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North Dakota State Park annual permit holders will find a new option available to them this year. During the 67th Legislative Assembly, a bill was passed to allow members of the same household to buy two annual permits at a discounted price. This new option, the family permit, is now available for $55.  

BISMARCK, N.D. (SEPT. 20, 2021) – Gov. Doug Burgum today appointed Cody Schulz to lead the North Dakota Department of Parks and Recreation, citing his extensive record of public service and strong leadership at the state and county levels, including through some of the most challenging periods in recent state history.

As families prepare to enjoy North Dakota’s outdoor destinations over the Labor Day weekend, residents and visitors are encouraged to recreate responsibly by practicing fire safety. While recent moisture has provided some relief from fire starts over the past few weeks, dry conditions still persist in many areas of the state with 100 percent of North Dakota experiencing severe drought conditions.

North Dakota Parks & Recreation Department continues to keep up with changing visitor needs and industry trends through master planning processes.  This process provides an opportunity for stakeholders, park users and park managers to provide input and guidance to future development of state park properties.  This week the Lewis & Clark State Park master plan was signed by Andrea Travnicek, Director of the North Dakota Parks & Recreation Department. This plan will set the course for the next ten years of park development, and potential improvements and advancements at Lewis & Clark State Park.

Paul Taylor, deputy director of Parks and Recreation, has been appointed interim director effective Aug. 1. Taylor brings a strong background in park planning, design, and construction, most recently serving as chief of park planning and development for the Maryland National Capital Park & Planning Commission. Applications for the Parks and Recreation director will be accepted beginning July 30.

Bottineau, ND – Lake Metigoshe State Park is excited to host visual artist Aaron Michels. Aaron is a part of the ND Council on the Arts, Artist in Residency Program. His residency will run from July 26- August 2. 

Aaron Michels was born in Mohall, has lived throughout the US, and is currently living in Minot. He’s a visual artist, working primarily with photographic and watercolor depictions of nature and landscapes to include everything from macro images of flowers to giant mountain vistas. Aaron loves to travel and enjoys camping with his wife and two kids. He’s proud to have shared his love of camping and the outdoors with his family.

BISMARCK, ND – The North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department saw increased visitation in 2020 with 1.29 million visitors to the state parks and continues to maintain high visitation this year. While COVID-19 had certainly prompted increased travel, results of surveys conducted by the Department show that increase was on top of an already loyal and growing visitor base to North Dakota’s state parks. When looking ahead to future travel, 74.6% of visitor survey respondents indicated that they plan to visit a North Dakota state park within the next 12 months. At the time of the survey, COVID-19 had little influence on respondents’ future plans with only 9.8% indicating their plans to visit were prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The North Dakota Parks & Recreation Department wants to remind visitors and citizens to recreate safely over the upcoming holiday weekend. Recreation, specifically water recreation, is a popular way to beat the heat and celebrate the Fourth of July. While out enjoying the water with family and friends, the agency asks you to keep these important safety tips in mind.

The North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department and the State Historical Society of North Dakota are excited to announce the North Dakota Passport. The goal of the new program is to help residents and out-of-state travelers make the most of their visits to recreational and historical sites throughout the state. This program is similar to other programs at state and national levels that have been popular among travelers. The North Dakota Passport is an all-in-one guide to adventure as users collect stamps at 37 featured destinations, varying from state parks and recreation areas to state historic sites and museums. All 37 locations have a designated outdoor Passport Station where users can transfer the stamp with a crayon. Additionally, staffed locations have a stamp available in park offices, visitor centers, or museums.

Hiking, biking, horseback riding, and motorized recreation all have one thing in common: trails. There is no better way to celebrate and appreciate the hard work put into North Dakota’s trail systems and recognize the benefits these trails provide for recreation and exposure to the outdoors than on National Trails Day, June 5. This event is a nationwide effort that takes place annually on the first Saturday in June and encourages everyone to explore and advocate for trails. This weekend a number of state parks are hosting events across the state to recognize the day. In partnership with the North Dakota Department of Health, North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department is encouraging participation in opportunities to volunteer on a trail project, collect litter, or join in a guided hike or trail activity all while finding physical, mental and emotional restoration.  Event information can be found at www.parkrec.nd.gov. 

