North Dakota: Trails, History and Nature

North Dakota brings together Indigenous history, historic forts, trails through the Badlands, and experiences along rivers and lakes. One specific landscape is the remote Elkhorn Ranch Unit: this 218-acre area lies on the Little Missouri River between the park’s North and South Units. In other places, reconstructed buildings, historic exhibits and trails lead through very different chapters of the state’s history and natural landscape.

Indigenous History and Historic Sites

For centuries, the Knife River Indian Villages were an important trading center for Indigenous peoples. After 1750, they became an important marketplace for fur traders. A full-size reconstructed earthlodge illustrates the building style, with a diameter of 40 feet and traditional materials. To explore the village sites of Awatixa Xi’e and Awatixa on foot, follow the 1.3-mile Village Trail. The Two Rivers Trail, by contrast, runs 6.2 miles along the Knife River to its confluence with the Missouri River. Conditions on these trails can change; check them before your visit.

Fort Union offers a glimpse of a later chapter in fur-trading history: from 1828 to 1867, it was the most important fur trading post on the Upper Missouri River. The reconstruction reflects the fort’s appearance in 1851. Seasonal living history talks at the Trade House are led by costumed interpreters and cover the fort’s trade and history. The visitor center and museum are located in the Bourgeois House. The Bodmer Trail offers a historic view of the fort and the landscape along the Missouri River.

Fort Abraham Lincoln and Fort Mandan also focus on different aspects of history. At Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park, On-a-Slant Village includes reconstructed earthlodges; Fort Abraham Lincoln and Fort McKeen can be explored with their blockhouses, furnished barracks and a living history exhibit. Fort Mandan is a fully furnished, full-size reconstruction of the fort where the Lewis and Clark Expedition overwintered in 1804–1805. The Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center features exhibits, hundreds of historic artifacts, art collections and interpretive programs about the Lewis and Clark Expedition. From the Fort Mandan Overlook, visitors can see the area where the expedition established its headquarters at the time.

At Chateau de Mores, a historic house museum with 26 rooms tells the story of the de Mores family: visitors can see original furnishings and personal belongings of the family. The History Alive! programs are based on letters, diaries and archival documents; their seasonal schedule may change, so it is worth checking dates before a visit. Chimney Park is home to the brick chimney that remained after the Chateau de Mores packing plant burned in 1907.

Badlands, Rivers and Outdoor Trails

At Theodore Roosevelt National Park, trails and roads offer views of the Painted Canyon and the Little Missouri River. The Maah Daah Hey Trail offers a different way to experience the Badlands: it includes 144 miles of non-motorized singletrack. The South Unit also has a paved loop road with two-way traffic, open to motor vehicles and cyclists. Check current conditions before setting out.

Pembina Gorge is characterized by steep valley slopes, quiet prairies and small wetlands; it is surrounded by North Dakota’s largest contiguous, undisturbed forest. Pembina Gorge State Park has more than 16 miles of trails for hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking and OHV riding. For visitors, this means the trails offer different ways to explore the landscape, without all activities requiring the same mode of travel. Seasonal kayaking on the Pembina River is possible when river conditions allow.

Cross Ranch State Park and Nature Preserve has more than 16 miles of trails. The Missouri River also has a nine-mile kayak and canoe route from the town of Washburn to the Sanger boat landing. This distance refers to the water route; the park trails are a separate offering. Sailing and windsurfing on Lake Sakakawea are the main attractions at Lake Sakakawea State Park. The park is also the western terminus of the 4,800-mile North Country National Scenic Trail.

Seasons at Lakes and in Parks

The forests and wetlands of Lake Metigoshe State Park provide habitat for a wide variety of plant, animal and bird species. More than 13 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails explore the park; in winter, activities include cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, fat biking and ice fishing. Turtle River State Park combines mountain biking, hiking and interpretive trails with winter activities: it has more than 7.5 miles of groomed cross-country ski trails and opportunities for snowshoeing.

At Fort Ransom State Park, the non-motorized trail network covers more than 20 miles and is open to hiking, horseback riding, biking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The Sheyenne River offers opportunities for canoeing, fishing and birdwatching. Sodbuster Days, a celebration with demonstrations and exhibits about pioneer life, is also held there every year. The combination of trails, river activities and a recurring history festival makes this park a distinct choice alongside options focused more on individual trails or winter activities.

The International Peace Garden was established in 1932 on the principles of peace, cooperation and friendship. More than 80,000 flowering annual and perennial plants grow in its Formal Gardens. Floral displays change with the seasons; visitors coming mainly for the flowers should take this seasonal character into account when planning their visit.

Explore More Destinations

Mckenzie County, Richland County, Dunn County, Mountrail County, Lamoure County, Morton County, Bowman County, Billings County, Cavalier, Bottineau County, Eddy County, Stark County, Cass, Walsh, Stutsman, Ward, Grand Forks, Burleigh County, Williams County, Mercer, Barnes County, Traill County, Cavalier County, Ramsey, Mchenry County, Pierce County, Foster County, Nelson.

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