Valley City, North Dakota was founded in 1872 with the name of Second Crossing of the Sheyenne when the Northern Pacific railroad crossed the river here. The original line of the Northern Pacific Railroad descended from the east, crossed the Sheyenne River at Valley City over a low bridge, and climbed out of the valley to the west. Because of the depth of the valley, the grades on either side of the river were too severe. To avoid these severe grades, the new or "High Line" was build one mile upstream.
At 3,860 feet long and 162 feet above the river bed, the Highline Bridge is one of the longest and highest single-track bridges in the nation. Work began on June 30, 1906. The first official train crossed the trestle on May 12, 1908 and regular train service began shortly after, and continues today.
The Valley City Parks & Recreation Districts goal is to provide recreational opportunities for all ages, whether that be through programs or facilities. They presently provide various actvities throughout the year for youth as well as adults. Valley City Parks & Recreation currently maintains and manages seven parks, a 9-hole municipal golf course (in addition to the semi-private Country Club’s 9 hole golf course), an outdoor swimming pool, two tennis court complexes, three softball/baseball complexes, a campground, and the Rec Center will full fitness facilities and City Auditorium.
