News

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.