We all know about North Dakota’s national park, and many of us have been to or heard of places like Lake Metigoshe State Park, Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park, and other popular spots. But what about the other many state parks in the Peace Garden State? If you’re looking for someplace new to visit that is just as impressive as the others, you’ll love these lesser-known gems. Here are 8 more state parks to visit in North Dakota.
- Little Missouri State Park
NDPRD/Flickr This breathtaking state park is located near Killdeer, North Dakota. If you’re looking for a way to experience another part of the badlands that isn’t in the Theodore Roosevelt National Park, this is it. This is also a great place to go horseback riding through the rugged terrain. Check out the official website for Little Missouri State Park to learn more. Little Missouri State Park, 910 103rd Ave NW, Killdeer, ND 58640, USA
- Cross Ranch State Park
NDPRD/Flickr The beautiful Missouri River has been altered and developed upon most of the hundreds of miles it stretches, but there is one state park in North Dakota that has the very last of its original, free-flowing, pristine state. The park is entirely primitive to preserve the land and there are plenty of trails to explore it on. This park is located near the town of Hensler. To learn more, visit the Cross Ranch State Park website. Cross Ranch State Park, 1403 River Rd, Center, ND 58530, USA
- Fort Ransom State Park
NDPRD/Flickr Nestled among the rolling hills of the Sheyenne River Valley, Fort Ransom State Park delivers on so many gorgeous aspects of North Dakota nature. The winding river, the tree-covered hills, and hidden meadows of wildflowers and a historic farmstead are all within this state park. This park is located next to the town of Fort Ransom. For more information, check out Fort Ransom State Park’s website. Fort Ransom State Park, 5981 Walt Hjelle Pkwy, Fort Ransom, ND 58033, USA
- Sully Creek State Park
NDPRD/Flickr While most people visiting Medora go to the impressive Theodore Roosevelt National Park to experience the badlands, there is a lesser-known state park just south of the town that is equally as breathtaking. This state park also allows you to camp right up next to the canyon walls in a pleasant valley along the Little Missouri River. Visit Sully Creek State Park’s website to learn more. Sully Creek State Park, 1465 36th St, Medora, ND 58645, USA
- Turtle River State Park
NDPRD/Flickr Located near Grand Forks, North Dakota, Turtle River State Park is a serene place to walk the wooded trails along the meandering river. There are cabins here you can rent as well as plenty of campgrounds. One of the prettiest features of the park is the lovely little waterfall shown above. It’s great to visit year round! Need more info? Visit Turtle River State Park’s website. Turtle River State Park, 3084 Park Ave NE, Arvilla, ND 58214, USA
- Lewis and Clark State Park
NDPRD/Flickr Experience the massive Lake Sakakawea by visiting the Lewis and Clark State Park. This is located near Williston and has everything you need for a fun day at the lake. A marina, trails, plenty of campgrounds, and an interpretive center and museum are all included here. Learn more by visiting the official Lewis and Clark State Park website. Lewis and Clark State Park, 4904 119th Rd NW, Epping, ND 58843, USA
- Icelandic State Park
NDPRD/Flickr Doesn’t this look like a shot taken in a rainforest? It’s actually in North Dakota! The Icelandic State Park and Gunlogson Nature Preserve can be found way up north near Cavalier, North Dakota. In this park you’ll explore a tranquil forest that surrounds the Tongue River. There is also a historic homestead in the park and the Pioneer Heritage Center where you can learn about the history of the state’s early settlers. Check out Icelandic State Park’s website to learn more. Icelandic State Park, 13571 ND-5, Cavalier, ND 58220, USA
- Beaver Lake State Park
NDPRD/Flickr Experience a fantastic day while relaxing lakeside at Beaver Lake State Park, located near Napoleon, North Dakota. This lake has a swimming beach, docks, and is surrounded by the charming prairie hills we all know and love. To learn more, visit Beaver Lake State Park’s website. Beaver Lake State Park, 3850 70th St SE, Wishek, ND 58495, USA
Have you ever explored these hidden gems? What are your favorite state parks to visit in North Dakota? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
NDPRD/Flickr
This breathtaking state park is located near Killdeer, North Dakota. If you’re looking for a way to experience another part of the badlands that isn’t in the Theodore Roosevelt National Park, this is it. This is also a great place to go horseback riding through the rugged terrain. Check out the official website for Little Missouri State Park to learn more.
Little Missouri State Park, 910 103rd Ave NW, Killdeer, ND 58640, USA
The beautiful Missouri River has been altered and developed upon most of the hundreds of miles it stretches, but there is one state park in North Dakota that has the very last of its original, free-flowing, pristine state. The park is entirely primitive to preserve the land and there are plenty of trails to explore it on. This park is located near the town of Hensler. To learn more, visit the Cross Ranch State Park website.
Cross Ranch State Park, 1403 River Rd, Center, ND 58530, USA
Nestled among the rolling hills of the Sheyenne River Valley, Fort Ransom State Park delivers on so many gorgeous aspects of North Dakota nature. The winding river, the tree-covered hills, and hidden meadows of wildflowers and a historic farmstead are all within this state park. This park is located next to the town of Fort Ransom. For more information, check out Fort Ransom State Park’s website.
Fort Ransom State Park, 5981 Walt Hjelle Pkwy, Fort Ransom, ND 58033, USA
While most people visiting Medora go to the impressive Theodore Roosevelt National Park to experience the badlands, there is a lesser-known state park just south of the town that is equally as breathtaking. This state park also allows you to camp right up next to the canyon walls in a pleasant valley along the Little Missouri River. Visit Sully Creek State Park’s website to learn more.
