News

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!  

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.

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.