State Parks and National Parks

Turtle River State Park

Nestled in the wooded Turtle River Valley, the 784-acre Turtle River State Park is a lush contrast to the open agricultural lands that dominate eastern North Dakota.

The park contains timbered hills, stands of hardwoods, lush river bottom and open prairie alive with wildflowers and native grasses.

The local geological features appeared at the end of the Great Ice Age, when vast amounts of water from melting glaciers flowed across North Dakota to create Lake Agassiz. When the waters receded, wave action caused ridges to form.

In 1938, the Civilian Conservation Corps built many structures in the park, including the Woodland Lodge, a large building finished in natural knotty pine.

The park is a designated wildlife sanctuary. The Turtle River is home to mud and snapping turtles. The wooded areas are full of small mammals, including squirrels, woodchucks, skunks, weasels, beavers and raccoons.

The wetlands in the southeastern corner of the park attract water birds, including the great blue heron, bitterns and migratory waterfowl.

In addition to the lodge, park accommodations include 80 modern and 20 primitive campsites. Cabins may be reserved by groups or families on a nightly basis.

Trails include a self-guiding nature trail; the Centennial Accessible Trail, which is a short, paved interpretive trail; and the North Star Trail, which offers off-road biking.

Photo credits in order: Photo by Bruce Wendt, courtesy of North Dakota Parks and Recreation. Courtesy of North Dakota