North Dakota is home to some of the most gorgeous natural spaces you’ll ever see. And if you enjoy outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, horseback riding, fishing, and exploring nature, you’re in luck because you can do it all in our state parks. Wondering which of these unique destinations belong on your outdoor bucket list? We’ve compiled a list of some of the most beautiful state parks in North Dakota to visit. Adventures await!
- Lake Metigoshe State Park
flickr/Roderick Eime Our list of the best state parks to visit in North Dakota begins at Lake Metigoshe State Park. Located on the shores of Lake Metigoshe, this state park is well known for fishing northern pike, perch and walleye. Visit during the summertime, and you’ll want to check out the trail that leads to a breathtaking swimming hole. Lake Metigoshe State Park, Roland, ND 58318, USA
- Beaver Lake State Park
flickr/David Becker This 283-acre state park is located just 17 miles outside of Napoleon, North Dakota and offers recreational activities such as boating, canoeing, water skiing and fishing. Learn more about all the adventures that await you at Beaver Lake State Park. Beaver Lake State Park, 3850 70th St SE, Wishek, ND 58495, USA
- Fort Ransom State Park
wikimedia commons Fort Ransom State Park is nestled in the Sheyenne River Valley and is one of North Dakota’s officially designated Scenic Byways and Backways. Learn more about what makes Fort Ransom State Park perfect for your next outing. Fort Ransom State Park, 5981 Walt Hjelle Pkwy, Fort Ransom, ND 58033, USA
- Icelandic State Park
flickr/mara Located on the north shore of Lake Renwick, this state park has a 200-acre natural wooded area that’s used as a sanctuary for plants, birds and many different species of wildlife. While you’re there, be sure to check out this beautiful secluded lake. Icelandic State Park, 13571 ND-5, Cavalier, ND 58220, USA
- Grahams Island State Park
facebook/Grahams Island State Park This state park has a lake that offers some of the best summer and winter fishing in North Dakota, and it’s located 10 miles west of Devils Lake. Truly, Grahams Island State Park makes for a perfect year-round day trip destination. Grahams Island State Park, 152 South Duncan Road, Devils Lake, ND 58301, USA
- Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park
wikipedia Military history, as well as early Native American history, is preserved at this state park, which is located only 7 miles from Mandan, North Dakota. If you’re a history enthusiast, Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park is a must. Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park, 4480 Fort Lincoln Rd, Mandan, ND 58554, USA
- Lewis & Clark State Park
wikimedia commons Two very rare fish species, the pallid sturgeon and the paddlefish, can sometimes be found in this state park’s lake. Lewis & Clark State Park is located 19 miles southeast of Williston, North Dakota. It’s so well-hidden that it might just be one of North Dakota’s best-kept secrets. Lewis and Clark State Park, 4904 119th Rd NW, Epping, ND 58843, USA
- Little Missouri State Park
North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department Because of this state park’s many miles of trails, backpacking and horseback riding are popular activities. This state park also has some of the best Badlands scenery you’ll ever see. In fact, many consider Little Missouri State Park to be the best state park in North Dakota. Little Missouri State Park, 910 103rd Ave NW, Killdeer, ND 58640, USA
- Cross Ranch Lake Park
wikipedia This state park stretches along seven miles of the Missouri River and has been left alone to preserve the land’s natural beauty. Just a few moments here will showcase why Cross Ranch Lake Park is one of the best state parks to visit in North Dakota. Cross Ranch State Park, 1403 River Rd, Center, ND 58530, USA
- Turtle River State Park
flickr/gfpeck Turtle River State Park is stocked with lots of rainbow trout and is located 22 miles west of Grand Forks, North Dakota. Learn more about what you can look forward to when you visit this quiet and peaceful state park. Turtle River State Park, 3084 Park Ave NE, Arvilla, ND 58214, USA
Do you agree that these are some of the best state parks to visit in North Dakota? Are there any that you would add to the list? If so, be sure to let us know in the comments below — we’d love to hear from you! For even more inspiration, check out the Nature Lovers Definitive Guide To North Dakota’s Natural Beauty – Parks, Beaches, Hikes, And More! There’s something on this list for every kind of outdoor enthusiast.
flickr/Roderick Eime
Our list of the best state parks to visit in North Dakota begins at Lake Metigoshe State Park. Located on the shores of Lake Metigoshe, this state park is well known for fishing northern pike, perch and walleye. Visit during the summertime, and you’ll want to check out the trail that leads to a breathtaking swimming hole.
Lake Metigoshe State Park, Roland, ND 58318, USA
flickr/David Becker
This 283-acre state park is located just 17 miles outside of Napoleon, North Dakota and offers recreational activities such as boating, canoeing, water skiing and fishing. Learn more about all the adventures that await you at Beaver Lake State Park.
