When discussing nature in the United States, North Dakota’s beauty is often overlooked. State and national parks in North Dakota offer a wide range of outdoor experiences such as hiking and kayaking.
These parks not only feature stunning landscapes like the Badlands, open plains, and sparkling lakes, but they also hold significant historical value. They help preserve Native American heritage, as well as the stories of Sacagawea, Lewis and Clark, and the Pioneer Era and fur trading hubs.
Overall, North Dakota’s state and national parks allow visitors to immerse themselves in both its fascinating past and underrated scenery.
8. Icelandic State Park
Icelandic State Park is located just over an hour northwest of Grand Forks and offers a mix of nature, fun activities, and a glimpse into the area’s history. Despite the perception of North Dakota being vast open land, it was even more so during the 19th century.
The park celebrates this historical period and also works to protect the local plants and animals. To start your visit, it’s recommended to go to the Pioneer Heritage Center, where you can explore restored historic buildings and the Gunlogson Homestead.
After that, you can explore the park’s nature preserve, which includes woodlands along the Tongue River. This area is home to various colorful plants, wildlife, and birds.
7. Theodore Roosevelt National Park
The Theodore Roosevelt National Park is a beautiful place with stunning landscapes that used to captivate President Roosevelt. When he became president, he quickly turned this area into one of the best national parks in the state. Visitors can enjoy exploring the park, which offers both gorgeous environments and exciting drives.
To start your visit, you can go to the Painted Canyon Visitor Center where you can learn about the park’s unique history and see its breathtaking landscapes. Just a short distance away, you can visit the Maltese Cross Cabin, where Roosevelt used to stay.
Afterwards, you can take a walk or go on a four-wheel drive adventure through the Badlands to observe the bison wandering across the rolling plains.
6. Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site
At the Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site, you have the opportunity to discover the fascinating history and culture of the Mandan and Hidatsa Native Americans. Using recreated villages, you can immerse yourself in the past and explore the lives of these local tribes during the pioneer era.
When visiting this historic site, it is recommended to start at the museum, where you can see artifacts from the original Mandan and Hidatsa villages and learn from informative exhibits. Afterwards, take a stroll along the Village Trail to enjoy the natural surroundings and then witness the earth lodges that once served as Sacagawea’s home.
5. Lake Metigoshe State Park
Lake Metigoshe State Park is a vast and beautiful nature reserve located in the foothills of the Turtle Mountains. The park offers countless opportunities for stunning photographs. The sparkling Lake Metigoshe is always in sight, providing a peaceful and scenic backdrop.
Hikers can explore the park’s picturesque trails, and those who prefer the water can go on a paddle or fishing adventure. This state park is unique because it shares a border with Canada and is the largest in North Dakota.
Its landscape stands out from the rest of the state with its breathtaking lake and wooded hills, offering a contrast to the Badlands and prairies.
During warmer months, visitors can relax by the lake and try their hand at fishing, while in winter, they can enjoy the park’s snowmobile trails and experience the transformation into a magical winter wonderland.
4. Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site
The Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site is located on the border of Montana and North Dakota and holds great significance in pioneer history. It was built in 1828 and served as a trading post until 1867, where the American Fur Company would exchange goods with Native American tribes in return for fur.
After its closure, parts of the fort were used to construct Fort Buford. Nowadays, visitors can explore a replica of the original Fort Union, designed with impressive architecture to impress the tribes. Despite conflicts, the fort remained a peaceful place.
Guests can go on self-guided or ranger-led tours to learn about the historic trading post, which saw an exchange of 25,000 buffalo skins annually.
3. Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park
When you visit Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park, you’ll have a memorable experience that combines history and nature. The park is located near the Missouri River and has historic buildings and beautiful nature trails. You can explore the old homes, outposts, and villages either on your own or with a guide.
Two of the main attractions are the Mandan Indian Village, which has traditional earth lodges, and the Custer House, where you can learn about historic conflicts and see evidence of commissaries and granaries. You can also enjoy hiking, cycling, and horseback riding in the park.
2. Fort Ransom State Park
Fort Ransom State Park is worth visiting throughout the year. During summer and fall, you can enjoy the beautiful Cheyenne River Valley by kayaking in the sparkling streams and lakes. The park also offers a campground and around 15 miles of hiking trails.
In winter, the hiking trails transform into a perfect destination for cross-country skiers to explore the picturesque snowy nature. Snowmobile trails are available for another thrilling experience in the park. Don’t forget to check out the original Fort Ransom, constructed in 1867, whenever you decide to visit.
1. Turtle River State Park
Turtle River State Park is located in the eastern part of North Dakota and offers activities for people who enjoy fishing, kayaking, hiking, and cross-country skiing all year round.
The park was established in the 1930s with the help of the Civilian Conservation Corps, a program created under the New Deal to provide employment during the Great Depression. As a result, Turtle River State Park is like a living tribute to this important part of US history.
When visiting the park, you will have excellent opportunities to go fishing either from the shoreline or on the water. Throughout the year, you can catch rainbow trout and various other types of fish.
The park also has a well-maintained trail system that will guide you through different ecosystems where you may spot wildlife and a wide variety of birds.