What's new?

National Recreation Trail
Guide For North Dakota

The National Recreation Trail Guide for North Dakota is now available by request through the North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department as well as at the state parks and trail locations.

The 44-page pocket-sized booklet provides details on the state’s 18 nationally designated trails such as location, lengths, directions, and trail amenities. It also provides a brief overview of the terrain, scenery and wildlife hikers can expect to encounter while using the trails.
“This first edition, completed in 2008, includes the most recent listing of designated National Recreation Trails in North Dakota, along with the Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail and North National Scenic Trail,” Trails and Byways coordinator Kevin Stankiewicz says. “We expect the guide to hlp promote the unique collection of trails North Dakota has to offer.”

To request a copy of the National Recreation Trail Guide for North Dakota contact the North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department at 701-328-5357 or e-mail parkrec@nd.gov.

2009 Park Permit recognizes Turtle
River State Park's 75th Anniversary

The 2009 annual North Dakota state parks annual permit will be available for purchase on Nov. 1, from the North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department. An annual permit is $25; senior pass (state residents age 65 and older) $20; ND Veterans with service-related disability $20; and ND Veterans with 100 percent service-related disability Free.

The 2009 North Dakota State Parks annual vehicle entrance permit recognizes Turtle River State Park’s 75th anniversary. The permit features two of the park’s well known structures: the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) constructed Memorial Picnic Shelter, formerly the bath house, and fieldstone dam.

Established in 1934, Turtle River State Park was among a number of new parks built in North Dakota through President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s “New Deal” programs.
CCC construction projects in the park included bridges, roads, parking areas, foot paths and a number of stone and log buildings, many of which are still in use today.

West of Grand Forks just off Highway 2, the 784-acre park draws visitors throughout the year. Guests marvel at the park’s natural beauty which changes with the seasons and the diverse recreational opportunities.

The entire park is a nature sanctuary and harbors an abundance of plant and animal life. The river was aptly named for the mud and snapping turtles that were once found in abundance in the stream.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

Fort Stevenson State Park Marina Concession Operation

The North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department is seeking Proposals for companies/businesses for the purpose of marina lease operations at Fort Stevenson State Park. Marina operations and visitor services to include but, not limited to operations of a dock/slip system, concession building, boat sales amenities and seasonal boat/boat trailer storage service.

Deadline for qualification package submittal is Monday March 16, 2009.  For more information on project scope and Request for Proposal (RFP) qualification package requirements contact Jesse Hanson, North Dakota Parks and Recreation, 1600 East Century Avenue, Suite 103, Bismarck, ND  58503.  Telephone: 701-328-5357.

Online campsite and cabin reservations may be made either online or by calling 800-807-4723. Annual park entrance permits may also be ordered online or by phone.

To start your reservation, click on "Online Services" on any page.

NOTE—Camping reservations may be made up to 90 days in advance of arrival; cabin reservations accepted one year in advance. The first day of the 90-day window for 2009 is Sunday, Feb. 15.

Discover, NDPRD's newsletter is now available online. The Fall/Winter 2008 issue looks at many issues related to the state's park system.

Find more information on...

Burn Bans. For up-to-date information on rangeland fire indexes and possible burn bans, call each park directly. Park phone numbers can be found on the Contacting Us page.

Find a park. New to North Dakota? Use this handy map to locate a North Dakota State Park in your area.

OHV Youth Safety Classes are complete for the winter, a new schedule will be out in the spring. Youth ages 12-16 must complete an OHV safety class to ride on public land and trails.

CANDISC. Prelilminary information on the 2009 event is now available.