Outdoor recreation, nearby industry and healthcare anchor Hazen
Hazen is a small but thriving rural city in the Sakakawea South Shore Region. Popular outdoor destinations surround the community, and the city’s hospital is vital to all of Mercer County. Residents are also within 8 miles of Beulah, an industrial center. “Our communities complement one another,” says Antoinette Heier, longtime resident and executive director of the Hazen Convention Visitors Bureau and Chamber of Commerce. “We each have different businesses, so if something is missing, we can go to the other town and get it there. That way, we don’t have to travel an hour away to big urban cities like Bismarck.”
Parks, historic sites and a major lake keep locals active outside
Residents are 15 miles from Lake Sakakawea and Hazen Bay Recreation Area, where people love to fish, boat, water ski and camp. Hunting and birding are also popular pastimes, with ample wildlife living in the surrounding natural areas. Another major attraction is the Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site, which is about a 14-mile drive east. “Even if you’re not into history, the feeling you get when you are out there almost takes you back in time,” Heier says. “It’s very sacred.” The site educates visitors about the lives and culture of the Upper Missouri’s Native Americans. Inside Hazen, residents take their kids fishing along Antelope Creek and enjoy various city parks. In summer, the community pool opens, and the Paul Weiser Pocket Park herb garden starts to bloom. North Stars Arena has hockey and figure skating year-round. “We have a great program between Beulah and Hazen so our sports teams can collaborate,” Heier says. “It’s not always rivalry.” Hazen Golf Course is open to the public, and over 4 miles of walking and cycling trails wind around the city.
Housing initiatives and lower prices attract new residents
Neighborhoods feature wide roads, mature trees and grassy or snowy lawns. Many single-family homes were built between the 1940s and 1980s, while some date back to the 1910s. Common architectural styles include split-level houses, ranch-style homes and bungalows. New construction from the past decade is more contemporary. The city’s median price is around $250,000, almost half the national median of roughly $420,000.
Housing initiatives help attract people to the area. The City of Hazen Home Development Assistance Program offers people $25,000 for new homes built within city limits. The Chamber of Commerce/CVB also assists newcomers. “We give out welcome bags to our new residents to create a sense of belonging and welcoming,” Heier says.
Hazen and Beulah share major industries and transit lines
State Route 200, the city’s primary thoroughfare, connects commuters to Beulah’s major industrial employers and the nation’s largest lignite coal mine. By 2029, Beulah will welcome a Talon Metals nickel processing facility, bringing roughly 150 new jobs to the area. Hazen also has big employers, like West River Telecom Cooperative and Sakakawea Medical Center. “Our state-of-the-art hospital serves all of Mercer County,” Heier says. Agricultural pursuits and recreational tourism also support the economy. A busy BNSF railway passes through Hazen, so hauling trains often rumble in and out of the city. The nearest commercial airport is Bismarck Municipal, about 75 miles away.
Small businesses offer everyday needs and cultural classics
A small downtown lines Main Street with retail shops and locally owned eateries. Bee’s Café and Box’s Bar are laid-back spots for a drink, while The Dash sells preloved items. Knoephla soup and Fleischkuechle — German-Russian delicacies turned North Dakota classics — grace the menus of several restaurants. Other businesses, like Krause’s grocery store, are sprinkled around the city. “We have everything right here in our own backyard,” Heier says. “It’s not your big-box stores, but we’re always hoping to attract new entrepreneurs.” Entertainment options include the Cinema Fix movie theater.
Hazen schools explore career and technical opportunities
Students start at Hazen Elementary School, which has a B rating from Niche. Next is Hazen Middle School, followed by Hazen High School, which have B-minus and B-plus scores, respectively. A partnership with the Central Regional Area Career and Technical Center offers high schoolers virtual courses in agriculture, aviation, health sciences and more.
Festive events include summer concerts and fall hayrides
When it comes to annual events, “there’s something for every season,” Heier says. “It may be slow-paced, but at least there’s something to do.” In summer, Paul Weiser Pocket Park hosts Music in the Park, inviting people to enjoy local vendors and tunes. Heritage Park organizes a monthly summer flea market. Harvestfest is a major fall festival featuring a parade, street dancing, hayrides and a car show. In winter, the Knife River Chorale sings the story of Christmas, and businesses offer special deals during the Hazen Holiday Hoopla Walk Around.
