There are way more beautiful spots of nature in North Dakota than most people realize. Usually people think there are only a few North Dakota natural landmarks, but if they did a little digging, they’d find an entire list of incredible natural wonders in North Dakota, including the 10 listed below. You’ll certainly want to take the time to visit each one.
- Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge
Johnida Dockens/Flickr This huge wildlife refuge near Minot, North Dakota has a huge expanse of beautiful natural land. It is located around the Souris River. Gently rolling prairie hills and wetlands fill the area, and they are full of wildlife. It doesn’t get much better than taking a trail through here on a beautiful day. Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge, Carpio, ND 58725, USA
- Cannonball Concretions Pullout
George T/Tripadvisor These unusual rock formations must be seen to be believed. The perfectly spherical, oddly colored rocks can be found in the Theodore Roosevelt National Park in the Cannonball Concretions Pullout. Among other unique formations in the same area, it really is a special place to see. Cannonball Concretions Pullout, Grassy Butte, ND 58634, USA
- Wildwood Hiking Trail
NDPRD/Flickr This scenic hiking trail will almost seem to transport you to another world. It is located in the Icelandic State Park near Cavalier, North Dakota. Through the heavily wooded area you will find gorgeous sights like the one above. Along with the local wildlife and a nature preserve loaded with native plants, this is one amazing place. Icelandic State Park, 13571 ND-5, Cavalier, ND 58220, USA
- Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Justin Meissen/Flickr There’s no way we could leave North Dakota’s only national park off this list. This place has the most spectacular views and is almost like the state’s own Grand Canyon. The deep valleys, rugged landscape, and painted landscape mesmerizes everyone who sees it. Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota, USA
- Fort Ransom State Park
NDPRD/Flickr Traveling here is almost like taking a trip to the Shire from the Lord of the Rings. This state park near Fort Ransom, North Dakota has sweeping views of the Sheyenne River Valley that are pretty hard to beat. Fort Ransom State Park, 5981 Walt Hjelle Pkwy, Fort Ransom, ND 58033, USA
- North Dakota’s Lost National Park
google/Hank Dobbs What is now a recreational area called Crow Flies High Butte, and also mostly under Lake Sakakawea, used to be North Dakota’s second national park. It was known as the Verendrye National Park. Today, it still has gorgeous views and an interesting history, but it will likely never be a national park again. Crow Flies High State Recreation Area, 10031 ND-23, New Town, ND 58763, USA
- Cross Ranch State Park
NDPRD/Flickr One of North Dakota’s lesser known, yet delightful, state parks is the Cross Ranch State Park. It is located on one of the last untouched stretches of the Missouri River and has some of the best camping and hiking opportunities in the entire state. The park even has a pretty cool yurt you can rent for some more luxurious camping. Cross Ranch State Park, 1403 River Rd, Center, ND 58530, USA
- Caprock-Coulee Trail
29mazzy/Tripadvisor This might just be the most beautiful hike in North Dakota. With magical views of the badlands, unique rock formations all along the route, and plenty of other naturally enchanting things to see along the way, it doesn’t get much prettier. It will take you through the lower valleys and up to the highest points. If you want a way to experience a lesser-known spot in the Theodore Roosevelt National Park, this is definitely it. Caprock Coulee Trail, Grassy Butte, ND 58634, USA
- Grahams Island
NDPRD/Flickr Devils Lake is definitely one of North Dakota’s most popular recreational spots. Fishing, camping, and more are huge here. One of the best ways to experience this giant natural lake is by taking a drive across the water out to Grahams Island State Park. This island has everything you need, and more, for an awesome, memorable visit. Grahams Island, Lallie North, ND 58301, USA
- Wind Canyon Trail
TCDavis/Flickr With a view like this waiting for you on a relatively easy trail, there’s no way you can pass this up if you’re in the South Unit of the Theodore Roosevelt National Park. The epic panoramic sights of the Little Missouri River winding through the badlands is truly a sight to behold. Wind Canyon Trail, Medora, ND 58645, USA
Have you ever visited any of these 10 North Dakota natural landmarks? If so, please share your experience(s) with us in the comments below.
Johnida Dockens/Flickr
This huge wildlife refuge near Minot, North Dakota has a huge expanse of beautiful natural land. It is located around the Souris River. Gently rolling prairie hills and wetlands fill the area, and they are full of wildlife. It doesn’t get much better than taking a trail through here on a beautiful day.
Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge, Carpio, ND 58725, USA
George T/Tripadvisor
These unusual rock formations must be seen to be believed. The perfectly spherical, oddly colored rocks can be found in the Theodore Roosevelt National Park in the Cannonball Concretions Pullout. Among other unique formations in the same area, it really is a special place to see.
Cannonball Concretions Pullout, Grassy Butte, ND 58634, USA
NDPRD/Flickr
This scenic hiking trail will almost seem to transport you to another world. It is located in the Icelandic State Park near Cavalier, North Dakota. Through the heavily wooded area you will find gorgeous sights like the one above. Along with the local wildlife and a nature preserve loaded with native plants, this is one amazing place.
Icelandic State Park, 13571 ND-5, Cavalier, ND 58220, USA
Justin Meissen/Flickr
There’s no way we could leave North Dakota’s only national park off this list. This place has the most spectacular views and is almost like the state’s own Grand Canyon. The deep valleys, rugged landscape, and painted landscape mesmerizes everyone who sees it.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota, USA
Traveling here is almost like taking a trip to the Shire from the Lord of the Rings. This state park near Fort Ransom, North Dakota has sweeping views of the Sheyenne River Valley that are pretty hard to beat.
Fort Ransom State Park, 5981 Walt Hjelle Pkwy, Fort Ransom, ND 58033, USA
google/Hank Dobbs
What is now a recreational area called Crow Flies High Butte, and also mostly under Lake Sakakawea, used to be North Dakota’s second national park. It was known as the Verendrye National Park. Today, it still has gorgeous views and an interesting history, but it will likely never be a national park again.
Crow Flies High State Recreation Area, 10031 ND-23, New Town, ND 58763, USA
One of North Dakota’s lesser known, yet delightful, state parks is the Cross Ranch State Park. It is located on one of the last untouched stretches of the Missouri River and has some of the best camping and hiking opportunities in the entire state. The park even has a pretty cool yurt you can rent for some more luxurious camping.
Cross Ranch State Park, 1403 River Rd, Center, ND 58530, USA
29mazzy/Tripadvisor
This might just be the most beautiful hike in North Dakota. With magical views of the badlands, unique rock formations all along the route, and plenty of other naturally enchanting things to see along the way, it doesn’t get much prettier. It will take you through the lower valleys and up to the highest points. If you want a way to experience a lesser-known spot in the Theodore Roosevelt National Park, this is definitely it.
Caprock Coulee Trail, Grassy Butte, ND 58634, USA
Devils Lake is definitely one of North Dakota’s most popular recreational spots. Fishing, camping, and more are huge here. One of the best ways to experience this giant natural lake is by taking a drive across the water out to Grahams Island State Park. This island has everything you need, and more, for an awesome, memorable visit.
Grahams Island, Lallie North, ND 58301, USA
TCDavis/Flickr
With a view like this waiting for you on a relatively easy trail, there’s no way you can pass this up if you’re in the South Unit of the Theodore Roosevelt National Park. The epic panoramic sights of the Little Missouri River winding through the badlands is truly a sight to behold.
Wind Canyon Trail, Medora, ND 58645, USA
In the meantime, check out the best camping spots in North Dakota that are also perfect for natural views and an unforgettable trip.
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The OIYS Visitor Center
north dakota natural landmarks June 07, 2022 Jennifer Young What’s one of the most visited natural wonders in North Dakota? There are many natural wonders in North Dakota. From mountains and canyons, to rivers and lakes, the list is endless. One of North Dakota’s most visited natural wonders is Theodore Roosevelt National Park. This national park, which covers more than 70,000 acres, is located where the Great Plains meet the Badlands in the western part of the state. It also welcomes approximately 600,000 visitors each year. Many recreational activities are offered at this picturesque park, including hiking, camping, and more. Besides offering a variety of things to do, Theodore Roosevelt National Park is also one of North Dakota’s most beautiful nature spots. If you enjoy exploring the outdoors, you’ll certainly want to add Theodore Roosevelt National Park to your bucket list. You’ll love everything about it! Where is one of the best places to experience North Dakota’s natural beauty? North Dakota is definitely no stranger when it comes to natural beauty. After all, the Peace Garden State is filled with lots of beautiful outdoor places, including Chase Lake National Wildlife Refuge. Located in Stutsman County, this wildlife refuge was established in 1908 and is one of the most beautiful areas of nature in North Dakota. It’s also one of America’s oldest wildlife refuges. Chase Lake National Wildlife Refuge breeds more pairs of white pelicans in the U.S. than any other place. In fact, each year, thousands of pelicans use Chase Lake to breed and raise their young. Around 30,000 white pelicans visit the lake each year, so it’s definitely a sight to behold whenever you see an abundance of them. White pelicans aren’t the only birds you’ll see at Chase Lake National Wildlife Refuge. Geese, ducks, herons, hawks, and more also call Chase Lake home. Who knows? You might even see a variety of land animals such as deer and coyotes during your visit. A visit to Chase Lake National Wildlife Refuge is a definite must for anyone who loves birds and exploring the outdoors. If you do decide to visit, don’t forget your camera!
