Have you ever seen a bank vault with your own eyes? Not in movies or television, but actually been up close to a bank vault – and a very old one, at that. This little town in Stark County, North Dakota has a very unique feature that probably no other town in the world can say they have. Check out that and other cool things to do in Lefor, North Dakota.

The town of Lefor, North Dakota is a small unincorporated community just southeast of Dickinson.
Andrew Filer/Flickr
It may be small but it is stunning. These large expanses of land and sky simply cannot be beaten. You'll feel like you're walking through a painting most days.
Most of the town is fairly empty nowadays, but even though the Lefor post office closed in 2002, it still has its own ZIP code.
Andrew Filer/Flickr
Having to go a town or two over to mail things isn't such a hassle, especially when you're surrounded by so much natural beauty and unique history.
Other than a few of the more interesting buildings still standing in Lefor, there is a unique feature from its past that, despite time and nature taking its course, has still not fallen.
Andrew Filer/Flickr
In this spot once stood the Lefor State Bank, built in 1913. By the time the Great Depression hit, many banks in the country were closing up and this one was unfortunately no different.

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Turns out you had to go to another town to bank even then, so some things about this small town have remained the same for decades.
Andrew Filer/Flickr
The building of the bank itself was torn down, but there was one part of it that just wouldn't go. That part is the bank vault, which you can see here. Standing alone yet strong, it has been marked by a metal arch.
Whether you choose to pose with it for Instagram or practice some Mission Impossible lock picking, it's a very unique thing to do in Lefor, North Dakota.
Andrew Filer/Flickr
The metal arch proclaims this spot the "Remnants of the Lefor State Bank." It includes names and a vintage photograph of the bank when it was still in its prime. Back then, this vault was safely hidden inside. Now it is all that is left and seems strong enough that it won't be going anywhere anytime soon.
Andrew Filer/Flickr
If you visit the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum you can learn more about the town and the way it's ebbed and flowed over the years.

This town is an unusual but interesting way to see an old, stubborn bank vault, which I’d say is an opportunity that doesn’t really come by often, if ever. That’s one of the great things about North Dakota – our history is still strongly present and you can experience it in the most unique of ways!

Discover more fascinating small towns in North Dakota you may have never heard of before.

Have you visited Lefor, North Dakota, and checked out this cool, free-standing, historical vault before? If so, let us know in the comments below. We love hearing your firsthand accounts of these unique locations and experiences around the United States.

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More to Explore

Small Towns In North Dakota

CC | March 23, 2023

What are other small towns in North Dakota?

Don’t worry; Lefor isn’t the only charming and wonderful town to explore in this great state. Check out these other small towns in North Dakota while you’re at it.

  • Great Bend, SD
  • Hamilton, SD
  • Douglas, SD
  • Dawson, SD
  • Sentinel Butte, SD
  • Mantador, SD
  • Golva, SD
  • Balta, SD
  • Hague, SD
  • Gardner, SD

 

What state parks should I explore in North Dakota?

Once you’ve visited a number of gorgeous small towns, consider heading for the woods and checking out these state parks in North Dakota.

  • Lake Metigoshe State Park
  • Beaver Lake State Park
  • Fort Ransom State Park
  • Icelandic State Park
  • Grahams Island State Park
  • Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park
  • Lewis & Clark State Park
  • Little Missouri State Park
  • Cross Ranch Lake Park
  • Turtle River State Park

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Lefor, ND 58641, USA