World War II Heritage Trail Includes VCSU Location
Photo: A new World War II Heritage Trail interpretive panel has been installed at the VCSU campus. It is located near a previous commemorative panel and ship’s anchor that designate VCSU’s roll in the Navy V-12 Program during World War II.
Barnes County Museum Hosting “Grand Opening” for Heritage Trail
VALLEY CITY, N.D. (VCSU) – The community of Valley City was designated by the National Park Service as an American World War II Heritage City in 2025, and a new World War II Heritage Trail throughout the city includes a stop at Valley City State University.
The American World War II Heritage Cities program recognizes the historic importance of the United States’ involvement in World War II. Led by efforts from the Barnes County Historical Society, Valley City is the only community in North Dakota to receive the designation and is the smallest community in the country to receive it.
Interpretive panels have been installed at noteworthy locations throughout the city – including one on the front lawn of Valley City State University – sharing how the community supported the war effort. The interpretive panel at VCSU details the college’s roll in the U.S. Navy’s V-12 program, which trained Navy officers. More than 500 Navy officers trained at the college during World War II. The panel also shares how Valley City State participated in several efforts to train women for various roles related to the war.
The Barnes County Museum is hosting a “Grand Opening” for Valley City’s World War II Heritage Trail on Thursday, July 9, at 2:30 p.m. at the museum. The Heritage Trail includes interpretive panels and a Talking Trail throughout Valley City, and a new display at the Barnes County Museum – located at 315 Central Avenue North.
The Valley City Talking Trail includes oral histories at the World War II locations in Valley City along with engaging audio experiences at several other noteworthy Valley City locations – including the historic VCSU Footbridge and Medicine Wheel Park. Joe Stickler, professor emeritus at VCSU, is the featured speaker for the Medicine Wheel Park oral history.
Learn More about Valley City’s World War II Heritage City Designation