The OIYS Visitor Center
north dakota natural landmarks
June 07, 2022
Jennifer Young
What’s one of the most visited natural wonders in North Dakota? There are many natural wonders in North Dakota. From mountains and canyons, to rivers and lakes, the list is endless. One of North Dakota’s most visited natural wonders is Theodore Roosevelt National Park. This national park, which covers more than 70,000 acres, is located where the Great Plains meet the Badlands in the western part of the state. It also welcomes approximately 600,000 visitors each year. Many recreational activities are offered at this picturesque park, including hiking, camping, and more. Besides offering a variety of things to do, Theodore Roosevelt National Park is also one of North Dakota’s most beautiful nature spots. If you enjoy exploring the outdoors, you’ll certainly want to add Theodore Roosevelt National Park to your bucket list. You’ll love everything about it! Where is one of the best places to experience North Dakota’s natural beauty? North Dakota is definitely no stranger when it comes to natural beauty. After all, the Peace Garden State is filled with lots of beautiful outdoor places, including Chase Lake National Wildlife Refuge. Located in Stutsman County, this wildlife refuge was established in 1908 and is one of the most beautiful areas of nature in North Dakota. It’s also one of America’s oldest wildlife refuges. Chase Lake National Wildlife Refuge breeds more pairs of white pelicans in the U.S. than any other place. In fact, each year, thousands of pelicans use Chase Lake to breed and raise their young. Around 30,000 white pelicans visit the lake each year, so it’s definitely a sight to behold whenever you see an abundance of them. White pelicans aren’t the only birds you’ll see at Chase Lake National Wildlife Refuge. Geese, ducks, herons, hawks, and more also call Chase Lake home. Who knows? You might even see a variety of land animals such as deer and coyotes during your visit. A visit to Chase Lake National Wildlife Refuge is a definite must for anyone who loves birds and exploring the outdoors. If you do decide to visit, don’t forget your camera!
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
There are many natural wonders in North Dakota. From mountains and canyons, to rivers and lakes, the list is endless. One of North Dakota’s most visited natural wonders is Theodore Roosevelt National Park. This national park, which covers more than 70,000 acres, is located where the Great Plains meet the Badlands in the western part of the state. It also welcomes approximately 600,000 visitors each year. Many recreational activities are offered at this picturesque park, including hiking, camping, and more. Besides offering a variety of things to do, Theodore Roosevelt National Park is also one of North Dakota’s most beautiful nature spots. If you enjoy exploring the outdoors, you’ll certainly want to add Theodore Roosevelt National Park to your bucket list. You’ll love everything about it!
Where is one of the best places to experience North Dakota’s natural beauty?
North Dakota is definitely no stranger when it comes to natural beauty. After all, the Peace Garden State is filled with lots of beautiful outdoor places, including Chase Lake National Wildlife Refuge. Located in Stutsman County, this wildlife refuge was established in 1908 and is one of the most beautiful areas of nature in North Dakota. It’s also one of America’s oldest wildlife refuges. Chase Lake National Wildlife Refuge breeds more pairs of white pelicans in the U.S. than any other place. In fact, each year, thousands of pelicans use Chase Lake to breed and raise their young. Around 30,000 white pelicans visit the lake each year, so it’s definitely a sight to behold whenever you see an abundance of them. White pelicans aren’t the only birds you’ll see at Chase Lake National Wildlife Refuge. Geese, ducks, herons, hawks, and more also call Chase Lake home. Who knows? You might even see a variety of land animals such as deer and coyotes during your visit. A visit to Chase Lake National Wildlife Refuge is a definite must for anyone who loves birds and exploring the outdoors. If you do decide to visit, don’t forget your camera!
