Tour our bridges, play in our parks.

Valley City is proud of our historic buildings, bridges and parks. They’re perfect places to experience the abundant outdoor beauty that exists in Valley City. When you visit Valley City, be sure to take in our Historic Bridges Tour, which will guide you to many of our city attractions.

Historic Bridges

When a town is built around a winding river, bridges are very necessary, and 11 historic bridges adorn every corner of our city. (Eight interpretive panels highlighting the historic bridges tell the story of our area.)

Historic Bridges Guide

West City Park Bridge was built in 1929 and was named to the National Register of Historic Places in 1997. A new, wider arch bridge was built in 2007.

City Park Footbridge was originally made of wood. In 1911, it was replaced with its current steel structure. It is sometimes called the "Elks Bridge" after the beautiful Elks building to the east.

VCSU Footbridge, a wooden bridge, opened in the fall of 1892, linking Valley City State University to the city. The current three-span, 150-foot, ornate bridge was built in 1901, and is the only one of its kind in the state. After an unfortunate automobile incident the bridge was rebuilt in 1992.

Mill Dam Bridge was originally built from wood in 1898, and replaced with a concrete structure in 1936-37 by T.M. Swingen & Son. The newest concrete bridge in this location was built in 1991 by his great-grandson, Jim Swingen.

Rainbow Bridge is the site of the first bridge built in Valley City. The current bridge, built in 2004, is one of the few "Rainbow Arch" bridges still in use today.

Hospital Bridge, a 3-span, 255 foot bridge was built in 1982. The original wooden bridge, built in 1929, provided easier access to the Country Club and Northwest Nursery farm. The bridge was renovated in 1954 before being replaced by the current structure.

Highline Bridge – at 3,860 feet long and 162 feet above the river bed, the Highline Bridge is one of the longest and highest single-track railroad bridges in the nation. Because the bridge was of vital importance in moving supplies and men, it was closely guarded during both World Wars to prevent sabotage.

Maryvale Bridge – a wooden bridge was originally built at this site in 1935. It was reconstructed in 1969, and replaced in 1995. Maryvale is the Provincial Center for the Sisters of Mary of the Presentation for the United States Province.

Parks in Valley City

Our parks are the perfect place to relax, play and picnic with family and friends.

Chautauqua Park features a 125 seat dining hall with a stove, refrigerator and hot water heater. Other features include a sand volleyball court, playground equipment, picnic tables and shelter, barbecue grills, boat launching site, restrooms and lighted horseshoe courts.

City Park – In its early history, City Park once held a zoo, street, wading pool and fountain within its 9.25 acres. Today, tennis courts, a nine-hole disc golf course and a playground are available. Concerts and Community Theatre Performances are held at the band shell during the summer.

Pioneer Park is a charming recreation location with picnic tables, a newly built gazebo, playground equipment and an ice skating/hockey rink.

Veterans Memorial Park honors local veterans with its centrally located monuments. Other static display pieces include an inert missile, a navy anchor, two Howitzer cannons obtained from the Army and an F10AC aircraft.

Medicine Wheel Park is the only park overlooking Valley City. There are picnic tables and a hiking path with five interpretive sitespanels.

Parks in the Sheyenne Valley

Get out and explore the many beautiful parks located in the Sheyenne River Valley.

Clausen Springs is located eight miles west of Kathryn, ND with picnic areas, fishing, swimming, a North Country Trail hiking segment and campsites.

Little Yellowstone Park, along the byway Byway on Highway 46, just about 22 miles south of Valley City. Includes picnic areas, hiking and camping.

Fort Ransom State Park, two miles north of Fort Ransom features picnic areas, a North Country Trail hiking segment, camping, mountain biking, horse facilities, plus canoe and kayak rentals.

Sandager Park in Lisbon ND has a picnic area, tennis courts, volleyball, basketball, skateboard park, lighted baseball park, goofy golf and camping.

Dead Colt Creek is just five miles southeast of Lisbon on Highway 32, and offers boating, fishing, ice fishing, camping and picnicking.