Ashley, ND - A Tight-Knit Community with Deep Roots, Rich Heritage, and Growing Opportunities
Preserving the Past
Robert Wishek of the McIntosh County Heritage Center traces Ashley’s origins to the 1880s, when settlers relocated from the earlier Hoskins settlement to follow the proposed Bismarck-Aberdeen railroad line. Ashley’s story is interwoven with German-Russian heritage, which is celebrated through efforts by the Tri-County Tourism Alliance. Unique to the region are landmarks like the Ashley Jewish Homesteaders Cemetery, where early 20th-century Jewish refugees farmed alongside German-Russian neighbors, and Whitestone Hill Battlefield, the solemn site of a deadly 1863 conflict between U.S. Cavalry and Native tribes.
Community Healthcare & Education
Eric Heupel, Chief Officer of Ashley Medical Center, discusses the town’s commitment to rural healthcare. Investments in education are also evident—Ashley’s PreK–12 school (home of the Mustangs) recently underwent major renovations, adding secure entries, new locker rooms, and a public-access fitness center. These improvements help retain staff and keep families rooted in the community.
Business & Housing Growth
Maggie Newhouse, local realtor and city council member, paints a picture of Ashley as a destination for outdoor enthusiasts and entrepreneurs alike. Hunters from as far as New York, Texas, and Canada return year after year, some even buying homes after attending events like the Ducks Unlimited banquet or a local spaghetti feed. Through the Ashley JDA, newcomers can access grants and loans to start or grow businesses, with strong community support. Ashley’s lodging options—including the Ashley Inn, Ashley Lodge, and local Air BnBs like the Bunkhouse—make it easy for visitors to experience this "gem among sportsmen."
Rodeo Tradition
Matthew Hoffman of the Ashley Community Rodeo Club shares how the annual ACRC Ranch Rodeo (August 2–3 this year) has become a beloved summer event. Featuring traditional ranch events and the famed Soup & Sausage Supper and Pie Auction, it’s a time when the town shines with hospitality.
Nature, Parks & Outdoor Life
Brenda Meyer, President of the Ashley Park Board, highlights how Ashley maintains exceptional recreational spaces, including Centennial Park, Lake Hoskins, and Dry Lake. Lake Hoskins offers camping, playgrounds, picnic shelters, a boat dock, and a fish-cleaning station. Nearby Dry Lake spans 11,000 acres and is renowned for trophy Walleye and Northern Pike fishing.
Ashley also supports youth and community sports with modern facilities like a pickleball court, baseball diamonds, and a scenic fitness trail, enhancing the town's appeal to both residents and visitors.
