NEWS RELEASE | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | December 22, 2020
North Dakota State Parks Announces
First Day Hikes
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!
NDPRD encourages everyone to opt outdoors on New Year’s Day, dressing for the weather conditions to maximize your First Day Hike experience while taking part in any of the following events. Park maps are available for the following locations onsite or by visiting www.parkrec.nd.gov.
Lake Metigoshe State Park-Bottineau, ND (701-263-4651): Get outdoors and onto the trails to ring in the New Year by participating in the park’s “Hike & Seek: Winter Edition”, a self-guided adventure along the Hemerick Point Trail. Pending snow conditions, participants will hike or snowshoe the trail looking for and getting better acquainted with several of our winter wildlife species that can be found in the park. Look for photos along the trail that will also display some fun facts about each species. If participants look close enough, they might see or hear some of the actual critters along the trail. Participants can park and start their adventure at the Warming House. Park visitors can bring their own snowshoes or rent from the park by calling ahead to make prior arrangements. Rentals are $8/hour and include optional poles; youth and adult sizes available. Those who might not be able to participate on January 1 can do so throughout the first week of the New Year.
Cross Ranch State Park-Center, ND (701-794-3731): Join us for a guided snowshoe hike on the inner loop of the Matah Trail (1.4 miles) that will start at 1 p.m. from the trailhead, which is located adjacent to the River Peoples Visitor Center. This event is social distance friendly and will be held in accordance with ND Smart Restart guidelines. Feel free to bring and utilize your own snowshoes or arrive a bit earlier to rent from the park ($15/day). If snow conditions are lacking, a guided hike will be offered. Pending snow and trail conditions, those who want to further explore the park on their own can also rent cross-country skis on site ($15/day).
Turtle River State Park-Grand Forks, ND (701-795-3180): Participants are invited and encouraged to take on “Snowflake’s Wild Adventure” a social distance friendly scavenger hunt along the Whitetail Trail (1.5 miles). Participants can park and start their adventure from the Woodland Lodge parking lot. Feel free to bring cleats or snowshoes pending snow and ice conditions. This trail will be packed should there be snow. Those who might not participate on January 1 can do so throughout the first week of the New Year.
Fort Stevenson State Park-Garrison, ND (701-337-5576): Start 2021 by participating in a self-guided luminary hike along the Flicker Loop (approximately 1 mile). Luminaries will be lit from 6–7:30 p.m. Participants are invited to stop by the Visitor Center (open until 7:30 p.m.) to do some shopping or warm up in front of an outdoor fire. These activities are social distance friendly and will be held in accordance with ND Smart Restart guidelines. Pending snow conditions, participants may be able to cross country ski, snowshoe, fat tire bike or try out the most recent addition to the park, kicksledding. Park rentals are available to include cross country skis, snowshoes, and kicksleds. Rental fees are $15/day for cross country skis, snowshoes, and kicksleds, while fat-tire bikes each rent for $8/hr.
Contact locations directly for additional information prior to the events. For cancellation inquiries, please contact individual locations and/or check their Facebook pages for the most up-to-date information.
Outdoor enthusiasts looking for additional activities to do throughout 2021 should consider participating in the North Dakota Parks & Recreation 2021 Adventure Challenge as well as the 12 Months – 12 Hikes Challenge, which both kick off on January 1, 2021. Follow the ND Parks & Rec 2021 Adventure Challenge Facebook page or visit (https://www.parkrec.nd.gov/challenges) for complete details on both statewide challenges.
All North Dakota State Park users are subject to entrance fees in the amount of $7/vehicle. Park users can also purchase a 2021 annual pass for $35. Annuals may be purchased onsite via park staff or self-registration or online at www.parkrec.nd.gov. Those purchasing annual permits online will obtain a permit via postal mail; please print the receipt for annual or daily permits to provide proof of purchase.
The Department would also like to remind all park visitors to follow the ND Smart Restart guidelines and CDC recommendations while visiting their properties.
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For More Information Contact:
Kristin Byram at kcbyram@nd.gov
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Doug Burgum, Governor
Andrea Travnicek, Ph.D., Parks & Recreation Director
Century Center | 1600 E. Century Ave. Suite 3 | Bismarck, ND 58503
PHONE: (701) 328-5357 | FAX: (701) 328-5363 | E-MAIL: parkrec@nd.gov