Lamoure County: River Landscapes and Cultural Heritage

Lamoure County combines a river landscape with places where you can discover regional history in different ways. The Chan SanSan Scenic Backway follows the James River Valley; museums, historic buildings, and seasonal events add to the travel experience. Fishing, boating, and golf are also possible focuses for your visit.

Chan SanSan Scenic Backway and the James River

The Chan SanSan Scenic Backway is 35 miles long and runs through LaMoure County along the James River Valley. The route described begins in the north at State Highway 46 and extends south to the boundary between LaMoure County and Dickey County. From the backway, you can see a winding river surrounded by tallgrass prairie and wildflowers. This route offers views of both the river valley and the open landscape.

Along the backway, there are opportunities for boating, including at Heinrich-Martin Dam, in the Limesand-Seefeldt Dam Recreation Area, at LaMoure Dam, and at Lake LaMoure in the Cottonwood Creek Recreation Area. These locations offer boating across several bodies of water and recreational areas. Water conditions can vary; take this into account when planning your trip.

Comparing Fishing Waters

The 2026 fishing waters list reports numerous largemouth bass and sunfish, as well as moderate populations of crappies, perch, and northern pike at Heinrich-Martin Dam. For Lake LaMoure, it lists moderate populations of walleye, northern pike, crappies, perch, and sunfish; there is also a fishing pier there. For Twin Lakes, the list reports numerous walleye and northern pike, occasional perch, and some larger fish. The species and population levels therefore vary by body of water. If fishing is important to your trip, these differences can help guide your choice of location.

Museums, Buildings, and Local History

The LaMoure County Museum displays artifacts and memorabilia in five buildings. These include the former LaMoure County Courthouse, a one-room schoolhouse, and a church. Another historical exhibit is the Toy Farmer Museum, housed in a converted early 20th-century barn. The different buildings give the museum visit both an architectural and a cultural-historical dimension.

The LaMoure County Courthouse also brings together architecture and local history. Buechner & Orth received the commission for its design in 1907; construction took place in 1909. A tour can be arranged in advance through the LaMoure County Auditor’s office. The Red Wing Paddleboat was built in 1914 to carry passengers and goods on the James River. The Minuteman Missile exhibit features a deactivated missile resembling those in silos across the Northern Plains during the Cold War. Interpretive signs are available at the Minuteman Missile and Red Wing Boat site. At the Double Pony Truss Bridge, a sign offers insights into early life in LaMoure County; the bridge was restored because of its rarity.

Events and Activities

The North Dakota Farm Toy Show takes place at LaMoure Public School on Father’s Day weekend. The LaMoure County Summer Musical Theatre presents productions in July and August at the historic auditorium in LaMoure County Memorial Park. If one of these events is the reason for your trip, check the dates before planning.

For golf, the Memorial Park Country Club offers a nine-hole course along the winding James River. Since operating details may change, it is advisable to check before your visit. LaMoure County Memorial Park is also located along the bends of the James River. It has campsites with electrical hookups, showers, and restrooms; operations and maintenance are seasonal. A kitchen with a dining room, a canteen, dormitory-style cabins, and an auditorium are also available for rent. Confirm the availability of rental facilities before you arrive.

This makes it possible to plan your trip around what you want to do in Lamoure County.

Discover more destinations: Lamoure, Foster County, Eddy County, Burleigh County, Mercer, Mckenzie County, Bottineau County, Mountrail County.

For the broader travel overview: North Dakota.