Community

Looking to learn more about your community, or find volunteer opportunities? Check out the links below to learn more.

• Start your journey at our Long X Visitor Center, home to The Merc gift shop and a great resource for locals and tourists alike.
• Browse the Living in McKenzie County publication to learn about McKenzie County and its communities.
• View this list of area organizations and clubs to find out how to get involved.
• Immerse yourself in the beauty of our arts and culture with The Long X Arts Foundation original programming and events.
• Learn about our growth during the explosive 2010's Bakken Oil Boom by watching The Voices of Watford City video series.

Follow the links below to connect with education and childcare resources.

• McKenzie County Public School District #1
• Bakken Area Skills Center 
• WolfPup Daycare 

Watford City and McKenzie County are home to beautiful new facilities that are bustling with activity and events.

• The Rough Rider Center is the headquarters for Watford City Parks and Recreation, and home to our area youth athletics. From trade shows to conferences, meetings, weddings, concerts, birthday parties and more, The Rough Rider Center is capable of hosting gatherings of any type or size.
• The McKenzie County Ag Expo is home to The McKenzie County Fair, and a busy schedule of rodeos, power sports, and more.
• Fox Hills Golf Course is an 18-hole public golf course that boasts a busy tournament schedule, league nights, pro-shop, and restaurant and bar
• The McKenzie County Sportsman's Club offers members a rifle shooting range, archery range, and events throughout the year.

There is always so much to see and do in Watford City and McKenzie County! From abundant outdoor recreation, to our rich historical sites and museums, this list below is a quick look at all the ways you can get out and explore!

• Begin your journey by heading to Visit Watford City, our official tourism site that's full of resources that will help you explore the region.
• Theodore Roosevelt National Park North Unit is just a short drive south of Watford City, and features wildlife and breathtaking scenic views.
• The Little Missouri National Grasslands neighbors Theodore Roosevelt National Park, and contains a vast trail system, camping, and wide open spaces to enjoy nature in the largest grasslands in the nation.
• Tobacco Gardens Resort and Marina is nestled along the banks of Lake Sakakawea, where you can get on the water and enjoy fishing, boating and more.
• The Maah Daah Hey Trail is North Dakota's best kept secret! This trail is pure, unadulterated badlands.
• The McKenzie County Heritage Park and North Dakota Oil History Museum is a great place to learn about our history and connect with our past.

Watford City is home to a vibrant business community, a place where small business and multi-national companies alike can flourish and utilize a number of resources.

• The Long X Development Team is your one-stop shop for all things business in Watford City and McKenzie County, where you can connect with:
  • Watford City Community and Business Development
  • McKenzie County Economic Development
  • Williston State College Small Business Development Center
• The Watford City Chamber of Commerce is a member service organization that provides networking opportunities for members, and promotes a number of events in the community
• You can find a complete list of retail and shopping options on The Visit Watford City website.

From concerts, to street fairs and more, here's a few of our big annual events and where you can find all of the current happenings in Watford City.

• WatfordCityEvents.com is your number one resource for all the fun you can find in Watford City and McKenzie County
• The McKenzie County Fair is held in June of each year at The McKenzie County Ag Expo, and features 4-H competition, carnival rides, NDRA Rodeo, demolition derby, and more!
• The Best of The West Ribfest takes place every August, and packs main street with thousands of attendees. Come for the ribs, stay for the music!
• The Long X Arts Foundation Arts in the Park takes place every July, and is a cherished festival that brings our community together.
• The Watford Market at Kent Pelton Nature Park runs from mid-July to late-September. Shop from local farmers and makers, and enjoy live music and food.