10 Beautiful North Dakota National Parks (2023)

North Dakota is a state that is often overlooked when it comes to national parks, but it is home to a diverse range of natural wonders and historic sites that are worth exploring. In this article, we will take a look at some of the popular North Dakota National Parks, along with their addresses, contact details, and operating times.

List of 10 Beautiful North Dakota National Parks

North Dakota National Parks

1. Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Located in the western part of the state, Theodore Roosevelt National is one of the North Dakota National Parks that is named after the 26th President of the United States, who was an ardent conservationist. The park covers over 70,000 acres and is home to a variety of wildlife, including bison, elk, and pronghorn. Visitors can explore the park’s rugged badlands, hike its trails, and take in stunning views of the North Dakota landscape.

  • Address: 315 Second Avenue, Medora, ND 58645
  • Phone: (701) 623-4466
  • Operating Times: Open year-round, 24 hours a day

2. Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site

This is one of North Dakota National Parks that’s  a historic site preserves the cultural and archaeological legacy of the Northern Plains Indians who lived in the area for over 11,000 years. Visitors can explore the reconstructed earth lodges, hike the trails, and learn about the history of the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara tribes.

  • Address: 564 County Road 37, Stanton, ND 58571
  • Phone: (701) 745-3300
  • Operating Times: Open year-round, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

3. Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site

Located on the Missouri River, this Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site is a historic site that preserves the history of the fur trade in the 1800s. Visitors can explore the reconstructed fort, view historic artifacts, and learn about the people who traded along the Missouri River.

  • Address: 15550 Highway 1804, Williston, ND 58801
  • Phone: (701) 572-9083
  • Operating Times: Open year-round, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

4. Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site

Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site is one of North Dakota National Parks and historic sites that preserves the cultural and archaeological legacy of the Northern Plains Indians who lived in the area for over 11,000 years. Visitors can explore the reconstructed earth lodges, hike the trails, and learn about the history of the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara tribes.

  • Address: 564 County Road 37, Stanton, ND 58571
  • Phone: (701) 745-3300
  • Operating Times: Open year-round, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

5. Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail

This trail follows the route of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, which explored the western United States in the early 1800s. Visitors can hike the trail, learn about the history of the expedition, and see the landmarks that the explorers encountered along the way, this is one of the most popular parks amongst North Dakota National Parks.

  • Address: 601 Riverfront Drive, Omaha, NE 68102
  • Phone: (402) 661-1804
  • Operating Times: Open year-round, 24 hours a day

6. Little Missouri National Grassland

Located in the Badlands of western North Dakota, the Little Missouri National Grassland is the largest grassland in the state. Visitors can hike the trails, go camping, and explore the rugged landscape of the Badlands.

  • Address: 99 23rd Avenue West, Dickinson, ND 58601
  • Phone: (701) 227-7800
  • Operating Times: Open year-round, 24 hours a day

7. Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge

Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge is one of North Dakota National Parks that mainly showcases wildlife. The park serves as wildlife refuge is home to a variety of wildlife, including waterfowl, birds, and mammals such as moose and elk. Visitors can hike the trails, go fishing, and explore the scenic beauty of the Upper Souris River.

  • Address: 17797 391st Street SE, Upham, ND 58789
  • Phone: (701) 468-5467
  • Operating Times: Open year-round, sunrise to sunset

8. Fort Buford State Historic Site

Fort Buford State Historic Site is a historic site that preserves the history of Fort Buford, which was an important military outpost in the late 1800s. Visitors can explore the restored buildings, view historic artifacts, and learn about the role of the fort in the settlement of the Great Plains.

  • Address: 15349 39th Lane NW, Williston, ND 58801
  • Phone: (701) 572-9034
  • Operating Times: Open year-round, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

9. Lake Sakakawea State Park

Located on the shores of Lake Sakakawea, this is one of North Dakota National parks that offers a variety of recreational opportunities, including boating, fishing, and camping. Visitors can also explore the park’s trails and enjoy the scenic beauty of the lake and surrounding landscape.

  • Address: 2691 Park Road, Pick City, ND 58545
  • Phone: (701) 487-3315
  • Operating Times: Open year-round, 8:00 a.m. to sunset

10. North Country National Scenic Trail

This trail extends over 4,600 miles from New York to North Dakota, passing through some of the most scenic landscapes in the country. At North Country National Scenic Trail, visitors can hike through the Sheyenne National Grassland and the Badlands, taking in stunning views along the way.

  • Address: 229 East Main Street, Lowell, MI 49331
  • Phone: (616) 897-5987
  • Operating Times: Open year-round, 24 hours a day

In conclusion, North Dakota National Parks may not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking of national parks, but the state is home to a diverse range of natural wonders and historic sites that are well worth exploring. Whether you are interested in hiking, wildlife viewing, or learning about the history of the Great Plains, there is something for everyone in North Dakota national parks.

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