Ryder: A Hidden Gem in North Dakota

Ryder, North Dakota, is a small town brimming with warmth, charm, and community spirit that makes it a wonderfully unique place to call home. With its population of around 90 residents, Ryder offers a serene escape from the bustling pace of city life, fostering a close-knit and friendly atmosphere where neighbors turn into lifelong friends.

Life in Ryder is a testament to the joys of rural living, where each season paints the landscape with its own palette of colors. The town is surrounded by lush green fields, rolling hills, and scenic views that provide endless opportunities for outdoor recreation, whether it's summer hikes or winter snowshoeing adventures. The open skies are a canvas for breathtaking sunsets, offering quiet moments of reflection and appreciation for nature's beauty.

Ryder's community events are the highlight of local life, bringing residents together to celebrate traditions, share stories, and create lasting memories. Annual gatherings, farmers' markets, and holiday parades are just a few of the activities that capture the vibrant spirit of this special town. In Ryder, every day is an invitation to embrace a lifestyle centered on camaraderie and simplicity.

Choosing Ryder as home means embracing the idyllic charm and endearing tranquility that can only be found in such a treasured rural haven.

Workforce & Industrial Development

Located in central North Dakota, Ryder offers a strategic position for industrial and logistics operations serving the Upper Midwest and Canadian markets. The city benefits from direct access to U.S. Highway 83, connecting it efficiently to Minot, Bismarck, and major regional transportation corridors. Proximity to Minot International Airport and the BNSF Railway network further enhances Ryder’s connectivity for both freight and workforce mobility.

Industrial real estate in Ryder and surrounding Ward County remains competitively priced, with available parcels suitable for manufacturing, warehousing, and agribusiness. Local and regional developers are seeing increased interest as North Dakota’s energy, agriculture, and value-added processing sectors continue to expand.

Workforce development is a priority, with support from TrainND—a statewide initiative led by the North Dakota University System to deliver customized training for manufacturers, logistics firms, and energy companies. The North Dakota Department of Commerce also administers incentive programs such as the North Dakota Development Fund and the New Jobs Training Program, which help new and expanding businesses offset costs and upskill their teams.

Local economic development offices, including the Ward County Job Development Authority, provide site selection assistance, infrastructure support, and guidance on navigating state and local incentives, making Ryder an attractive option for companies seeking growth in the region.