The Chan SanSan Scenic Backway runs 35 miles along the James River Valley in LaMoure County, from State Highway 46 in the north to the boundary between LaMoure County and Dickey County in the south. From the Backway, you can see a winding river surrounded by tallgrass prairie and wildflowers. This is where exploring LaMoure County begins, with a landscape that unfolds distinctly along the river valley.

James River Valley and Places on the Water

Along the Backway, there are opportunities for boating at several locations: around Heinrich-Martin Dam, at Limesand-Seefeldt Dam Recreation Area, at LaMoure Dam, and at Lake LaMoure in Cottonwood Creek Recreation Area. LaMoure County Memorial Park is also situated along the bends of the James River. Its amenities include campsites with electrical hookups, showers, and restrooms; operation and maintenance of the facilities are seasonal.

You can also rent a kitchen with a dining room, a concession stand, bunkhouse-style cabins, and an auditorium at the park. Check the availability of these spaces before your trip. Memorial Park Country Club adds a nine-hole golf course to the activities available along the winding James River.

The listed fish populations also vary among the waters for anglers. The 2026 waterway guide lists abundant largemouth bass and sunfish, as well as moderate populations of crappie, perch, and pike at Heinrich-Martin Dam. For Lake LaMoure, it lists moderate populations of walleye, pike, crappie, perch, and sunfish; there is also a fishing pier there. At Twin Lakes, it lists abundant walleye and pike, occasional perch, and some larger fish. The information highlights different profiles rather than treating all the waters as the same.

Buildings, Collections, and History

LaMoure County Museum is also located in LaMoure County Memorial Park. Artifacts and memorabilia are displayed in five buildings, including the former LaMoure County Courthouse. The museum complex includes a two-story building, a one-room schoolhouse, a country church, and an annex for larger artifacts. The museum's regular season runs from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend; private tours may be available by reservation. Check current visiting options before your trip.

The architecture of the LaMoure County Courthouse also tells the story of the area: Buechner & Orth were commissioned to design it in 1907, and the courthouse was built in 1909. Tours can be arranged in advance through the LaMoure County Auditor's office. The Red Wing Paddleboat offers another connection to the James River: it was built in 1914 to carry passengers and freight on the river.

The Minuteman Missile exhibit features a deactivated missile similar to those in silos across the Northern Plains during the Cold War. Interpretive signs are located at the Minuteman Missile and Red Wing Boat site. The Double Pony Truss Bridge also offers a glimpse into the county's history: it was restored because of its rarity, and a sign at the site provides a sense of early life in LaMoure County. The Toy Farmer Museum is housed in a converted early-20th-century barn.

Events and Visit Planning

The events calendar offers seasonal occasions to visit. The North Dakota Farm Toy Show takes place on Father's Day weekend at LaMoure Public School. The LaMoure County Summer Musical Theatre stages productions at the historic Memorial Park auditorium in July and August. If you want to plan your trip around an event, check the specific dates in advance.

The Scenic Backway, places on the water, and historic buildings bring together a range of interests: river scenery, fishing, golf, collections, and local history. You can focus on the theme that interests you most and take into account the stated conditions for rental spaces, tours, or seasonal visits.

Explore more destinations: LaMoure, Williams County, Ramsey, McKenzie County, Barnes County, Richland County, Burleigh County, Ward

For the broader travel overview: North Dakota.