The post office was established in 1902, and the town was incorporated first as a village in 1908 and as a city in 1909.

[1] In April 1911, the then ex-president and long-term fixture of the Badlands region, Theodore Roosevelt, made his last trip to the area, stopping in Beach and nearby Medora.

He first expressed surprise that the town of Beach even existed, based upon such marginal land.

This was undoubtedly due to the lack of flora and fauna, the wear and strain he endured in the 10 years he ranched in the area, and Rocky Mountain and Great Plains blizzard of 1886–7.

The incident is likely to have critically influenced his commentary and estrangement with the region, culminating in October 1918.

While giving a morale speech regarding World War I in then strongly anti-war North Dakota, a side trip to the Badlands was suggested.

Roosevelt demurred, stating "[i]t is a mistake for one to hit the back trail after many years have passed.

"[11] Beach is located in western North Dakota along the border with Montana.

43.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 22.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

36.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 19.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.