News

Bismarck, ND – The North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department is seeking trail project applications for the Recreational Trails Program (RTP). The application form will open on April 1 and must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on April 13, 2026. The RTP is an 80/20 matching grant program that provides funding for both motorized and non-motorized recreational trail projects. The RTP is administered at the state level through the NDPRD and federally through the Federal Highway Administration.  

Bismarck, ND – With fresh snowfall across the state, North Dakota’s snowmobile trails officially open today, Dec. 1. This early start to the season makes it a perfect time for riders to get out and enjoy more than 2,800 miles of groomed state trails. The 13 trail systems, maintained by dedicated members of Snowmobile North Dakota, will remain open until April as long as trail segments have a minimum of four inches of packed snow. 

Bismarck, ND — North Dakota Parks and Recreation will host the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) in Bismarck for a three-day Trail Care School, September 2-5, 2025. This program offers local trail partners critical education and hands-on training in sustainable trail design and maintenance.

Bismarck, ND – Exciting upgrades are on the horizon at several North Dakota state parks, providing an improved experience with more powerful and reliable electricity and on-site water access at many campsites, and a large upgrade project at Rough Rider State Park.

Bismarck, ND – The North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department, along with North Dakota Council on the Arts, announced the selection of three artists for the 2025 Artist in Residency Program. This program aims to support North Dakota artists in creating art inspired by the beauty of the state parks. 

MANDAN, ND – Today, state and local officials along with private partners gathered to celebrate the official ribbon cutting for the newly expanded Roughrider Trail, an exciting project that enhances outdoor access and strengthens North Dakota’s reputation as a premier destination for recreation and tourism. 

Bismarck, ND – The North Dakota Parks & Recreation Department and North Dakota Council on the Arts are accepting applications for the Artist in Residency program. Artists of all disciplines are encouraged to apply. 

Bismarck, ND – The North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department (NDPRD) is seeking trail project applications for the Recreational Trails Program (RTP) starting Tuesday, April 1, 2024. The RTP is an 80/20 matching grant program that provides funding for both motorized and non-motorized recreational trail projects. The RTP is administered at the state level through the NDPRD and federally through the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). 

Bismarck, ND – North Dakota’s snowmobile official season will open on Dec. 1, but several conditions must be met before the state’s 2,800 miles of snowmobile trails are open, groomed and ready for travel. Adequate snow cover of four packed inches must be on the ground to allow for trail grooming. Signs must be put in place, and to travel across wetland areas the ice must be thick enough to support the weight of trail groomers. 

Bismarck, ND – North Dakota Parks and Recreation (NDPRD) has received a grant of nearly $4.5 million through the National Park Service (NDS) Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) Program to support park redevelopment projects in North Dakota.