News

Bismarck, ND – All North Dakota State Parks return to full-service amenities this Friday, May 19. While the campgrounds are open year-round, some amenities are only available seasonally. In addition to camping, park guests can look forward to special events, educational programming, tours and fishing amenities returning for the summer. State Parks also offer a variety of rental equipment for guests including canoes, kayaks, bikes, stand-up paddleboards, and much more.  

The North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department (NDPRD), 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 14-20. ANS Awareness Week is intended to further educate visitors on the potential risk to public health, property and the economy from the negative impacts associated with ANS.

MANDAN, ND – The North Dakota Parks & Recreation Department has scheduled a prescribed burn at Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park (Mandan) on May 2nd. The fire will only occur if the conditions are favorable. This prescribed burn will reduce the wildfire risk throughout the area and promote the restoration of the native prairie by removing old growth. 

North Dakota law requires public access to snowmobile trails to close between April 1 and Nov. 1. The North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department (NDPRD) will close all department snowmobile trails, including leased access across private property.

Bismarck, ND – A new video series showcases the beauty, history and ecosystems of the many trails in North Dakota. In each YouTube video, the North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department’s state trails coordinator takes the viewer along to give an authentic glimpse of what state parks and other trail systems offer for outdoor recreation.

Bismarck, ND – The North Dakota Parks & Recreation Department and the North Dakota Council on the Arts are accepting applications for the Artist in Residency program. Artists of all disciplines are encouraged to apply. The Artist in Residency program provides artists the opportunity to stay and work in our state parks, offering unique environments where they’ll draw inspiration, demonstrate their skills, and invite park visitors of all ages to connect art with the outdoors. 

Bottineau, ND – Snowmobile trails across the state are open and ready for the annual Snowmobile North Dakota state snowmobile ride on Saturday, Feb. 18 hosted by Bottineau County Family Snowmobilers. 

Bismarck, ND – Governor Doug Burgum has declared February 2023 as Winter Recreation Month in North Dakota. The North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department (NDPRD) invites the public to join in celebrating all the winter activities and programs offered to North Dakota citizens and communities.

For over a decade, North Dakota Council on the Arts (NDCA) has partnered with the North Dakota Parks & Recreation Department (NDPRD) to host 33 North Dakota-based artists in residence at nine different state parks. Beginning on January 3 through April 25, most of the pieces donated since the program’s inception in 2009 will be on display in the Exhibition Gallery on the 18th floor of the North Dakota State Capitol.

While a state-wide snowstorm in mid-December created treacherous travel and numerous closures, the resulting snowpack brings great snowmobiling conditions across North Dakota.