one of the last undeveloped stretches of the Missouri River. There is camping, trails, and plenty of pretty riverside views here.
NDPRD/Flickr

Have you ever visited Washburn before? Where is your favorite North Dakota town and why do you love it? You can nominate your favorite places in the state by clicking here and we might feature them in future articles!

Washburn makes for a great day trip destinations. Here are more of the best day trips in North Dakota that you can take any time.

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Washburn, ND 58577, USA