Situated near the confluence of the Yellowstone and Missouri rivers, Williston is the seat of Williams County. The city has a rich history that dates to the early 19th century. During the summer of 1806, explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark passed through the site of the Williston basin on their way west in an attempt to find a water route to the Pacific Ocean.
The area around Williston was first settled in 1828 when Fort Union, the main post of the American Fur Company, was built near the mouth of the Yellowstone River. In 1866, Fort Union was demolished and its building materials were transported down the river for the construction of Fort Buford. This military post was abandoned in 1895. When the Great Northern Railroad arrived in 1887, the settlement was named “Williston,” in honor of Daniel Willis James, a friend of the founder of the railroad company. Williston was incorporated as a town three years later.
During its early years, Williston was mostly an agricultural community. However, its economy became more diversified following the availability of more affordable electricity during the 1920s. Soon, Williston became home to a creamery, bottling company, and telephone company. The town continued to experience slow growth until the late 1970s when an oil boom caused the population to increase to more than 20,000.
Currently, Williston has a population of about 25,000 and a total area of 7.5 square miles. Williston is now one of the fastest growing small cities in the country.
When is the best time to visit Williston, ND?
Williston experiences warm summers and freezing, windy, and dry winters. Skies remain partly cloudy throughout the year. During the course of a year, temperatures typically vary from 4 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit and seldom go above 97 degrees or below minus 19 degrees. For warm-weather activities, the best time to visit Williston is from late June to late August when average temperatures range from the mid-60s to the mid-70s.
Other than the weather, consider the cost of accommodations when you're planning your trip to Williston. The community experiences the largest influx of visitors during April, July, and August. If you're visiting during these times of the year, you'll encounter higher rates for accommodations. Consider vacationing in Williston during the months of May or June when weather conditions are comfortable and accommodation rates are closer to their regular costs.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Williston, ND:
Averate Rates by Star Rating
Below we've posted 3 graphs displaying average nightly cost patterns by star rating class in Williston, ND. Analyze these charts to determine the least expensive time to make a reservation in Williston during the year.
What are the best hotels in Williston, ND?
If you want to splurge a little and want to stay at one of the best hotels in Williston, consider the Hampton Inn & Suites Williston. Located about 1.4 miles northwest of Williston, this hotel is close to major attractions such as the Williston Municipal Golf Course, Old Armory, and Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site. Its well-appointed rooms feature complimentary wired and wireless internet connections, flat-screen TVs, refrigerators, and microwaves. To provide a convenient and enjoyable stay for its guests, the Hampton Inn & Suites offer amenities such as an indoor pool, fitness center, barbecue grills, snack bar, business center, and travel assistance.
The Holiday Inn Express & Suites Williston is another hotel that offers high-quality accommodations. This hotel is about 2.2 miles north of Williston, 2 miles from the Western Star Complex, 2.3 miles from The Frontier Museum, and 5 miles from Cut Bluff Overlook. All rooms in this hotel feature free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, satellite programming, refrigerators, microwaves, laptop-compatible safes, and hair dryers. Additionally, you'll have access to amenities such as an indoor pool, fitness center, picnic area, barbecue grills, and business center. A complimentary buffet breakfast is available daily.
What are the affordable hotel options in Williston, ND?
3 Star Average Prices: £75.09
Motel 6 Williston ND is one of the best affordable hotel options in Williston. Situated 1.6 miles west of Williston, the Motel 6 is about 1.4 miles from Harmon Park, 4.8 miles from Cut Bluff Overlook, and 4.7 miles from The Frontier Museum. Its rooms are equipped with free wired and wireless internet connections, LCD TVs, cable programming, and refrigerators. Available amenities include a vending machine and laundry facilities.
Super 8 by Wyndham Williston ND is another hotel that attracts many budget travelers. This hotel is located 1.4 miles north of Williston, 1.2 miles from the James Memorial Art Center, 1.3 miles from the Williston Parks and Recreation District, and 2 miles from Railroad Park. This hotel offers 82 air-conditioned rooms with complimentary Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, coffee makers, and hair dryers. As a guest, you can make use of amenities such as an indoor pool, spa tub, fitness center, arcade room, and laundry facilities.
2 Star Average Prices: £59.29
What are the best hotel discounts in Williston, ND?
If you're a AAA member, older adult, member of the military, or government employee, you can qualify for discounted rates at the Quality Inn in Williston. This hotel is about 1 1/2 miles northwest of Williston and provides convenient access to popular attractions such as James Memorial Art Center, Cut Bluff Overlook, and Fort Buford State Historic Site. The Quality Inn offers in-room amenities such as wireless internet connections, flat-screen TVs, cable programming, microwaves, and refrigerators, as well as a fitness center, arcade room, business center, and laundry facilities.
