10 Activities for Outdoor Lovers in North Dakota
Diverse recreation opportunities can be found across the state.
North Dakota is overflowing with ways to enjoy the outdoors. Whether you’re into golfing, hiking, biking, skiing, fishing – you name it – the state has everything you need to have fun in the sun.
“We really embrace the outdoors here,” says Tony Hillig, recreation division chief for North Dakota Parks and Recreation. “We have a diverse range of experiences with adventures in every season. It’s just a wonderful place to play, with friendly people and a commitment to recreation.”
Ahead, find 10 activities for outdoor lovers in North Dakota.
In This Article
1. Hiking at Little Missouri State Park in North Dakota
Located in western North Dakota, Little Missouri State Park runs through the Badlands, offering breathtaking scenery that can be enjoyed along more than 40 miles of trails. This includes views of the park’s namesake, the Little Missouri River, as well as distinctive canyons and hilly landforms that stretch far into the distance.
“The landscape there is unlike anywhere else in the United States,” Hillig says. “There are bountiful opportunities for recreation. It’s just an awesome place.”
2. Mountain biking along the Maah Daah Hey Trail in North Dakota
The terrain is equally as interesting along the 144-mile Maah Daah Hey Trail. The International Mountain Bicycling Association designated this single-track route through the Badlands an official EPIC trail – meaning it’s a top mountain biking trail in the U.S. – and it received a 2022 Bicycling Travel Award as the Best Hidden Gem in the U.S. The trail’s name is derived from the Native American Mandan language that roughly translates to “land that will be around for a long time.”
3. Cross-country skiing at Fort Ransom State Park in North Dakota
Located within the heavily wooded Sheyenne River Valley, this former frontier military fort is now one of the premier cross-country skiing locations in the state, with more than 20 miles of trails. Most of the trail system covers relatively flat ground, but it includes a few steeper sections that make for a good cardio workout.
“You can get your heart pumping on the trail while also connecting to some of our heritage and wildlife,” Hillig says.
4. Birdwatching along the Cannonball Trail in North Dakota
A lot is packed into this 1.5-mile natural walking path in the city of Mott, especially when it comes to birdwatching. The trail runs alongside the Cannonball River, making it a peaceful location for waterfowl and other birds to gather. This includes the official state bird of North Dakota, the western meadowlark, which Hillig says “has a beautiful song.”
5. Snowmobiling at Lake Metigoshe State Park in North Dakota
Snowmobiling at Lake Metigoshe State Park is the quintessential North Dakota winter experience, according to Hillig. Located less than 2 miles from the Canadian border, the park has snowmobile trails that connect to more than 250 miles of groomed trails extending throughout the Turtle Mountains.
“When I think of experiencing North Dakota during the winter, I think of seeing Lake Metigoshe State Park from the seat of a snowmobile,” Hillig says. “It really shows off what our rural communities are like.”
6. Fishing at Strawberry Lake Recreation Area in North Dakota
The Turtle Mountains are also home to the approximately 147-acre Strawberry Lake Recreation Area, which is stocked annually with rainbow trout to go along with bluegill, bass, walleye and perch. Other popular fishing areas in the state include the Upper Missouri River, Lake Sakakawea, Devils Lake, the Jamestown Reservoir and the Red River of the North, which runs along the Minnesota-North Dakota border.
“And there are amazing ice fishing destinations all across the state,” Hillig says.
7. Kayaking along the Pembina River in North Dakota
It might be more “fast” water than true whitewater, but the Pembina River provides kayakers and canoers with a shot of adrenaline as it flows from Canada toward the Red River of the North. The area near the city of Walhalla is part of the scenic Pembina Gorge, a 2,800-acre recreation area that is being developed into North Dakota’s 14th official state park.
8. Hunting throughout North Dakota
North Dakota is in the path of the Central Flyway, a bird migration route, making the state a premier destination for duck and geese hunting. In addition, the state offers big-game hunting opportunities including elk, moose, bighorn sheep and mountain lions, which are not available in much of the country.
9. SUP-ing on Harmon Lake in North Dakota
This 145-acre lake just west of the Missouri River in Mandan has a variety of water recreation opportunities, with rentals available for stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking and canoeing. There are two beaches and a fishing pier on the edge of the lake, along with approximately 10 miles of hiking/mountain biking trails.
10. Golfing along the Lewis & Clark Golf Trail in North Dakota
One way to see the beauty and diversity of North Dakota’s landscape is to travel across the state playing the 19 courses that are part of the Lewis & Clark Golf Trail. Among the trail’s many highlights is The Links of North Dakota, which is located along the banks of Lake Sakakawea and has been honored as one of the best designs in the U.S. by Golf magazine.
“There are plenty of recreational opportunities like that available across this vast state all year long where you can bring nature into your daily life,” Hillig says. “Our commitment to outdoor recreation is a commitment to the physical and mental well-being of our communities and the people who visit North Dakota. It’s just a very diverse environment where people and families can connect with nature.”
This article was sponsored by the North Dakota Department of Commerce.