You're never too old to play cowboy. North Dakota has a number of
exceptional areas to see from the saddle. Hit the trail, enjoy a
ranch vacation - and don't forget your hat!
Little Missouri Grasslands Trail Ride
Riding Areas Theodore Roosevelt National Park Explore North Dakota's Badlands just as Theodore Roosevelt did, on horseback. The South Unit of the park features over 80 miles of marked horse trails, plus countless unmarked trails carved by the park's buffalo herd. Riders are permitted in all areas of the park except for the camping and picnicking areas and nature trails. A group horse campground is available in the South Unit by reservation, and backcountry horse camping is allowed. Horse rentals and guided trail rides are also available. Popular riding areas include Petrified Forest, Halliday Wells and Painted Canyon. Be sure to watch for bison, wild horses, long-horned cattle, elk and deer. Horse trails can also be found in the North Unit.
Sully Creek State Recreation Area Those wishing to bring their own horses into the Badlands frequently use Sully Creek, with its horse corrals and primitive camping facilities as their staging area. Located near the historic western town of Medora, the park trails connect with those on the nearby Little Missouri National Grassland.
Little Missouri State Park Over 25 miles of the trails crisscross the Badlands terrain of the 6,000-acre park, most of which is accessible only on horseback or on foot. The park provides corrals for those bringing in their own mounts, and guided tours and horse rentals are available by a private concessionaire. An especially good time to ride in this park is the spring, when the Badlands come alive with blooming cactus and wild lillies. Bobcats, mule deer, golden eagles and other wildlife roam this primitive setting.
Lake Metigoshe State Park Nestled in the scenic Turtle River Mountains on the shores of Lake Metigoshe, this state park includes several miles of nonmotorized, multi-use trails on rolling hills. THe acquisition of an adjacent camp area significantly adds to the existing trail opportunities and also provides cabin rentals for park users in the summer and winter months.
Turtle Mountain State Forest Over 7,000 acres provide miles of winding, scenic trails in the heavily wooded Turtle Mountains. Both day-long riding facilities and primitive camping are available at Strawberry Lake.
Sheyenne National Grassland Located in southeastern North Dakota, the Sheyenne National Grassland includes a 25-mile segment of the North Country Trail. The trail covers flat, open prairie and is open to all nonmotorized traffic. Maps are available at the U.S. Forest Service district office.
Little Missouri National Grassland This ranger district in southwestern North Dakota includes hundreds of miles of roads and trails open for multiple use. Check with the ranger office for directions and topography maps.
U.S. Forest Service, Mckenzie Ranger District In addition to hundreds of miles of two track trails and gravel and scoria roads, this ranger district includes 14 miles of marked multi-use trails on primitive roads over rolling plains and steep Badlands. Designated trails include the Long X Loop Trail, an 8.5-mile doubletrack trail, and the Summit Trail, a 4.5-mile single-track trail leading to a campground. Check with the ranger office for directions and trail maps.
Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park Rich in both military and early Indian history, Fort Abraham Lincoln was once an important infantry and cavalry post. It was from this fort that Lt. Col. George Armstrong Custer and the 7th Cavalry rode out on their ill-fated expedition against the Sioux at the Little Bighorn. Portions of the military post, including the Custer House, have been reconstructed. Travel back in time on your own steed or join a trail ride across these historic grounds.
Maah Daah Hey Trail The Maah Daah Hey Trail is a 120-mile nonmotorized trail open for biking, hiking and horsebacking riding. The trail begins at Sully Creek State Park, approximately five miles south of historic Medora, and meanders north through the south and north units of Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
Places to Camp With Your Horse Sully Creek State Recreation Area Those wishing to bring their own horses into the Badlands frequently use Sully Creek, with its horse corrals and primitive camping facilities as their staging area. Located near the historic western town of Medora, the park trails connect with those on the nearby Little Missouri National Grassland.
