State Normal School at Valley City Historic District

The State Normal School Historic District is an educational complex in Valley City with eleven buildings and two structures spread across about 26 acres. The architecture combines Modern Movement and Late Victorian elements, with notable structures including McFarland Hall and the Charlotte Graichen Gymnasium as part of the ensemble.

The complex was founded in 1890 as a teacher training institution and has shaped Valley City since its beginning. It received recognition as a National Register of Historic Places site in 1995, documenting its importance to regional educational history.

The buildings reflect how teacher training institutions shaped their campuses over time, showing the evolving role of education in the region. Walking through the district, you notice how each structure represents a different chapter in the story of preparing educators.

The district is located between College Street Southeast, Second Avenue Southeast, Viking Drive, and Second Avenue Southwest, making it easy to explore on foot. Plan time to view the individual buildings and take in the full layout of the entire complex.

A wooden pedestrian bridge over the Sheyenne River has connected the campus to Valley City since 1892. This early structure shows how important it was to link the school campus with the surrounding community.