Tower City, North Dakota

Tower City, North Dakota may be a small community, but it offers residents and visitors a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities that take full advantage of the beautiful North Dakota prairie landscape. From the city park and seasonal activities to the famous North Dakota State Horse Pull and nearby natural attractions, there is always something to enjoy in and around Tower City throughout the year.

Tower City Park

The Tower City park is the heart of outdoor recreation in our community. The park features playground equipment for children, open green space for pick-up games and family gatherings, and picnic areas where residents can enjoy a meal outdoors on a warm summer evening. The park serves as a central meeting point for community events, holiday celebrations, and informal get-togethers that bring neighbors together. Maintaining and improving the park is an ongoing priority for the city council, which works to ensure that the facilities remain safe, clean, and enjoyable for families of all ages.

Winter Recreation and Ice Skating

North Dakota winters are long and cold, but Tower City residents embrace the season with outdoor activities that make the most of the snow and ice. Ice skating is a popular winter pastime in Tower City, giving children and families a fun and healthy way to stay active during the colder months. There is nothing quite like skating under a clear winter sky on the North Dakota prairie, and it is one of the simple pleasures that makes small-town life here so special. The community also comes together for seasonal events and gatherings that keep spirits high even when the temperatures drop well below zero.

Home of the North Dakota State Horse Pull

Tower City proudly carries the title Home of the North Dakota State Horse Pull, one of the most beloved agricultural traditions in the state. The horse pull is a competition in which teams of draft horses demonstrate their strength by pulling weighted sleds over a set distance. Draft horse pulls have deep roots in the farming heritage of the northern Great Plains, dating back to the days when horses were the primary source of power on the farm. Today, the event draws competitors and spectators from across North Dakota and beyond, celebrating the bond between farmers and their horses and keeping alive a tradition that connects the present to our agricultural past. The event is conducted in partnership with the Tower City Community Club and features multiple weight divisions for both draft horse teams and pony teams.

Maple Valley School Activities

Recreation in Tower City extends beyond the park through the activities offered at Maple Valley High School. The school's athletics program includes girls volleyball, girls basketball, boys basketball, and music and performing arts including one-act play. Maple Valley also partners with neighboring school districts in Enderlin and Valley City for additional sports and academic competitions. School sporting events are a major part of the social fabric in Tower City, bringing the community together to cheer on our students and celebrate their achievements. Parents, grandparents, and neighbors fill the bleachers at home games, and the support of the Maple Valley Parents Group helps make these programs possible.

Nearby Outdoor Attractions

Tower City's location along the I-94 corridor puts several outstanding outdoor recreation destinations within easy driving distance:

Lake Ashtabula – Located near Valley City, Lake Ashtabula is a 27-mile reservoir created by the Baldhill Dam on the Sheyenne River. The name Ashtabula comes from a Native American word meaning Fish River, and the lake lives up to its name with excellent fishing for walleye, northern pike, white bass, yellow perch, and black bullhead. The lake offers seven boat ramps, three accessible fishing piers, designated swimming areas, and several campgrounds including East Ashtabula Crossing, West Ashtabula Crossing, Eggerts Landing, and the Mel Rieman Campground. Kayaking, canoeing, and jet skiing are also popular on the calm waters. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers manages the area and maintains fourteen wildlife areas around the lake, making it a beautiful destination for birdwatching, including views of white pelicans during summer months.

Valley City Park – Just sixteen miles from Tower City, Valley City Park offers additional recreation facilities, walking paths, and family-friendly activities in a well-maintained setting.

Bjornson Park Public Golf Course – Also located about sixteen miles away near Valley City, this golf course provides a scenic and affordable option for golfers of all skill levels looking for a round on the rolling North Dakota landscape.

Enjoying Tower City's Outdoors

Whether you are looking for a quiet afternoon at the park, a competitive horse pull event, a day of fishing on Lake Ashtabula, or a winter skating outing with the family, Tower City and the surrounding area offer plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors. For questions about park facilities, upcoming recreation events, or community activities, please visit our Contact Us page or email contact@towercitynd.com.