As families prepare to enjoy North Dakota’s outdoor destinations over Memorial Day weekend, residents and visitors are encouraged to recreate responsibly by practicing fire safety. While recent moisture has provided some relief from fire starts over the past few weeks, dry conditions still persist in many areas of the state with 98 percent of North Dakota experiencing some level of drought.

National Invasive Species Awareness Week (NISAW) raises awareness about invasive species, the threat they pose, and what can be done to prevent their spread. The term "invasive" is used for aggressive species that grow and reproduce rapidly, displace native species, and cause significant disturbance to the areas in which they are present. 

The Artist in Residency program is a partnership between the North Dakota Parks & Recreation Department and the North Dakota Council on the Arts, where three artists are chosen to each spend one week in a North Dakota State Park. The Artist in Residency program offers artists the opportunity to stay and work in unique environments where they’ll draw inspiration from a North Dakota State Park, demonstrate their skills, and assist park visitors of all ages discover their artistic side. This is the 11th year these state agencies have collaborated on this program. To date, 11 of the North Dakota State Parks have hosted over 25 local artists.  

Mark your calendars! The North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department (NDPRD) is developing the master plan for Fort Stevenson State Park. The Department is excited to host this virtual open house that provides an update on the status of the planning process for Fort Stevenson State Park. We value the opinion and input of our citizens and park users, and we want to get your feedback and thoughts.

The North Dakota Parks & Recreation Department wants to remind visitors to recreate safely during high fire danger conditions. The safety of the public and protection of the land, resources and facilities is the department's top priority.   

Come to Fort Stevenson State Park on April 10 and learn how to make maple syrup. Fort Stevenson State Park staff will demonstrate how to tap trees, collect sap, and turn it into delicious maple syrup. Hear about the history of maple syrup and the equipment used.  Maple talks take place at 10:00 am, noon, and 2:00 pm.   

Interpretive services will be available at Fort Mandan beginning April 1, including guided tours and personalized interpretive experiences. Tours will originate at the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center. Admission is $8 for adults, $5 for students, or a $25 family pass and includes entry into both the Interpretive Center and Fort Mandan.  

The North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department recently completed an asset inventory project for its 15 destination properties. During the 2018-2022 strategic planning process, the agency identified the need to inventory all the park system assets. This project came to fruition due to funds provided in the 66th Legislative Assembly.

The North Dakota Parks & Recreation Department and the North Dakota Council on the Arts are now accepting applications for the Artist in Residency program within the North Dakota state parks. The Artist in Residency program offers artists the opportunity to stay and work in unique environments where they'll draw inspiration from a North Dakota state park, demonstrate their skills, and assist park visitors of all ages in discovering their artistic side. This is the 11th year these state agencies have collaborated for such a program that empowers people, improves lives and inspires success!  

The North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department sent a letter this week to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ on the Draft Shoreline Management Plan for Lake Sakakawea.  Lake Sakakawea is an important resource for recreational activities in the state. In the letter, the Department requested the Corps work with the Department to prioritize silt removal and shoreline stabilization projects along the lake.  As lake conditions change, due to the operation and management of the Garrison Dam, open access may become a concern as silt accumulates and erosion may occur within the shoreline areas of Lake Sakakawea.

Arvilla, ND – Most people use a mobile phone to stay connected to friends, family, and co-workers. But now, individuals can also use their phones to connect to a more fun, engaging learning experience while visiting a North Dakota state park. In partnership with members of the North Dakota Geocaching Association, the North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department has launched its first digital geocaching experience at Turtle River State Park, 20 miles west of Grand Forks, N.D. 

