Destinations Guide / North Dakota / United States

Sheyenne National Grassland

 

Sheyenne National Grassland is located in the eastern part of North Dakota. It is made up of vast grasslands and rocky cliffs. Miles of multi-use trails cuts across the area, creating it a favored destination for horseback riding, hiking, and mountain biking. You can also connect with the North Dakota Scenic Trail, the longest continuous trail in the nation. This popular destination has everything you need for your next outdoor adventure, including a variety of camping sites and RV sites.

Begin your trip on Indian Springs Lake, an eight-mile long sand bar in Sheyenne, North Dakota. The Sheyenne River Trail begins here and leads hikers along a pathway filled with prairie meadows and wildflowers. As you travel eastward into the prairie lands, take the time to observe native wildlife. The trail continues onto prairie land, surrounded by large rocks formations and steep climbs. Just past Sandstone Mountain, the trail crosses another major water supply, this time reaching Indian Creek Camp where you can find bathrooms and grills to cook over.

Drive east away from busy streets and towards Bighorn Canyon National Grassland or Cedar Falls State Park. These popular attractions are both within driving distance from Sheyenne. The drive allows you to experience the natural wonderment and offers breathtaking views of the North Dakota sky and the Flathead Indian Reservation. These parks are located just a few minutes from Sheyenne and offer miles of hiking trails that are suitable for both summer and winter activities.

Travelers should continue south to Big Horn Lake State Park. You will find many trails that are ideal for camping and other outdoor adventures. Two lakes are part of the park that are home to a variety migratory birds, including the Sheyenne’s Love Seat ducks and Northern Pheasant, Northern Shoveler, and swiftrock loon. Scuba divers and boaters can also find many underwater sites worthy of exploration.

The Sheyenne National Grassland’s bluffs offer a unique view that can only be found in north Dakota. Hikers can view abundant wildflowers in bloom in spring and summer, while the clear blue waters of Lake Nakuru provide a good habitat for many species of migratory birds. Birding is another popular activity in Sheyenne. You can visit nearby lodges, which house many different species of birds. Many outfitters will provide guided tours of the park’s birding areas, allowing visitors to see a bird in flight or a bird on the ground.

The Sheyenne National Grassland has a wide range of wildlife for those who are looking for more than just birds and deer. The region is home to many antelopes that migrate to warmer regions of their range in July. Many of these animals can be seen from trails located near fishing and hiking sites, or on specially designed Jeep tours. In August, moose and other large herds of herbivores move into their winter dens. Hikers who love hiking can continue their explorations by taking a day trip to Ironweed Wildlife Sanctuary. Here they can see hooves, antlers, and other wildlife in the natural environment. Tourists might also like to visit the nearby Indianola River where they can feed bears or other animals in the late August and early September.

If adventure is more your thing, you can try to mix it up by staying at one the Sheyenne’s many bed and breakfast locations. You will find more activities than hiking on the many designated trails when you stay at these accommodations. You don’t have to rely on your hiking boots when exploring the wilderness. You can also add horseback riding or another outdoor activity to your trip. You can also go on a nature trail riding trip. They generally follow a route through the park but are often broken up into smaller segments that allow you the flexibility to choose the season and weather conditions you wish to tour. For those who are interested in exploring North Dakota’s natural landscapes and wildlife, the Sheyenne National Grassland offers many options.

Because this is one of the most remote areas of North Dakota, visitors often have access to one of two campgrounds located near Sheyenne. There is no campground within walking range so overnight accommodations must be booked. Accommodation includes accommodations in cabins, private bathrooms and toiletries as well as transportation from and to the reservation. There is approximately thirteen miles of hiking and bike trails, as well as three miles of mixed-grass prairie grass prairie available. The Sheyenne National Grassland features beautiful scenery and abundant wildlife, making it an ideal place to visit.

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