7 National & State Parks In North Dakota You Have To Visit

People tend to overlook North Dakota in favor of its more famous neighbors. This means they are missing out on the Peace Garden State’s incredible natural beauty and rich history. Much of what North Dakota offers by way of outdoor experiences comes from its array of national and state parks. Here, you will find everything from the infamous Badlands to the most tranquil of lakes. In 2025, the following parks stand out as must-visit destinations, with something to see and experience for every visitor.

Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site

Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site is a mouthful, but one that you will happily repeat to yourself as you explore all this gorgeous national park has to offer.

The site was established in 1974 to preserve the historic and archaeological remains of the Hidatsa, a Siouan people who engaged in farming and trading in the area. Today, it is a fascinating park for anyone who wants to learn more about the Hidatsa while immersing themselves in nature.

If you only have a couple of hours to spend at the park, you can explore the onsite museum where you’ll find village artifacts and decorative arts created by the Northern Plains Indians. Outside the museum are the Hidatsa garden, village sites, and the faithfully reconstructed Earthlodge. If you have some time to spare, you can take the Village Trail that leads to what is left of the Awatixa Xi’e Village and Awatixa Village.

Should you want to spend more than just two hours, you’ll have enough time to hike the North Forest Trail Look, which runs for 2.2 miles through the forest. When you connect to the 1-mile Missouri Overlook Loop, you will be rewarded with outstanding views of the Missouri River.

Other activities to consider include hiking the Two Rivers Trail, which will lead you to the point where the Knife River spills over into the Missouri River.

Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park

If you want to add the oldest state park in North Dakota to your bucket list, Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park should be on it. The park was once a military post before being transformed into General George Armstrong Custer’s headquarters. His cavalry square has been reconstructed and includes both his home and command post. First-hand experiences allow visitors to walk the reconstructed halls and kitchen that once formed part of the barracks.

You can also learn more about the indigenous community that thrived in the area until the late 1700s by crossing a footbridge to the remains of the Mandan earth lodges in On-A-Slant Village. Or, you can climb the formidable blockhouses to catch breathtaking views of the Missouri River Valley and the surrounding prairie.

The main road in the park leads to the Visitor Center and Museum, where you will find exhibits on the Lewis and Clark Expedition as well as more information about the fort.

There is also more to the park than just history. You will have plenty of opportunities to hike, bike, or simply choose a fishing spot to spend a couple of lazy hours.

Lewis and Clark State Park

In Epping, Lewis and Clark State Park lies on an upper bay of Lake Sakakawea. Visitors flock here to take out boats on the northern tip of the lake. Those who want to spend more than a day have camping cabins and a marina available to them.

The easy access to the wide expanse of water also means ample fishing spots. Walleye, sauger, and northern pike abound in Lake Sakakawea, appealing to both beginners and seasoned anglers.

The park is named for Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, and an interpretive trail marker commemorates the Corps of Discovery. Other than the various hiking trails here, several miles of shoreline offer views of the vast lake and the rolling hills in the distance. The Coteau Trail, formerly known as the Prairie Natural Trail, is a 1.1-mile-long trail that snakes through ravines and native prairie.

The Greenhorn Trail is 1.43 miles long and suitable for mountain biking, hiking, and snowshoeing in winter. The Eskers Trail loops for 2.6 miles and offers stunning views of the lake and the Badlands. You may also spot Pawnee skipper butterflies, horned larks, and small wildlife.

Lake Sakakawea State Park

Lake Sakakawea State Park lies on the south side of the third-largest man-made reservoir in the U.S. Visitors can camp in between the trees that dot the lakeshore, or swim at the designated swim beach. The fish are a big draw for anglers, while sail boaters and windsurfers love the wind that sweeps the lake's surface.

If you want to explore the park beyond the shore, the North Country National Scenic Trail starts here and stretches an incredible 4,800 miles all the way to Vermont. There are two accessible camping cabins to book (in season) at less than $100 per night at the park’s Sanish Campground.

Other fun activities include birdwatching along the shore and in the forested areas. You can also book a tour of the Garrison Dam, located near the park, to complete your visit.

Icelandic State Park

Icelandic State Park is a callback to North Dakota’s homesteading history. It is also where you can fully appreciate the beauty of this underappreciated state. The entire park is a recreation space that sits on Lake Renwick’s north shore. Two hundred of the park’s 900 acres are woods, and there is a beach to enjoy, a museum to explore, and several historic buildings to see. The park is also home to the Gunlogson State Nature Preserve and the Pioneer Heritage Center.

The nature preserve is an arboretum boasting basswood and elm trees along both banks of the Tongue River. If you are interested in rare plant species, you will delight in the ladyfern, two-seeded sedge, and water arum here.

There is ample space for camping throughout the park, and several fishing spots along the river. You can swim or kayak in the water and explore the three miles of trails reserved for both hiking and skiing. For a longer adventure, the 6-mile Cavlandic Trail runs from the park to Cavalier.

Grahams Island State Park

More water activities and fishing spots await at Grahams Island State Park. In fact, some visitors believe the best fishing spots in the Midwest are at Devils Lake inside the park.

The park’s camping area is non-seasonal, so you can pitch a tent or use the RV sites throughout the year. There is even a fenced dog park between the campsites for your pets to enjoy.

Visitors who stay for the day only can reserve picnic shelters for a lazy day outdoors. The half-mile North Campground Loop is a great hiking trail for families who want to see the birds and animals in the park. The Silvert Thompson Loop is slightly more challenging and runs all the way to Devils Lake’s shore.

If you are visiting during the summer, you can spend the day swimming in the lake or take a boat cruise around the island upon which the park sits.

Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Theodore Roosevelt National Park is North Dakota’s crown jewel when it comes to natural scenery and wildlife. The park spans 70,000 acres and offers unmatched views of the Badlands, starting at the overlook at the Painted Canyon Visitor Center.

You can visit Theodore Roosevelt’s Maltese Cross Ranch Cabin, which stands at the entrance of the park. The cabin was built between 1883 and 1884. After entering the park, you can visit several ‘prairie dog towns’ and listen to the prairie dogs calling out to each other.

You can also take the 36-mile Scenic Loop Drive that comes with interpretive signs and pullouts. The drive is a great way to learn more about the park while keeping an eye out for wildlife. The 14-mile Theodore Roosevelt North Unit Scenic Byway provides panoramic views of what remains of the wilderness in the Northern Great Plains. The Badlands is the backdrop here, with bison dotting the landscape. There is even more to see of the Badlands, as well as an oxbow in the Little Missouri River at the final overlook on the scenic byway.

Visiting North Dakota’s national and state parks is about more than ticking off destinations on your bucket list. For most visitors, it is a chance to experience the more tranquil side of nature. Unlike the more crowded U.S. parks, the landscapes in North Dakota make it easier to slow down and really take in the surroundings. If you want your North Dakota trip to surprise and delight you, and even give you a different perspective on the state's wilderness, wildlife, and Badlands, these parks are the perfect starting point.