ND Parks and Recreation - Business and Grants

The North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department, in partnership with North Dakota Council on the Arts, has selected three artists for the 2026 Artist in Residency Program. 

The following artists were selected to complete their residencies in these state parks:

• Painter and Muralist Nicole Gagner of Bismarck – Icelandic State Park July 20-29, 2026
• Art Educator and Painter Lillian Stegman of Cavalier – Lake Metigoshe State Park Aug. 11-17, 2026
• Artisan craftsman and Eco-artist Frederick Burke of Linton – Fort Stevenson State Park Jan. 13-19, 2027

North Dakota Parks and Recreation announces awards for new trails and outdoor recreation projects funded by the Recreational Trails Program. Awardees include Jamestown Parks and Recreation, Valley City Park District, and MHA Parks and Reserve.

The North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department announces that the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians Department of Natural Resources’ Sky Chief Park Trail bridge linkage project has received the 2026 Tom Petri Recreational Trails Program Annual Achievement Award for Accessibility Enhancement from the Coalition for Recreational Trails.

The North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department, in partnership with the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, is highlighting the importance of stopping the spread of Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) during the week of May 3-9. Nuisance, or invasive, species are aggressive species that pose serious threats to local ecosystems and water quality. Park visitors play a vital role in helping prevent the spread of invasive species by cleaning gear, draining water from watercraft, fully drying gear, disposing of bait properly and following important guidelines from park staff.

North Dakota Parks and Recreation is has launched a new, streamlined online donation process for its popular tree program and newly introduced bench program. The updated system allows residents and visitors to conveniently honor loved ones or commemorate special moments while enhancing the beauty and accessibility of North Dakota’s state parks.