Little Missouri State Park Over 25 miles of the trails crisscross the Badlands terrain of the 6,000-acre park, most of which is accessible only on horseback or on foot. The park provides corrals for those bringing in their own mounts, and guided tours and horse rentals are available by a private concessionaire. An especially good time to ride in this park is the spring, when the Badlands come alive with blooming cactus and wild lillies. Bobcats, mule deer, golden eagles and other wildlife roam this primitive setting.
Rolling Plains Adventure McKenzie, 701-367-3737 Horseback riding, nature hikes, ATV riding, cattle branding, hunting, ranch history and more.
Sheyenne Oaks Horse Camp & RV Park Leonard, 701-361-8566 For those horse enthusiast, there are individual horse corrals available in a central area. If you would like to ride, but don't own a horse, we can help with that too.
Outfitters Badlands Trail Rides 18 miles north of Killdeer on ND Highway 22. Phone 701-764-8000. Guided horseback rides through the beautiful North Dakota Badlands in Little Missouri State Park. Cabins, camping and RV sites with electricity available. Medora Riding Stables East of Medora. Phone 1-800-MEDORA-1. Guided trail rides through North Dakota Badlands. One- to three-hour rides. Memorial Day through mid-September. Peaceful Valley Ranch 7 miles into Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Phone 701-677-4260 between September and May, 701-623-4568 June-August. One and one-half hour trail rides, evening rides, and daybreak rides are available alongside the Little Missouri River. Peaceful Valley is surrounded by colorful Badland country. Little Knife Outfitters 15 miles south of Watford City. Phone 701-842-2631. June through September. One-, two- or five-day high adventure trail rides through the Badlands in and near the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park and along the Maah Daah Hey Trail. Naard Creek Ranch Killdeer, 701-764-6911 Secluded modern cabin in the Badlands sleeps 10. Nature's paradise for birding, hiking, photography, trail riding, family vacations and many other adventure opportunities. Corrals available. Sheyenne Oaks Horse Camp & RV Park Leonard, 701-361-8566 For those horse enthusiast, there are individual horse corrals available in a central area. If you would like to ride, but don't own a horse, we can help with that too.
Ranch Vacations North Dakota offers a variety of ranch vacations to take you back to a simpler way of life. Want to get away from it all and experience life on a real working ranch? If so, try these: Eagle Ridge Lodge 7 miles southwest of Medora. Phone 701-623-2216. Amazing view of the Badlands from the hilltop lodge. Packages include breakfast rides, overnight stays, two-day getaways and a five-day stay with overnight campout. Logging Camp Ranch Northwest of Amidon. Phone 701-279-5501. The ranch takes visitors back to life on a working 1880s ranch in the Badlands. Cabins on site. Naard Creek Ranch Killdeer, 701-863-6911 Secluded modern cabin in the Badlands sleeps 10. Nature's paradise for birding, hiking, photography, trail riding, family vacations and many other adventure opportunities. Corrals available. Lone Butte Ranch You'll find solitude or adventure and more here. Hand-crafted log cabins offer spectacular views of Lone Butte and the Badlands. Horse boarding, hot tubs, ranch experience, and hunting available. Rolling Plains Adventures McKenzie, 701-367-3737 Horseback riding, nature hikes, ATV riding, cattle branding, hunting, ranch history and more.
Rodeos Eight seconds seems so long as when you're watching a cowboy hang on for dear life. From national professional events to local high school competitions, rodeo isn't just a sport in North Dakota, it's a feel-the-dirt-in-your-teeth way of life.
June, 2010
June 17-20 - North Dakota High School Rodeo Finals – Bowman June 26 - McLeod Stampede - McLeod June 28-July 5 - Roughrider Days Rodeo – Dickinson
July, 2010
July 1-4 - Mandan Rodeo Days – Mandan July 3-4 - PRCA Killdeer Mtn. Roundup Rodeo – Killdeer July 9-10 - James River Rodeo – Jamestown July 15-16 - Tri-County Fair - Wishek July 16-18 - Wild West Weekend - Center
August, 2010
August 7 - Hettinger Chamber NDRA Rodeo – Hettinger
September, 2010
September 11-12 - NDRA Rodeo Finals – Watford City
October, 2010
October 7-10 - Badlands ProRodeo Circuit Finals - Minot
