News

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. 

A new video series is bringing attention to the impact of the North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department (NDPRD) grant program that funds trails, playgrounds, maintenance equipment, and various other needs at parks and communities throughout North Dakota.

Pembina Gorge and Turtle River State Park trails suffered damages from spring flooding, and a partnership with AmeriCorps is revitalizing the areas this fall.

The Artist in Residency Program is a partnership between the ND Parks & Recreation Department and the ND Council on the Arts where artists are chosen to spend seven or 10 days in a North Dakota state park. Its goal is to support North Dakota artists in creating art that showcases the beauty and inspiration of the hosting state park while providing opportunities for visitors to develop artistic skills and a deeper appreciation of the park-inspired artwork and the parks themselves.

The Garrison-Max Ambulance is hosting the annual EMS Kid Event at Fort Stevenson State Park on Saturday, May 21, from 4-7 p.m. in the Garrison Bay Marina. This event features local public service entities as they provide family fun activities and tours of the many types of emergency personnel equipment.       

The North Dakota Parks & Recreation Department, in partnership with the North Dakota Game & Fish Department, is highlighting the importance of stopping the spread of Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) during the week of May 15-21. 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.

The North Dakota Parks & Recreation Department (NDPRD) has selected 16 local Park District Facility Renovation applications for funding. During the 67th Legislative Assembly Special Session, Senate Bill 2345 established a $5 million local park district facility renovation grant utilizing federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to assist local communities in renovating and upgrading their existing outdoor recreation facilities.

Garrison, ND - Come to Fort Stevenson State Park on April 9 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. In addition, hear about the history of maple syrup and the equipment used. Maple talks take place at 10:00 am, noon, and 2:00 pm.