Discover Watford City: Water, Art and Recreation

Watford City offers travelers a variety of reasons to visit: water activities, a walk, regional art, outdoor recreation and sports. If you’re looking for a hotel, you can start by considering which of these themes will shape the purpose of your trip. The offerings also differ in location: some are within the city, a golf course is nearby, and the Ag Expo brings events to McKenzie County and the surrounding region. This provides a clear starting point for planning your stay.

Water, Parks and Trails

Wild West Water Park offers swimming activities for all ages. Its features include a double tower slide, a splash pad, a whirlpool, lap-swimming lanes and a children’s area with zero-depth entry. The offerings include both play-oriented features and designated swimming lanes. Check operating hours and current availability with the operator before your visit.

Children's Park / Centennial Park offers a playground with swings and slides, as well as a picnic area near baseball and volleyball courts. Admission is free; fee information may change. Unlike the water park, the focus here is on the playground, picnicking and nearby sports courts. A visit to the park therefore offers a different kind of recreation from swimming.

The Watford City Walking Path begins at Centennial Park, behind the Children's Play Park on Main Street. This named starting point makes it easy to include a walk as a separate activity in your plans for the city. Unlike the water park, this is a trail that starts at a park. For travelers who would rather spend their time walking than swimming, it’s a clearly distinct option.

Art, Golf and Regional Events

Long X Art Gallery is free and open to the public, with a new exhibition by regional artists every two months. The regular rotation gives a visit a cultural focus that differs from sports and recreational activities. If you’d like to include the gallery in your plans, check the latest visitor information.

Nearby Watford City, the public Fox Hills Golf Course is located two miles east on Highway 23. The course has 18 holes and five different tee boxes; amenities also include a pro shop, a driving range and cart rentals. These details give a clear overview of the different elements of the golf offering. Its location nearby also sets the course apart from attractions within the city.

The McKenzie County Ag Expo brings rodeos, trade shows and motorsports to McKenzie County and the surrounding region. The venue includes a 53,000-square-foot indoor livestock arena and an outdoor arena with grandstands. Rodeos, trade shows and motorsports offer a different focus from walking, visiting a gallery or spending time at a park.

Seasonal public ice skating is also available at the Rough Rider Center as part of the region’s recreational offerings. Exact dates vary by season. If ice skating is a factor in your stay, check the dates in advance so you can plan the activity around your travel dates.

Location also helps with planning: the water park, gallery, park and walking path are in Watford City; Fox Hills is two miles east, and the Ag Expo brings events to the county and surrounding region.

Discover more destinations: Alexander.

View the broader travel guide: Mckenzie County.