Jamestown: Hometown 2.0 – Luke and Gabi Zimmer

For Luke and Gabi Zimmer, Jamestown began as a place to pursue their education. Since moving to the community in 2021, it has become the place where they have launched their careers, built meaningful connections, and found an easy place to put down roots.

Luke grew up in Velva, North Dakota, while Gabi is originally from Washburn. Both were drawn to the University of Jamestown, though they followed different interests. Luke came to play baseball, while Gabi pursued the university’s education and theatre programs.

Today, Luke serves as Site Supervisor for the Frontier Village through Jamestown Frontier Attractions, and Gabi is an English teacher at Jamestown High School.

After graduating from UJ with degrees in history and communication, Luke found a career that brought together his interests in public history and working with people. His role at the Frontier Village allows him to help preserve and share an important part of the community while creating an engaging experience for visitors.

One of the highlights of his career so far has been watching the construction of the Bison Bend Mini Golf Course. The course is set to open at the Frontier Village as a new attraction for residents and visitors in time for the 2027 season, adding another family-friendly activity to the site.

Gabi’s career path grew from a longtime dream of becoming an English teacher. Securing a full-time position at Jamestown High School marked an important milestone and gave her the opportunity to begin building the career she had envisioned.

Although their professional paths are different, Luke and Gabi have found Jamestown to be a supportive place to grow both personally and professionally.

“We truly enjoy the community of people we’ve built around ourselves in just a short time, and the various amenities available for a town of this size,” they said.

Their experiences have also introduced them to several local favorites. For newcomers looking for a restaurant that may fly under the radar, Luke recommends Club 1883. Gabi suggests visiting the AAUW Used Bookstore, located inside Bufftown Bargains.

Outside of work, Luke stays connected to baseball by coaching Legion Baseball and playing for the Jamestown Elks. Gabi, fittingly for an English teacher, spends much of her free time reading.

For Luke and Gabi, one of the greatest advantages of living in Jamestown is the ability to form relationships and remain connected to the people around them. Having also experienced life in a larger city, they have found that Jamestown offers a different sense of connection.

“We found it to be much easier to make and maintain personal connections in a town this size,” they said. “‘North Dakota nice’ is more of a way of living than just a saying.”

That welcoming environment is also part of what they believe makes Jamestown a strong choice for other young professionals and families.

“Jamestown is an easy place to put down roots,” they said. “The community is always looking for new young individuals and families in both a professional and personal setting.”

What began as an opportunity to attend the University of Jamestown has grown into much more for Luke and Gabi. In only a few years, they have found careers they care about, ways to stay involved, and a community they are proud to call home.