News

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.  

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. 

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!  

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 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.