Top Places To Visit In North Dakota In The Fall
Fall in North Dakota recalls its motto: “Now and forever.” To walk amongst changing leaves is to pause your life to reflect on how you have changed with the year’s seasons thus far. Let the destinations below enrich your thoughts as their very grounds are enriched by cascading foliage. The top Fall destinations in North Dakota will make you ready for 2024.
Minot
The Souris River starts its journey in one Canadian province, runs South through Minot (becoming Mouse River as we know it), then ends up in another Canadian province with its old name again. The Minot bend in its hike is by far the river’s favorite. You can tell by how fun the town of just under 50,000 is to visit in the fall. Minot is packed with parks. Stroll into Roosevelt Park before even checking in to your hotel. You might as well check out the Scandinavian Heritage Association before. The sight of the tall wooden church is a rare treat on this continent. Save some walking time for Moose Park. You might as well just bring a backpack and avoid checking in until the sights close at night.
Cavalier
Licked by the winding Tongue River is the 1,200-population town of Cavalier. Cavalier makes a lovely basecamp for an excursion to Icelandic State Park. Cozy wooden cabins with bunkbeds are available at $60/night. Venture inside to peak at Hallson Church’s pretty features. Between the town and the State Park is the Gunlogson Nature Preserve. Spot rare birds like the Western Wood-Pewee and the Pileated Woodpecker on over 200 acres of wooded sanctuary along the Tongue. The 3-mile trail along the Preserve is packed with seasonal sights. Keep camera shutters as quiet as possible for the candid shot you have been waiting for.
Larimore
Larimore’s 1,200 residents are used to people landing on their way to the pristine state park just east of town. Turtle River State Park was built in the 1930s by the Civilian Construction Corps (CCC). The park is a popular trout fly-fishing destination. Cabins require a minimum two-night commitment. They range in price as some are large enough to support large families comfortably. The over 12 miles of trails make for brisk skiing and snow-shoeing jaunts in the winter. When the chill reaches the bone, head to the chalet and warming house.
Belcourt
The Chippewa name for Belcourt is Siipiising, which means “creek that sings with life-giving water.” Belcourt is a town of 1,500 surrounded by the beauty of the Turtle Mountains. Poplar, ash, and oak trees thrive in the area. Belcourt is a 35-minute drive to Lake Metigoshe State Park. Lake Metigoshe has over 12 miles of trails, including a 3-mile interpretive section that is great for families or field trips. Plant and bird checklists can be picked up at the park office. The trails are great in the winter for flat-tire bikes. The Peace Garden Snowmobile Trail also touches the park.
Fort Ransom
Fort Ransom was once an actual military fort in the 19th century. Today’s town of 95 is located a few miles away, but traces of old Fort Ransom still live in the TJ Walker Historic District, a commercial area that existed when the old Fort Ransom was systemically unbuilt and moved further down the railway. TJ Walker has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1979. The Sheyenne River valley and Fort Ransom State Park surge to life with striking colors in autumn. Outstanding accommodations include a pioneer-era wagon transformed into a camp, an entirely restored pioneer-era house, and two of the roomiest yurts you will ever find.
Garrison
Fort Stevenson Park is located on the North shore of Lake Sakakawea. Nearby Garrison has a population of just under 1,500. Fishing aficionados refer to Garrison as the “walleye capital of North Dakota.” The town’s slogan is “Get hooked.” Fort Stevenson’s cabins are available from May-September. If you read this from a boat, both Garrison Bay and De Trobriand Bay marinas have ample space. Check the website for gas/electric capabilities. Stop by in late fall for Halloween-themed trails.
Medora
The town of Medora has a population of just 117. It is a lovely stepping stone to the Southern slice of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Views of the North Dakota badlands from the Maltese Cross cabin, once Teddy’s temporary home, provide a stunning panorama of fall’s effects. The cabin logs are the very same ponderosa pine used in its 1880s construction. Nearby Sully Creek State Park is a peach as well, boasting access to access to the 144-mile Maah Daah Hey Trail. The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library is expected to be unveiled in Medora in 2025.
Washburn
Washburn is just over 15 minutes from Cross Ranch State Park. Cross Ranch State Park protects a crucial hunk of the Missouri River. The 5000-acre nature preserve features grassland and forests bursting with streams. Catch sights of roaming bison from a safe distance. The town has reconstructed Fort Mandan as near as possible to the actual site where Lewis and Clark spent the winter of 1804-1805. Learn more about that era in the town’s visitor center. Painted Woods Golf Course is an underrated 18-hole course and a spirited way to watch autumn come to fruition.
North Dakota is a paradise because its people keep it that way. Be sure to leave no trace of your trip when exiting trails. Please ensure there is no leftover food or packaging when leaving a picnic table. Keep a lookout for Native American-owned businesses. The Sacred Pipe Resource Center website has a directory of some great shopping and service choices in the state.
