Whether it is summer, winter, spring or fall, North Dakota has a whole wilderness out there to explore and discover. There are plenty of ways to take advantage of these opportunities, include some totally epic things that people love. Here are seven of the best things that North Dakotans love that you should definitely do yourself. Just about anyone can handle these activities; there’s no need for any special skills.
- Hitting the trails in the Sheyenne National Grassland and Sheyenne River State Forest
Justin Meissen/Flickr In eastern and central North Dakota there is beautiful expanses of grasslands, fields, and some forests near Fort Ransom. The North Country Trail goes through the Sheyenne National Grasslands, shown above, for peaceful strolls. The state forest surrounds the Sheyenne River and has North Dakota’s only waterfall at the end of one of the most scenic trails in the state. Both of these are great ways to experience the great outdoors in North Dakota.
- Snowmobiling across the Sno-Trails
tronics/Flickr This huge system of snowmobiling trails is open during winter for snowmobile enthusiasts and first timers alike. There are plenty of places to rent a snowmobile here if you don’t have one of your own. There is a reason that so many North Dakotans love doing this, and you’ll know as soon as you try it. It’s the perfect way to embrace the winter!
- Horseback riding through the Little Missouri State Park
NDPRD/Flickr The Little Missouri State Park, on the southern edge of the Theodore Roosevelt National Park near Medora, has some of the best and most beautiful horseback riding trails. One of the best ways to experience the rugged badlands is from the saddle, and the Little Missouri State Park has everything you need to make it easy to get out there and hit the trails. It is simply gorgeous and an amazing experience.
- Tubing, skiing, or snowboarding at the Bottineau Winter Park
Bottineau Winter Park/Facebook There are a few skiing parks in North Dakota, and the Bottineau Winter Park (in Bottineau, of course) is one of the best for everyone of all ages. They have many slopes and hills to ski, snowboard, and go tubing. It’s a blast and great for a winter family outing.
- Fishing and boating on North Dakota’s largest natural lake
NDPRD/Flickr Devils Lake holds the spot as the largest natural lake in North Dakota, but it’s even more known as an amazing fishing spot. People from all over the place travel here and stay at some of the many fishing resorts and cabins surrounding the lake, then head out first thing in the morning to cast some lines and see what they get to take home. Even in winter this place is teeming with anglers on the ice. You can find fish such as walleye, northern pike, perch, and trout here.
- Camping among the amazing sights of Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Matt Zimmerman/Flickr One of North Dakota’s hidden gems that deserves a lot more recognition to outsiders is Theodore Roosevelt National Park. It’s arguably one of the most beautiful national parks, and certainly very unique. There are tons of trails, overlooks, and places to stop and pitch a tent. Just don’t be surprised if you see some wildlife while you are there!
- Sailing and swimming in Lake Sakakawea
NDPRD/Flickr The ginormous Lake Sakakawea is loaded with opportunities for all kinds of water recreation. It is one of the best places to sail in North Dakota, especially with the many full marinas located here that make it easy. There are plenty of stunning sights and ways to just enjoy being out on the lake.
What are your favorite things to do outdoors in North Dakota? I personally love camping, and these are the best spots to sleep under the stars in the state.
Justin Meissen/Flickr
In eastern and central North Dakota there is beautiful expanses of grasslands, fields, and some forests near Fort Ransom. The North Country Trail goes through the Sheyenne National Grasslands, shown above, for peaceful strolls. The state forest surrounds the Sheyenne River and has North Dakota’s only waterfall at the end of one of the most scenic trails in the state. Both of these are great ways to experience the great outdoors in North Dakota.
tronics/Flickr
This huge system of snowmobiling trails is open during winter for snowmobile enthusiasts and first timers alike. There are plenty of places to rent a snowmobile here if you don’t have one of your own. There is a reason that so many North Dakotans love doing this, and you’ll know as soon as you try it. It’s the perfect way to embrace the winter!
NDPRD/Flickr
The Little Missouri State Park, on the southern edge of the Theodore Roosevelt National Park near Medora, has some of the best and most beautiful horseback riding trails. One of the best ways to experience the rugged badlands is from the saddle, and the Little Missouri State Park has everything you need to make it easy to get out there and hit the trails. It is simply gorgeous and an amazing experience.
Bottineau Winter Park/Facebook
There are a few skiing parks in North Dakota, and the Bottineau Winter Park (in Bottineau, of course) is one of the best for everyone of all ages. They have many slopes and hills to ski, snowboard, and go tubing. It’s a blast and great for a winter family outing.
Devils Lake holds the spot as the largest natural lake in North Dakota, but it’s even more known as an amazing fishing spot. People from all over the place travel here and stay at some of the many fishing resorts and cabins surrounding the lake, then head out first thing in the morning to cast some lines and see what they get to take home. Even in winter this place is teeming with anglers on the ice. You can find fish such as walleye, northern pike, perch, and trout here.
Matt Zimmerman/Flickr
One of North Dakota’s hidden gems that deserves a lot more recognition to outsiders is Theodore Roosevelt National Park. It’s arguably one of the most beautiful national parks, and certainly very unique. There are tons of trails, overlooks, and places to stop and pitch a tent. Just don’t be surprised if you see some wildlife while you are there!
The ginormous Lake Sakakawea is loaded with opportunities for all kinds of water recreation. It is one of the best places to sail in North Dakota, especially with the many full marinas located here that make it easy. There are plenty of stunning sights and ways to just enjoy being out on the lake.
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