North Dakota has a rich history and legacy of the Old West and is home to many historical and significant architectural landmarks. For those looking to explore some of the area’s best landmarks and see various architectural styles within their backyard, here are some of the best architectural landmarks to check out around Grafton, North Dakota.
Stutsman County Courthouse
For those looking to explore Gothic-Revival Style architecture, check out the Stutsman County Courthouse located in Jamestown. About a 3-hour drive from Grafton, this historic location is one of North Dakota’s oldest surviving courthouses. It’s known for its unique and significant architectural style, featuring a pressed metal interior that covers the interior walls and ceilings. It was designed by Wisconsin architect Henry C. Koch and was built in 1883. Construction on the building was completed in less than a year.
The Stutsman County Courthouse is also significant historically. It has roots dating back to the 1880s statehood movement and is the only remaining North Dakota building still directly related to statehood activities. The state’s constitutional convention delegates were elected in this building, and meetings related to the division of North and South Dakota into separate territories were also held in the building. The courthouse is considered the birthplace of the statehood for North Dakota.
The historic courthouse is open to visitors of the public. Visitors can tour the historic rooms, including the courtroom, the basement jail, and the county offices. Guests can also learn about historic office technology used in the courthouse and learn about American citizenship. Restoration of the building is ongoing, and visitors can see historic preservation in action when visiting the Stutsman County Courthouse.
Former Governors’ Mansion State Historic Site
Located in North Dakota’s state capital city of Bismarck, the Former Governor’s Mansion is a unique example of Victorian and other architectural styles. The site boasts a significant two and one-half story restored Victorian house and a carriage house that were both constructed in 1884. It features unique room exhibits that showcase the restoration process, as well as different architectural style changes.
Between 1893 to 1960, the site was home to several North Dakota governors, and it housed 20 different chief executives throughout that time. Originally built in 1884, it was intended as a private residence for Asa Fisher, a businessman and register of the Bismarck Land Officer. Fisher eventually sold the house to the state in 1893, when it became the residence for the sitting North Dakota governor.
Extensive restoration has been completed to the house to operate the location as a museum. The appearance is said to replicate what it might have looked like in 1893. Visitors can tour this house and view the different rooms, including pieces of furniture that several governors used throughout the years. It is also available for rent for business meetings, receptions, weddings, and more.
Historic Elmwood House
Located in northeast Grafton, the Historic Elmwood House is a gorgeous turn-of-the-century Victorian house that sits on a beautiful 20-acre patch of land. The home is on the National Register of Historic Places and features stunning wood details common elements of Victorian-era architecture. Some details include a maple fireplace, oak banisters and front doors, and pine woodwork painted throughout the house to resemble oak or maple.
The surrounding land around the house is beautifully nestled in an oxbow of the Park River, and seven of the 20 acres are protected by the Natural Area Registry as a river bottom forest. Another 10 are no longer considered a natural area since they are former fields. However, the area still contains plants and wildflowers, along with animal life.
Elmwood was built by North Dakota’s second Attorney General, C.A.M. Spencer in 1895, and has been previously known as the Williamson House. It was restored to be a gathering place for the community and is available today for rent for meetings, special events, weddings, and other gatherings.
Soldiers’ Monument and Walsh County Courthouse
The Walsh County Courthouse in Grafton is a unique building with Art Deco styling. Built in 1886 and designed by F. C. Croser, the Walsh County Courthouse is significant to North Dakota’s architectural history. The building is a great representation of a diverse collection of materials, including metals, woods, and marble, and exhibits high artistic quality. The courthouse is named in honor of George H. Walsh, a politician, and newspaperman from Grand Forks.
For those looking to see part of North Dakota’s history, check out the beautiful tribute to the brave men of Company C of the First Dakota Regiment, known as the Soldiers’ Monument, at the Walsh County Courthouse. Not too long after the building was constructed, the Soldiers’ Monument was built in 1900. A tribute to the men of Company C of the First Dakota Regiment, this monument was meant to honor their participation in the Philippine Insurrection campaign. On the monument is a quote from General Lawton, “You can’t stampede the First North Dakota.”
Bagg Bonanza Farm
For those looking for a day trip to explore the surrounding historical landmarks and architecture North Dakota offers, the Bagg Bonanza Farm is great fun and educational option. Located in Richland County, it is only about a 2.5-hour drive from Grafton. Registered as a National Historical Landmark in 2005, the Bagg Bonanza Farm is one of the last remaining bonanza farms in the U.S. The Bagg Farm is also on the National Register of Historic Places and part of the State Historic Sites Registry.
The fully restored main house has 21 bedrooms and sits on 15 acres of beautiful land. The Bagg Bonanza Farm is open for tours seasonally from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Visitors can learn about bonanza farm life and all that was involved. Guests will appreciate learning about past generations that lived in the area and helped shape the Red River Valley from a faraway outpost into a settled and prosperous farming community.
The Bagg Bonanza Farm offers fun seasonal events, such as Fourth of July celebrations and a pumpkin patch in the fall. You can also host weddings, reunions, business meetings, and more at this historic location.
There you have it. Rydell Honda of Grand Forks shared a list of the best architectural landmarks around Grafton. If we missed your favorite piece of architecture, reach out to us to let us know! We’d love to explore more architecture around Grafton and add it to our list.
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