Beulah is an industry leader in energy and an outdoor destination
In the heart of coal country, Beulah is the core city within North Dakota's powerbelt. Nicknamed the state's energy capital, it's home to several manufacturing plants, processing facilities and coal mines, including Freedom Mine, the nation's largest lignite mine. The city's industry helps fuel the local and national economy, but people choose to live in the community for more than just its successful employers.
Outdoor recreation surrounds Beulah’s residents, as dozens of parks and access points onto Lake Sakakawea are available. Annual events keep neighbors connected, and the city's commercial scene supports surrounding communities. "It is a small town, but it is progressive in wanting to improve," says Robbin Brinkman, the Beulah Convention and Visitors Bureau (BCVB) office administrator.
Recreation is a focal attraction, from lake adventures to camping
The city is less than 30 minutes from Beulah Bay Recreation Area, a popular place to boat, kayak and camp along Lake Sakakawea. The lake is renowned for walleye fishing and waterfowl hunting. Inside the city, people watch Little League games from Goldmann Fields' shaded hillside stands. Next door, SK8TERS Skatepark offers ramps and platforms for tricks and skill-building. Other parks, like Beulah Lions Park, have playgrounds and open fields. In summer, residents enjoy pools, waterslides and a lazy river at Buelah Water Park. Sun Valley RV Park and Eagles Campground, which is near the public Black Sands Golf Course, accommodate seasonal campers. In winter, a public ice rink opens at Prairie Hills Park.
Single-family homes dominate the city's spacious subdivisions
Mature trees and grass lawns line the city's neighborhoods. Although many homes have two-car driveways and garages, streets are wide enough to accommodate parking and two-way traffic. The community primarily has single-family homes, but condos, apartments and manufactured homes are also options. Architecture ranges from bungalows and ranch-style homes to split-level houses. Prices vary widely based on a home's age, condition and attached acreage, but the city's median price is around $220,000. This is roughly half the national median of about $420,000.
Knife River winds through the southern half of Beulah. Seasonal flooding occasionally impacts homes closest to the river.
Growing industries shorten commutes, but highways keep connections
Beulah's booming industries mean most locals work within the city. In fact, roughly 150 new jobs will become available once a former coal mine is converted into the new Talon Metals nickel processing facility. The site is set to open in 2028. When residents need to leave the community, they use Highway 49 and state Route 200 to reach Hazen. "We're so close together that we're very similar, but we still travel back and forth between towns depending on what the need is," Brinkman says. "Beulah has more businesses, but Hazen has the hospital." Highway 49 also connects to Interstate 90, which leads to Mandan, Bismarck and the Bismarck Municipal Airport in roughly 1 hour.
A busy BNSF railway passes through Beulah. Trains regularly haul coal and cargo out of the city. There are no quiet zones, so horns and wheels on the tracks can be heard throughout the day.
Old-fashioned Main Street has local businesses, dishes and history
Main Street is a cozy downtown destination. Old-fashioned brick buildings house longstanding businesses, like cafés, bars, boutiques and offices. Fleischkuechle, a deep-fried German-Russian pastry that has become a North Dakota delicacy, can be found at Country Kettle Family Restaurant or Bronson's Marketplace. It's also a staple dish at most city events. Other retail and dining options are along Highway 49.
The Mercer County Historical Museum is considered a significant attraction. It tells the story of Beulah's early German, Ukrainian, Swedish and Irish settlers and documents the city's role in North Dakota's industrial success.
County fairs, walleye catches and big bucks draw crowds
The BCVB organizes and supports many annual city events. The Mercer County Fair is one of the largest, bringing rodeos, carnivals and 4-H exhibits into town. Judges size up antler sets — or racks — during the February Big Buck Contest to dole out grand prizes. Brinkman says the Dakota Walleye Classic is a highly anticipated event since this two-day fishing competition is one of the largest in the state. Other popular celebrations include the annual Beulah Fly-in, the Hometown Holiday Walk-Around and the Beulah Bash.
Beulah's school district partners with the regional career center
The city has its own school district, which earns a C-plus Niche rating. Students attend Beulah Elementary and Middle schools, which also have C-plus ratings. Beulah High has a B-minus and works with the Central Regional Area Career and Technical Center to offer virtual courses in manufacturing, agriculture, aviation and more.
