Take a detour off the main roads to find some of the greatest hidden gems in the area!
Valley City is full of hidden gems and unique places to visit. As a resident, these may seem familiar to you and you may visit frequently. As a visitor, these gems will bring that authentic Valley City experience to your next road trip!
It's not about the number of things you see, but the way you experience the places you've been.
Pioneer Park
Address: 800 4th St. NW Valley City, ND 58072
Nestled into the hillsides of Valley City and listed in the National Register of Historic Places, Pioneer Park features many unique structures on its property. Not only does this park have a playground and ice skating rink, it is also home to a historical warming house as well as a large amphitheater with a unique stone arrangement spelling, "PIONEER" on the hillside.
According to an article by Steve Martens, this type of amphitheater is "the only known feature of its type and method in the state." Constructed from stone and granite, this stunning piece of art is also home to many spring, summer, and fall events including Music in the Park and Church in the Park.
LaCita Mexican Restaurant
Address: 2225 W Main St, Valley City, ND 58072
Phone: (701) 490-3190
Off the beaten path of Valley City and near the west exit of town is this hidden gem. LaCita is one of the best Mexican-American restaurants for miles. Decorated in an array of vibrant colors, this inviting restaurant is truly something unique. Not only do they serve an abundance of delicious Mexican cuisine including burritos, chimichanga, taquitos, tacos, fajitas, enchiladas, but they also serve homemade chips and salsa! Did we mention they have an exquisite breakfast menu? Trust us - this is worth the short drive!
Alley Beans
Address: 231 3rd St NE Valley City, ND 58072
Phone: 701-490-3752
Picture this:
You walk into a building, and the first thing you smell is the delicious scent of fresh coffee. The coffee pot is running. There's a quiet chatter in the background. It's warm and welcoming. The room is filled good vibes and even better looking pastries. Welcome to Alley Beans!
This hidden gem is the perfect spot to get settled in, dive into that work or school project (Free Wi-Fi!), and enjoy a freshly brewed cup of coffee, espresso, specialty drinks, lemonade, smoothies, Italian sodas, and more. Not only that, but have breakfast, lunch, or dessert with their mouth-watering bagels, muffins, brownies, cheesecake, and even "Grandma's Kuchen."
Can it get any better? Well... yes - this local treasure also features a drive through!
Eagles Nest Book Store
Address: 248 North Central Avenue Valley City, ND
Phone: 701-845-1519
Located on Central Avenue, this bookstore offers new and used books in addition to Pride of Dakota products and gifts! Customers can either buy, trade or donate used books. Also available are North Dakota made jams, jellies, syrups, soups, dips, lotions, cornhusk dolls and pottery for all your gift giving needs. There are soy candles, candy kettles and polish pottery for sale, too.
The bookstore was established ten years ago with a grant from the North Dakota State Council on Developmental Disabilities. Its purpose is to provide vocational services for the residents of HI Soaring Eagle Ranch
Valley City State University Planetarium
Address: 101 College Street Southwest, Valley City, ND 5807
Phone: 701-845-7452
Valley City State University houses the state's only planetarium! The state-of-the-art Rhoades Science Center is home to the Spitz 512 planetarium with a 24-food domed ceiling and 50 reclining seats.
The planetarium is primarily used to educate area school and community groups, but is also used for some classes at VCSU, like Astronomy and Earth Science. With no charge for shows, it's easy to make the trip to VCSU's beautiful campus and have a one-of-a-kind celestial experience. Catch a show on one of the scheduled presentations or schedule a group show through VCSU.
Valley City Farmers Market
Mondays and Thursdays are when you can find an array of fresh produce and other products from local gardeners, farmers, and plant enthusiasts. The farmers market can be found at the Rosebud Visitor Center parking lot and is open during the warm months. See the Valley City Calendar for dates as they are updated.
Hungry Pelican at the Dam
Although technically not in Valley City, the Hungry Pelican at the Dam is located on the shores of Lake Ashtabula just a few miles outside of Valley City. This fun shop features a small convenience store, Pizza Corner pizzas, yummy ice cream, and - yes - some fun tropical drinks! Drive out to the Hungry Pelican (whether it's with your car or your pontoon!) and have your choice of delicious snacks while enjoying the summer sunshine!
Whether it's you're first time visiting Valley City or you've been a long-time resident, check out these hidden gems (and help support our local businesses!) when you're looking for things to do!
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