Embrace the winter season and take the opportunity to go on new adventures. North Dakota offers unique recreational opportunities that can only be enjoyed this time of year.
Drop a line
Over open water or thick ice, anglers will want to bait up for a bite on North Dakota’s lakes and rivers. Whether you simply sit on a bucket on the ice or set up an elaborate icehouse, you’re sure to find hours of recreation. Devils Lake is famous for its abundant jumbo yellow perch, quality northern pike, walleye and white bass in the winter. Sign up for the annual tournament to compare your catch among competitors or try other popular locations like Lake Sakakawea, Icelandic and Lake Metigoshe state parks, and Lake Audubon.
Winter hikes and fat bikes
Lace up some comfortable hiking boots and set out on trails crossing the Badlands and prairies. Enjoy the breathtaking views from the Maah Daah Hey Trail on a fat-tire bike or snowshoe your way through the scenic paths of a state park. Even late-night hikers can enjoy the beauty of a show from the northern lights. While chances of spotting wildlife are similar to the warmer months, they tend to be more active in the winter and snow can add a fun element in the form of visible tracks. See how many animal prints you can identify and remember to keep your distance should you cross paths.
Skating, skiing, snowmobiling
Take a few laps around an indoor or outdoor skating rink or break out the skis and snowboards to take on the slopes of Huff Hills, Frost Fire Park and Bottineau Winter Park. Can’t make it to the big slopes? Cross Ranch, Fort Ransom and other state parks offer cross-country ski rentals and many major cities maintain sledding hills for you to cruise to your heart’s content. Those with a need for speed may be inclined to soar through more than 2,800 miles of groomed snowmobile trails.
Community and cocoa
Nothing will warm you quicker than a cup of cocoa and inviting conversation with the locals. Check www.ndtourism.com/events(link is external) for popular outings like Frostival, Fargo’s monthlong celebration of the season.
This is just a sample of what you can do in North Dakota winter. Visit www.ndtourism.com(link is external) to plan your next adventure.
