The Top Choices All Offer Great Opportunities for Skiing and Snowmobiling.
Fort Ransom State Park
(2 miles N of the town of Fort Ransom, ND) Situated in the extreme southeastern corner of North Dakota, this area has a strong Scandinavian heritage. Winter activities, such as cross-country skiing and snowmobiling, are popular.
Fort Ransom State Park has six and a half miles of groomed and tracked ski trails, including a segment of the North Country National Scenic Trail. The privately owned Bears Den Mountain Downhill Ski Area is located near the park. The park serves as a trailhead for the 610-mile-long Sheyenne Valley State Snowmobile Trail which winds its way south of Fargo along the river valley and through the Sheyenne National Grassland.
Icelandic State Park
(5 miles W of Cavalier, ND) Located on the north shore of Lake Renwick,
Icelandic State Park is home to the Pioneer Heritage Center, which features exhibits on North Dakota’s homesteading heritage. Outdoor activities include sledding, snowmobiling on the 490-mile-long Pembina Gorge State Snowmobile Trail, ice fishing, winter camping and cross-country skiing on 3 miles of groomed trails. Special park events during the winter months include snowmobile races on Lake Renwick, an ice fishing derby, regional snowmobile runs, and a Christmas open house at the Heritage Center.
Lake Metigoshe State Park
(16 miles NE of Bottineau, ND) Nestled in the scenic Turtle Mountains along the US/Canadian border,
Lake Metigoshe State Park is one of the most popular, year-round vacation spots in North Dakota. The area’s dependable snowfall brings snowmobilers, cross-country skiers, skaters and ice fishing enthusiasts to the area. The park has more than 11 miles of cross-country ski trails, and is a trailhead for the 310-mile long Peace Garden State Snowmobile Trail. Ski equipment rentals are available. Three cabins, complete with gas fireplaces, kitchens and baths, can be rented by the night or week. For larger groups, the park has two dormitories (cap. 120), kitchen and meeting facilities. For cabin or dorm reservations, call the park directly at (701) 263-4651 or e-mail them at lmsp@state.nd.us.
Snow conditions on North Dakota's state snowmobile trails and state park cross-country ski trails are updated every Thursday by noon throughout the winter.
Return to Best of the Best Winter State Parks page
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