The Artist in Residence Program is a collaboration between the North Dakota Parks & Recreation Department and the North Dakota Council on the Arts that allows local artists to stay, work and draw inspiration from a North Dakota State Park. The program's goal is to support North Dakota artists and continue creating opportunities and artworks that showcase, document and celebrate our North Dakota State Parks. Through hands-on opportunities for visitors, they encourage them to become stewards with a deeper appreciation of artistic works inspired by the state parks.  

Governor Burgum has declared February 2021, Winter Recreation Month in North Dakota. The North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department (NDPRD), in conjunction with North Dakota Recreation and Park Association (NDRPA), invites you to join us in celebrating all that parks and recreation offer to our citizens and communities.

Dates have been set for 2021 special events! From fishing tournaments and youth day camps to night hikes and Cardio & Coffee trail runs, we have something for everyone!

Visitor Survey closes January 31

The North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department is conducting a state park visitor survey and economic impact study. The knowledge gained from these studies will be invaluable, aiding the Department in planning for the future and offering experiences the public is looking for.

We value your input and hope you'll take the time to complete this important survey. Please respond by January 31.

First Day Hike events have become signature events for many of America’s state parks. On January 1, 2021, four of the North Dakota state parks will be hosting First Day Hike events to include Lake Metigoshe, Cross Ranch, Turtle River and Fort Stevenson State Parks. Depending upon snow conditions, event opportunities in North Dakota may include hiking, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, fat tire biking, or even kicksledding, a new offering within the North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department! 

The North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department (NDPRD) is launching two online survey components starting this week which include a survey for state park property visitors and a survey for non-visitors. A survey for adjacent community members will be conducted in January. The goal of these surveys is to provide the Department with data to inform an analysis of the park properties’ impacts on local communities and better understand how park properties can be maintained or improved to enhance the visitor experience. 

The North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department announces fun for 2021. The department is bringing back the statewide Adventure Challenge and unveiling a new statewide 12 Months-12 Hikes Challenge. Participants can pick a challenge or take on both. Spend 2021 exploring trails, trying new recreational activities, traveling to new locations, visiting historic places, and exploring everything that the North Dakota Parks & Recreation Department has to offer.

The North Dakota Parks & Recreation Department announces the opening of the snowmobile season starting December 1. North Dakota offers 2,800 miles of riding trails on 13 different trail networks across the state, which will be open starting in December for riders to enjoy once snow conditions are desirable. An additional 143 miles of trail has been added in McLean and Ward Counties for this year.

The North Dakota Parks & Recreation Department had their highest number of campers recorded in the department's history during the 2020 season. The department saw a 35 percent increase in campsite nights this season compared to the 2019 season. The increase in camping was a trend in the 13 state parks across the state, all of which were open and operating under CDC guidelines as destinations for visitors to safely recreate in an outdoor environment.

Beginning October 1, The Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center will be open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Although the Fort Mandan Visitor Center will be closed, visitors can still tour Fort Mandan through October 17.

A new, expanded volunteer program through the North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department now offers individuals and groups the opportunity to volunteer their time and talents to impact our state parks. Whether you're interested in helping with vehicle or trail maintenance projects or volunteering in the visitor center, a meaningful volunteer experience can be tailored to your special skill set. The program's goal is to cultivate partnerships between community members and park staff as they work together for the betterment of their parks and individual and community well-being.  

Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park's annual Haunted Fort event has been postponed until next season. After careful consideration, the staff at Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park has made the difficult decision to postpone the event due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. "Even though we will not be hosting our annual Haunted Fort event, we want to encourage residents to still come out and enjoy the park this fall," said Dan Schelske, Park Manager. "This a great place to enjoy the stunning fall colors against the backdrop of the Missouri River."

The North Dakota Parks & Recreation Department, under the ND Smart Restart guidelines, is pleased to announce the continued reopening of department services, including group campsites, shelters, and rental facilities throughout the North Dakota state park system.