Grand Williston Hotel and Conference Center offers special rates to AAA members and government and military personnel. Situated about 2 miles north of downtown Williston, this hotel is a few minutes away from attractions such as Williston Parks and Recreation District, The Frontier Museum, and Spring Lake Park. The hotel provides a pleasant stay with rooms that feature high-speed Wi-Fi, 42-inch flat-screen TVs, refrigerators, microwaves, and coffee makers. Amenities include an indoor pool, fitness center, restaurant, conference center, and laundry facilities.
What are the top value hotel options in Williston, ND?
If you're looking for a hotel in Williston that provides good value for your money, check out the MainStay Suites in Williston. Located about 1 1/2 miles north of Williston, this hotel is 1.6 miles from the James Memorial Art Center, 2 miles from Williston Basin Speedway, and 2.7 miles from Spring Lake Park. The MainStay Suites facility has 89 air-conditioned rooms with fully equipped kitchenettes, complimentary wired and wireless internet connections, plasma TVs, and cable programming. In addition, the hotel offers amenities such as a fitness center, picnic area, bar and lounge, newsstand, 24-hour business center, laundry facilities, and travel assistance.
Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Williston is another popular option among value seekers. This hotel is 1.6 miles northwest of downtown Williston, 1.3 miles from Harmon Park, 2.3 miles from Williston Municipal Golf Course, and 3.7 miles from The Frontier Museum. Each of the 55 rooms in this hotel features free Wi-Fi, satellite programming, refrigerators, microwaves, and hair dryers. While you're staying here, you can take advantage of amenities such as an indoor pool, spa tub, 24-hour business center, laundry services, and area shuttle.
What are the most popular attractions around Williston, ND?
You can start exploring Williston with a tour of Fort Buford State Historic Site, which contains remnants of an important frontier military post. Constructed in 1866, Fort Buford served as a supply depot for military operations and provided protection for immigrants settling in the area. Fort Buford is best remembered as the site where famous Sioux chief Sitting Bull surrendered in the late 19th century. Original features of the fort that are still standing today include the cemetery site, a stone powder magazine, and the officers' quarters building, which has been turned into a museum.
Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site is another must-see attraction for history buffs. This attraction features a partially reconstructed site that reveals what Fort Union may have looked like during the 1850s. Established in 1828, the fort played an important role in the developing fur trade in Montana. Here, Native American tribes of the Northern Plains traded buffalo robes and smaller furs for a range of products from around the world, such as cloth, blankets, beads, and guns. Fort Union is one of the first sites in the United States to be declared a National Historic Landmark.
If you're interested in outdoor activities, spend a day at Lewis and Clark State Park in Epping, North Dakota, to bond with nature and learn about the Lewis and Clark Expedition. This park features self-guided nature trails that lead to the habitats of native animal species such as the ring-necked pheasant and white-tailed deer. It's also home to Lake Sakakawea, which offers excellent fishing opportunities throughout the year. Other popular outdoor attractions in the area include Spring Lake Park, Lake Zahl National Wildlife Refuge, and Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
With many accommodation options available around Williston, you may have a difficult time deciding which hotel is most suitable for you and your travel companions. To make your vacation more hassle-free and enjoyable, consider staying at a hotel that provides easy access to your intended destinations and adequate amenities for a comfortable stay.
FAQs about hotels in Williston
What did travelers think of the city of Williston?
Below are reviews of the city of Williston, ND from an actual visitor's perspective.
"The variety of restaurants!"
Score
5.0 / 5
The variety of restaurants!
Mike B., from 27-Oct-2023
"Awesome Rec. Centre"
Score
4.0 / 5
Rec. Centre is awesome!
Chance P., from 10-Oct-2023
"Great Shopping, Dining & Pumpkin Patch!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Went shopping and to the pumpkin patch! The food establishments are the reason why we travel over to the Williston area once a month!
Jessica R., from 08-Oct-2023
"Redneck Egg Rolls at Doc Holidays Roadhouse are TO DIE FOR!!!!!"
Score
4.0 / 5
The Redneck Egg Rolls at Doc Holidays Roadhouse are TO DIE FOR!!!!!
Ian T., from 08-Oct-2023
"Great Food!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Great food, clean town.
Elick C., from 27-Aug-2023
"Shopping!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Shopping!
Mary R., from 04-Jan-2023
"Nice City Park Nearby"
Score
5.0 / 5
Nice city park to exercise dogs, which was wonderful.
Carolyn C., from 19-Sep-2022
"Numerous Sites to Enjoy"
Score
4.0 / 5
Very friendly people and numerous sites to enjoy.
Michael D., from 22-Aug-2022
"Great Restaurants & Peaceful Atmosphere!"
Score
4.0 / 5
They have some great restaurants here with amazing food!! Its such a peaceful, calm and collected atmosphere!!
Roxanne L., from 18-Aug-2022
The average traveler rating of the city of Williston, ND shown above is
4.4 out of 5 based on 9 reviews