Living Working Industries Business News & Events Government Home Living In ND Outdoor Recreation Outdoor Recreation THE GREAT OUTDOORS IS OUR PLAYGROUND You don’t have to tell North Dakotans twice to “get outside and play.” A fishing season that never ends; waterfowl, pheasant, deer and big game hunting; miles of snowmobile, mountain bike and hiking trails; AND more lakeshore than the state of California (yes, it’s true!)—that’s enough to make anyone go outside and stay. Gather around the campfire for stories of upland game hunting and birding on the rolling plains. But don’t expect to hear any fish tales because with our amazing waters, every fish story is true. Troll the legendary Missouri River, Lake Sakakawea, Devils Lake, Lake Oahe and the Red. Feed your competitive side at the Governor’s Cup or the Devils Lake Ice Fishing Tournament. Walleye, perch, bass and northern pike are ready for the taking. In North Dakota, you literally can see where the buffalo roam. With more wildlife refuges than any other state, this is the place for animal lovers. Moose abound in the Turtle Mountains and elk in the Killdeer Mountains and Badlands. Bighorn sheep also call the Badlands of Theodore Roosevelt National Park home while eagles dance along on the wind in most parts of the state. Our outdoor recreation provides the experiences enthusiasts crave. With more golf courses per capita than any other state, it’s easy for you to get on and play our nationally acclaimed courses. Hiking and biking trails crisscross the land, creating a patchwork of routes for those seeking a leisurely pace along river bottoms and grasslands or a furious climb on the Maah Daah Hey(link is external). And of course, any season is a good season to enjoy the scenic wonders of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Once the snow falls, enjoy downhill skiing, snowboarding and tubing or point your sled toward the 2,800 miles of groomed snowmobile trails that pass through some of the most scenic areas of the state and feel the winter blahs melt away. Play hard. Have fun. Repeat. LINKS & RESOURCES Game & Fish Parks & Recreation Outdoor & Nature Activities(link is external) Hunting & Fishing Guide(link is external) Most wildlife refuges GREAT OUTDOORS SPOTLIGHT Maah Daah Hey Trail with Nick Ybarra If you ask Nick Ybarra to tell you the story of the first time he rode the Maah Daah Hey Trail, you’ll see the twinkle in his eyes as he describes rattling across the ridge that is Devil’s Pass. He describes the experience as feeling like he found something he'd been looking for but didn’t know he needed his entire life. Watch Copyright © 2020 State of North Dakota - 600 E. Boulevard | Bismarck, ND 58503 Footer menu Accessibility Contact Disclaimer Privacy Policy Security Policy State Marketing Feedback (+) Provide Website Feedback