Discover Watford
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Located on the edge of the west in North Dakota, Watford City offers so much to see and do.

To tell the story of McKenzie County is to tell the story of its people, because between the rolling hills and rugged badlands of this wild place, it’s the people who have made plans for the land. It is the people who have made a community both yesterday and today. 

In over 100 years one might think things have changed exponentially for this place known as “The Island Empire”, a community surrounded almost entirely by the Missouri, Little Missouri and the Yellowstone Rivers. In many ways it is true. 

But if cowboys, businessmen and farmers could have seen into the future, they might believe their eyes today only because they believed this “Empire” found in these lush rolling acres between the rivers had potential. Our story, the story of McKenzie County.


Pioneer Museum, Long X Trading Post & Visitor Center


The visitor center is a great place to start any adventure in McKenzie County. The Pioneer Museum showcases traveling cultural and geological exhibits. It also features stories of some of McKenzie County’s first settlers and exhibits on early ranching, farming and oil and gas exploration.

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Missouri-Yellowstone Confluence Center


The Missouri-Yellowstone Confluence Interpretive Center tells the story of the confluence of these two mighty rivers, as well as provides the same magnificent view that Lewis and Clark Expedition members enjoyed when they visited in 1805 and 1806.

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Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site


Fort Union is renowned as a center of peaceful economic and social exchange between Plains Indians and white cultures. Here, the Assiniboine and six other Northern Plains Indian Tribes exchanged buffalo robes and smaller furs for goods from around the world.

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Fort Buford State Historical Site


This well-preserved site preserves remnants of a vital frontier plains military post. Built in 1866 near the confluence of the Missouri and Yellowstone rivers, it became a major supply depot for military field operations.

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Earth Lodge Village, Three Tribes Museum, Interpretive Center


The Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara, known collectively as the MHA Nation or Three Affiliated Tribes, welcome visitors to experience their vibrant culture. The tribes believe their presence in North America is from the beginning of time. On the shores of Lake Sakakawea, just 45 miles east of Watford City, you can walk in the steps of indigenous people inside an earthlodge at the Earthlodge Village. The Three Affiliated Tribes Museum features artwork, crafts, artifacts and historical pieces. Journey through time at the MHA Interpretive center. Stimulate your senses at one of MHA Nations summer powwows and events.

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McKenzie County Heritage Park


Take a “step back in time”. Every building in this park was at one time located somewhere in McKenzie County. Come and explore our six acres and learn about the great “Island Empire” the last and largest county in the state of North Dakota to be settled!

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Poker Jim Historic Cemetery


This large rock atop a lonely Badlands butte marks the final resting place of Poker Jim. Although he was virtually unknown during his lifetime, Poker Jim’s name can still be found throughout present-day McKenzie County lore.

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Lewis & Clark Trail Museum of Alexander


The Lewis & Clark Trail Museum of Alexander is organized thematically into distinct rooms such as an old general store, schoolroom, saddle room plus a room dedicated to the life and career of US Congressman and Governor Art Link.

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Grassy Butte Historic Post Office Museum


Built in 1912 of logs and sod, this structure housed the Grassy Butte Post Office from 1914 to 1963. The structure is significant as one of the last known examples of Ukrainian-type log and clay plaster construction in North Dakota.

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Walter Chaloner Memorial


The Walter Chaloner Memorial is located just outside the Theodore Roosevelt Park North Unit entrance. This memorial is in memory of a young cowboy who was killed in an accident on his horse near the site of the memorial.

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Veteran's Memorial Foyer


While in Watford City, step into the Veteran's Memorial Foyer of the Veteran’s Memorial Building to view the beautiful, moving tribute to McKenzie County veterans that is housed there.

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McKenzie County Veterans Park


Honoring past and present veterans of McKenzie County.

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