Pioneer Park Amphitheater

Valley City has long been identified as a politically and socially progressive North Dakota community. Currently overlooked and somewhat endangered from neglect, the Pioneer Park amphitheater exemplifies the only known feature of its type and method of construction in the state. Funded by the WPA, the amphitheater is built of native granite. In keeping with the emphasis on nature for parks and recreational features, the amphitheater is picturesquely rustic in a manner sometimes referred to as “WPA Rustic,” where the use of native building materials, such as fieldstone and cobblestones, was common. The labor-making aspect of the stonework was an important aspect of relief employment.