Alsen is a city in Cavalier County, North Dakota, United States. The population was 32 at the 2020 census.  This Soo Line Railroad townsite was named for local settlers who came from Alsen Island off the coast of Denmark. Alsen reached a peak population of 358 in 1930.  
​
Alsen and Storlie, ND
  • Origins:
    • Alsen was initially called Storlie, established in 1899, named for Halvor Storlie, a local leader. Renamed Alsen in 1905 after a Danish island.
  • Early Settlers:
    • Settled by Norwegian and other European immigrants, many arriving via covered wagons from Freeman, South Dakota.
  • Growth and Incorporation:
    • By 1910, Alsen had churches, schools, a bank, a drugstore, a hardware store, and a bustling community of settlers.
  • Unique Features:
    • Alsen has the largest area of any incorporated village in North Dakota.
    • Known for its state-class basketball team with a record-setting 79-game win streak from 1956–1959.
  • Landmarks and Institutions:
    • Swiss Mennonite Church (est. 1904): Reflects the Swiss heritage of its founders.
    • Farmers State Bank (1909): Became a centerpiece of early commerce.
    • Lost Prairie Lodge: Originally built as low-income housing, now serves as a hunting lodge and community rental space.
  • Community Life:
    • A curling club founded in 1960 still serves as a hub for sports and social gatherings.
    • The Rod and Gun Club, established in 1956, hosts trap shoots and fishing outings.
  • Education Legacy:
    • Alsen School (1928) was a hub for education and sports, rebuilding after a devastating fire in 1946. It closed in the 1980s but left a lasting impact.
  • Industry:
    • Once home to multiple elevators, hardware stores, and a Mirolene factory producing patented medicines.
    • Farmers Oil Company served the agricultural community for decades.
  • Notable Events:
    • Fires destroyed key businesses and homes over the years, reflecting resilience and rebuilding.
    • Alsen held a vibrant Diamond Jubilee in 1980, celebrating its rich history.
  • Present-Day Highlights:
    • Hunting, curling, and seasonal festivals keep the spirit of the community alive.
    • The Lost Prairie Lodge and preserved church cemeteries offer connections to the past.
Alsen and Storlie are a testament to the perseverance of early settlers and the enduring charm of small-town North Dakota life.