Beulah: the small town with rich culture!
Experience the rich Beulah history and culture that has been present in the region for centuries.
From the Northern Plains Indians to European settlers and aspects of modern-day Beulah, there are many opportunities to experience life today and how it developed from those before.
Exploring our community-based museums offers a unique and immersive experience. These museums highlight our local area's unique history, stories, and culture. This contributes to community pride by highlighting local customs and traditions. Additionally, by safeguarding and presenting these historical artifacts and stories, our museums play a vital role in preserving regional heritage and culture.
History & Culture
Indian Head Mine Shovel Monument
Standing proudly on West Railroad Street, this impressive coal shovel represents a significant part of Beulah’s mining history. Known as a true workhorse, the P&H 1055 diesel shovel was purchased new in 1946 for use at the Indian Head Mine near Beulah-Zap. It served dual purposes—first as a dragline for stripping prairie soil, and later as a shovel for loading coal into trucks.
Over its 20 years of service, the shovel played a vital role in powering North Dakota’s coal industry before being retired in 1966. In 1991, it was restored, painted, and donated to the City of Beulah by the Indian Head Mine and North American Coal Corporation. The monument now stands as a tribute to the miners who worked with it and the community shaped by energy production.
Fast Facts:
• Bucket Capacity: 3 cubic yards
• Boom Length: 100 feet
• Dedicated: October 4, 1991
Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site
The Knife River Indian Villages offer a look into the lives of the Northern Plains Indians who inhabited the area for centuries before European settlers moved into the region. Visitors can tour several village sites along the Knife River to experience a way of life from long ago.
Mercer County Museum
The Mercer County Museum holds many artifacts highlighting the life of area residents, from Native Americans through present times. It contains a vast array of military implements from the Spanish American War through current conflicts. The museum also holds several special collections, including a 1,500+ miniature farm toy collection, vintage cars, steam tractors and a 1923 Harley Davidson motorcycle, fully restored and complete with a sidecar. Visitors can take a seat at the vintage dime store counter and order a “mud,” an ice cream, chocolate and peanut concoction invented at the original Beulah Drug Store.
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