Watford City, North Dakota travel guide: things to do, food & where to stay

Overview

Watford City is a small town in the Badlands area of North Dakota. It had an estimated population of about 7,900 people in 2020. Elevation is 2,119 ft.

2 sights · 1 things to do · 3 places to eat · 3 bars & cafés · 5 places to stay

Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage

Best things about Watford City

McKenzie County Heritage Park

Includes buildings from our MacKenzie County's history such as a trapper's cabin, country school, blacksmith shop, homestead shack, law office, church, barbershop and more.

Pioneer Museum of McKenzie County

Depicts the history and economic development of McKenzie County from the earliest times beginning with the largest petrified tree stump in North Dakota (60 million years old) to today's history.

Wild West Water Park

Great clean family fun all summer long. Two tower slides, children's water play area, hot tub, concessions. Available for rent for private parties.

Plan your trip

Best time to visit & weather

Most comfortable: May–Sep. Summer highs reach about 84°F; winter lows dip to about 4°F. Cold months (Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov, Dec) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Jun and May. (climate data from nearby Minot)

Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).

Getting there

From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
XWA Williston Basin International Airport, Williston — 38 mi away. Directions
SDY Sidney - Richland Regional Airport, Sidney — 43 mi away. Directions

From Williston, about 26 miles south and 17 miles east on US highway 85.

Full “Get in” guide ↓

Budget & where to stay

No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.

Sample 1-day itinerary

Day 1

Morning McKenzie County Heritage Park, Pioneer Museum of McKenzie County
Lunch Little Missouri Grille
Afternoon Wild West Water Park
Dinner Tomate Mexican Grill
Evening JL Beers

Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.

Food for you

Cuisine (tap to filter)

What to ask about, for your diet

Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder

Map

Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.

Understand

Watford City sits between the north unit of Teddy Roosevelt National Park and Lake Sakakawea.

Get in

By car

From Williston, about 26 miles south and 17 miles east on US highway 85.

By plane

Go Watford City Municipal Airport

General aviation.

⚠ Last checked Oct 2020 — confirm before you go

Maps Website

See

See McKenzie County Heritage Park

Includes buildings from our MacKenzie County's history such as a trapper's cabin, country school, blacksmith shop, homestead shack, law office, church, barbershop and more.

📍 950 2nd Ave SW🕒 Wed 11AM-6PM, Thu-Sat 10AM-6PM☎ +1 701-444-2990⚠ Last checked Nov 2019 — confirm before you go

Maps

See Pioneer Museum of McKenzie County

Depicts the history and economic development of McKenzie County from the earliest times beginning with the largest petrified tree stump in North Dakota (60 million years old) to today's history.

📍 100 2nd Ave SW🕒 Daily 10AM-5PM☎ +1 701-444-2990⚠ Last checked Nov 2019 — confirm before you go

Maps