Sully Creek State Park, 1465 36th St, Medora, ND 58645, USA
Located near Grand Forks, North Dakota, Turtle River State Park is a serene place to walk the wooded trails along the meandering river. There are cabins here you can rent as well as plenty of campgrounds. One of the prettiest features of the park is the lovely little waterfall shown above. It’s great to visit year round! Need more info? Visit Turtle River State Park’s website.
Turtle River State Park, 3084 Park Ave NE, Arvilla, ND 58214, USA
Experience the massive Lake Sakakawea by visiting the Lewis and Clark State Park. This is located near Williston and has everything you need for a fun day at the lake. A marina, trails, plenty of campgrounds, and an interpretive center and museum are all included here. Learn more by visiting the official Lewis and Clark State Park website.
Lewis and Clark State Park, 4904 119th Rd NW, Epping, ND 58843, USA
Doesn’t this look like a shot taken in a rainforest? It’s actually in North Dakota! The Icelandic State Park and Gunlogson Nature Preserve can be found way up north near Cavalier, North Dakota. In this park you’ll explore a tranquil forest that surrounds the Tongue River. There is also a historic homestead in the park and the Pioneer Heritage Center where you can learn about the history of the state’s early settlers. Check out Icelandic State Park’s website to learn more.
Icelandic State Park, 13571 ND-5, Cavalier, ND 58220, USA
Experience a fantastic day while relaxing lakeside at Beaver Lake State Park, located near Napoleon, North Dakota. This lake has a swimming beach, docks, and is surrounded by the charming prairie hills we all know and love. To learn more, visit Beaver Lake State Park’s website.
Beaver Lake State Park, 3850 70th St SE, Wishek, ND 58495, USA
Though these lesser-known spots deserve more attention, there’s a good reason why North Dakota’s Theodore Roosevelt National Park is the most popular tourist destination in the state. It’s seriously awesome! To learn more, read our full article about this beloved national park in North Dakota.
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The OIYS Visitor Center
state parks to visit in North Dakota January 11, 2022 Elisa Regulski What hikes in North Dakota are short and sweet? If you’re looking for an easy hike with an amazing payoff, explore the Fisher Loop Trail inside Turtle River State Park. The entire journey is only .65 miles long, but it ends at a spectacular waterfall. It’s easy to see why people think it’s one of the best hiking trails in North Dakota! The astounding natural beauty will blow you away. What are the best outdoor adventures in North Dakota? Looking for one of the best things to do outside in North Dakota? Head over to Theodore Roosevelt National Park. With hundreds of miles of hiking trails, this natural area is home to never ending beauty. While you’re exploring the area, make sure to visit the The Cannonball Concretions Pullout. Here, you’ll find several natural stone structures that look like fine works of art. Each stone is almost perfectly spherical, and you could marvel at their beauty for hours. What are the most picturesque hiking trails in North Dakota? The Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge is one of the best parks in North Dakota. Here, you’ll find astounding views of prairie hills and wetlands. This breathtaking natural area sits in the town of Minot, so plan a day trip and experience it for yourself! For more fun, explore the Cottonwood Trail inside Cross Ranch State Park. We promise you won’t regret it.
The OIYS Visitor Center
state parks to visit in North Dakota
January 11, 2022
Elisa Regulski
What hikes in North Dakota are short and sweet? If you’re looking for an easy hike with an amazing payoff, explore the Fisher Loop Trail inside Turtle River State Park. The entire journey is only .65 miles long, but it ends at a spectacular waterfall. It’s easy to see why people think it’s one of the best hiking trails in North Dakota! The astounding natural beauty will blow you away. What are the best outdoor adventures in North Dakota? Looking for one of the best things to do outside in North Dakota? Head over to Theodore Roosevelt National Park. With hundreds of miles of hiking trails, this natural area is home to never ending beauty. While you’re exploring the area, make sure to visit the The Cannonball Concretions Pullout. Here, you’ll find several natural stone structures that look like fine works of art. Each stone is almost perfectly spherical, and you could marvel at their beauty for hours. What are the most picturesque hiking trails in North Dakota? The Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge is one of the best parks in North Dakota. Here, you’ll find astounding views of prairie hills and wetlands. This breathtaking natural area sits in the town of Minot, so plan a day trip and experience it for yourself! For more fun, explore the Cottonwood Trail inside Cross Ranch State Park. We promise you won’t regret it.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
If you’re looking for an easy hike with an amazing payoff, explore the Fisher Loop Trail inside Turtle River State Park. The entire journey is only .65 miles long, but it ends at a spectacular waterfall. It’s easy to see why people think it’s one of the best hiking trails in North Dakota! The astounding natural beauty will blow you away.
What are the best outdoor adventures in North Dakota?
Looking for one of the best things to do outside in North Dakota? Head over to Theodore Roosevelt National Park. With hundreds of miles of hiking trails, this natural area is home to never ending beauty. While you’re exploring the area, make sure to visit the The Cannonball Concretions Pullout. Here, you’ll find several natural stone structures that look like fine works of art. Each stone is almost perfectly spherical, and you could marvel at their beauty for hours.
What are the most picturesque hiking trails in North Dakota?
The Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge is one of the best parks in North Dakota. Here, you’ll find astounding views of prairie hills and wetlands. This breathtaking natural area sits in the town of Minot, so plan a day trip and experience it for yourself! For more fun, explore the Cottonwood Trail inside Cross Ranch State Park. We promise you won’t regret it.