Beaver Lake State Park, 3850 70th St SE, Wishek, ND 58495, USA
wikimedia commons
Fort Ransom State Park is nestled in the Sheyenne River Valley and is one of North Dakota’s officially designated Scenic Byways and Backways. Learn more about what makes Fort Ransom State Park perfect for your next outing.
Fort Ransom State Park, 5981 Walt Hjelle Pkwy, Fort Ransom, ND 58033, USA
flickr/mara
Located on the north shore of Lake Renwick, this state park has a 200-acre natural wooded area that’s used as a sanctuary for plants, birds and many different species of wildlife. While you’re there, be sure to check out this beautiful secluded lake.
Icelandic State Park, 13571 ND-5, Cavalier, ND 58220, USA
facebook/Grahams Island State Park
This state park has a lake that offers some of the best summer and winter fishing in North Dakota, and it’s located 10 miles west of Devils Lake. Truly, Grahams Island State Park makes for a perfect year-round day trip destination.
Grahams Island State Park, 152 South Duncan Road, Devils Lake, ND 58301, USA
wikipedia
Military history, as well as early Native American history, is preserved at this state park, which is located only 7 miles from Mandan, North Dakota. If you’re a history enthusiast, Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park is a must.
Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park, 4480 Fort Lincoln Rd, Mandan, ND 58554, USA
Two very rare fish species, the pallid sturgeon and the paddlefish, can sometimes be found in this state park’s lake. Lewis & Clark State Park is located 19 miles southeast of Williston, North Dakota. It’s so well-hidden that it might just be one of North Dakota’s best-kept secrets.
Lewis and Clark State Park, 4904 119th Rd NW, Epping, ND 58843, USA
North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department
Because of this state park’s many miles of trails, backpacking and horseback riding are popular activities. This state park also has some of the best Badlands scenery you’ll ever see. In fact, many consider Little Missouri State Park to be the best state park in North Dakota.
Little Missouri State Park, 910 103rd Ave NW, Killdeer, ND 58640, USA
This state park stretches along seven miles of the Missouri River and has been left alone to preserve the land’s natural beauty. Just a few moments here will showcase why Cross Ranch Lake Park is one of the best state parks to visit in North Dakota.
Cross Ranch State Park, 1403 River Rd, Center, ND 58530, USA
flickr/gfpeck
Turtle River State Park is stocked with lots of rainbow trout and is located 22 miles west of Grand Forks, North Dakota. Learn more about what you can look forward to when you visit this quiet and peaceful state park.
Turtle River State Park, 3084 Park Ave NE, Arvilla, ND 58214, USA
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The OIYS Visitor Center
state parks to visit in North Dakota January 10, 2022 Beth C. What are the top natural wonders to visit in North Dakota? North Dakota’s natural wonders could impress just about anyone. No matter which region of the state you happen to be visiting, you’ll find yourself in proximity to some truly otherworldly scenery. Some of the top natural wonders to visit in North Dakota include Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge, Cannonball Concretions Pullout, Wildwood Hiking Trail, Theodore Roosevelt National park, Fort Ransom State Park, Cross Ranch State Park, Caprock-Coulee Trail, Grahams Island, and Wind Canyon Trail. Curious to learn more? Check out our previous article: The 10 Most Incredible Natural Attractions In North Dakota That Everyone Should Visit.
The OIYS Visitor Center
state parks to visit in North Dakota
January 10, 2022
Beth C.
What are the top natural wonders to visit in North Dakota? North Dakota’s natural wonders could impress just about anyone. No matter which region of the state you happen to be visiting, you’ll find yourself in proximity to some truly otherworldly scenery. Some of the top natural wonders to visit in North Dakota include Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge, Cannonball Concretions Pullout, Wildwood Hiking Trail, Theodore Roosevelt National park, Fort Ransom State Park, Cross Ranch State Park, Caprock-Coulee Trail, Grahams Island, and Wind Canyon Trail. Curious to learn more? Check out our previous article: The 10 Most Incredible Natural Attractions In North Dakota That Everyone Should Visit.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
North Dakota’s natural wonders could impress just about anyone. No matter which region of the state you happen to be visiting, you’ll find yourself in proximity to some truly otherworldly scenery. Some of the top natural wonders to visit in North Dakota include Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge, Cannonball Concretions Pullout, Wildwood Hiking Trail, Theodore Roosevelt National park, Fort Ransom State Park, Cross Ranch State Park, Caprock-Coulee Trail, Grahams Island, and Wind Canyon Trail. Curious to learn more? Check out our previous article: The 10 Most Incredible Natural Attractions In North Dakota That Everyone Should Visit.
