News

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.

Beginning October 1, The Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center will be open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Although the Fort Mandan Visitor Center will be closed, visitors can still tour Fort Mandan through October 17.

A new, expanded volunteer program through the North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department now offers individuals and groups the opportunity to volunteer their time and talents to impact our state parks. Whether you're interested in helping with vehicle or trail maintenance projects or volunteering in the visitor center, a meaningful volunteer experience can be tailored to your special skill set. The program's goal is to cultivate partnerships between community members and park staff as they work together for the betterment of their parks and individual and community well-being.  

Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park's annual Haunted Fort event has been postponed until next season. After careful consideration, the staff at Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park has made the difficult decision to postpone the event due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. "Even though we will not be hosting our annual Haunted Fort event, we want to encourage residents to still come out and enjoy the park this fall," said Dan Schelske, Park Manager. "This a great place to enjoy the stunning fall colors against the backdrop of the Missouri River."

The North Dakota Parks & Recreation Department, under the ND Smart Restart guidelines, is pleased to announce the continued reopening of department services, including group campsites, shelters, and rental facilities throughout the North Dakota state park system.