North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department

06/11/2026

Yesterday, June 9, marked a historic milestone for the North Dakota Parks & Recreation Department as we welcomed our first campers to Pembina Gorge State Park, North Dakota's 14th state park.

Pembina Gorge State Park is just beginning its journey, and while the park continues to develop, we are excited about the opportunities it will provide for outdoor recreation, exploration, and connection for generations to come.

We look forward to seeing the memories that will be created here. Happy camping!

06/10/2026

A North Dakota trail project is earning national recognition!

The Sky Chief Park trail linkage project was selected as a 2026 National Recreational Trails Program Achievement Award winner for Accessibility Enhancement, one of only 10 projects honored nationwide.

This incredible project connected trail sections with bridges and a floating walkway, creating 4.5 miles of continuous, accessible trail in Rollette County. Made possible with support from a NDPRD Recreational Trails Program grant, the project improves access, safety, recreation opportunities, and cultural education for visitors year-round.

Congratulations to the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians Department of Natural Resources on this well-deserved national honor!

Turtle Mountain Tribe
American Trails

06/06/2026

Happy National Trails Day! Today, we're celebrating the dedicated team members who work behind the scenes to keep North Dakota's state park trails safe and enjoyable year-round.

This past week, our team members participated in trail maintenance training at Turtle River State Park. Several seasonal employees gained valuable hands-on experience while helping improve trails for our visitors.

Celebrate National Trails Day by getting outside and exploring a state park trail near you. And if you see one of our team members along the way, be sure to thank them for all they do!

06/05/2026

Cross Ranch State Park is hiring a full-time Park Ranger to help keep the park safe, welcoming, and running smoothly. This hands-on role blends facility maintenance, visitor assistance, rule enforcement, and team support to ensure a high-quality experience for all.

On-site housing is provided as part of this role, and the Park Ranger is expected to reside within the park while on call/duty to support operational needs. Other benefits include fully funded healthcare coverage for you and your family, and peace officer training (if not already certified) provided and paid for by the state.

If you're ready for a career that makes a difference, apply by June 17: bit.ly/NDParksJobs

06/02/2026

Don't miss these amazing fly fishing opportunities at Lake Metigoshe State Park this month. Register now before classes fill up!

We are excited to welcome back fly fishing experts Chris and Alecia Pulver. They will be sharing their fly fishing knowledge and skills with park visitors during two upcoming events. Don't miss this opportunity to learn something new, refine skills, or simply spend some time with us in the great outdoors!

LMSP Day Camp - Fly Fishing (12-17 YO)
Date: Thursday, June 18
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Cost: $40
Registration deadline: June 8
Participants will learn the basics of fly fishing and have the opportunity to fish along the shoreline at Lake Metigoshe State Park. All equipment is provided, and lunch is included.

LMSP Fly & Tie Workshop (Age 14 - Adult), age 12 if registering with adult
Dates: June 20–21 (Saturday 9am-4pm and Sunday 8am-2pm)
Cost: $125
Registration deadline: June 7
Participants will learn how to tie their own flies and practice basic fly fishing skills at Lake Metigoshe. Registration includes fly-tying materials and use of fishing equipment, including rods, vises, and waders. Fishing licenses are waived for this educational workshop through support from the North Dakota Game and Fish Department.

Space is still available for both programs.

Register online: https://bit.ly/LMSPevents

06/01/2026

Join our Spring Hiking Challenge before June 30! Log four hikes total in the OuterSpatial app (at least two hikes in two different North Dakota State Parks) and upload a photo of something green emerging.

Complete the challenge and you'll be entered into a prize drawing. These visitor photos are giving us plenty of inspiration!

06/01/2026

We’ve launched a new online donation process, making it easier than ever to be part of something lasting through our popular tree program and our brand-new bench program.

A pair of newly planted trees are putting down roots at Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park through a partnership between North Dakota Parks and Recreation and local Scouts.
https://www.kfyrtv.com/2026/05/30/fort-abraham-lincoln-state-park-receives-donated-trees-through-partnership/

05/28/2026

Grahams Island State Park is seeking a Maintenance Supervisor II for an exciting, full-time job opportunity at one of North Dakota’s premier outdoor recreation and fishing destinations.

From leading groundskeeping and facility maintenance efforts to coordinating projects and ensuring safety standards are met, this position plays a vital role in creating welcoming and memorable experiences for every guest.

If you’re team-oriented, passionate about the outdoors, and ready to make a real difference, we want to hear from you by June 8: bit.ly/NDParksJobs

05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, as we reflect on a weekend filled with sunshine, nature, and time with loved ones in our state parks, we pause to remember why this day matters.

Today, we honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. Their sacrifice grants us the freedoms we enjoy, and we are forever grateful.

Join us in remembrance:
Memorial Day Hike – 11 a.m. at Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park.

Let’s come together to remember, reflect, and give thanks.

05/20/2026

Pembina Gorge has always been made for days like this. Now, it’s becoming North Dakota’s newest state park.

Join us June 3 from 12:30-3:30 for the first-ever public celebration at Pembina Gorge State Park before the campground officially opens June 9.

- First S’mores Ceremony
- Guided hike
- Campground tours
- Kids activities
- Food truck + refreshments
- Family fun all afternoon

Be among the first to experience North Dakota’s 14th state park.