A dark night sky is the perfect setting for the North Dakota Badlands Star Party in Theodore Roosevelt National Park's North Unit. The annual event will be held on August 17 and 18.

Telescopes will be set up at sunset at the North Unit Wildlife Handling Facility. A constellation tour will be offered as soon as stars are visible, at approximately 10:30 p.m. CDT each night. In addition, the sun can be viewed through a solar telescope, which will be located at the North Unit Visitor Center from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. CDT on Saturday.

A trip into the geologic past will be the focus of the fourth Wilderness Hike of the summer season on Sunday, August 5 in Theodore Roosevelt National Park. The hike will venture into the petrified forest area of the park's North Unit, traveling to a remote and seldom visited area of the park.

"Theodore Roosevelt National Park contains the third largest concentration of petrified wood in the U.S.," said Superintendent Valerie J. Naylor. "Exploring the area with a ranger is an excellent way to visit this special place and gain insight into the park's geologic past."

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Bismarck, N.D. - North Dakota Tourism staff are hitting the road in July to work at several high-traffic visitor areas throughout the state, as well as at new sites in oil-impacted areas.

When a guide with 21 years on-the-water experience speaks about his home water and says, "I love Devils Lake in July," fishermen listen. Aaron McQuoid also said, "All I do is fish - 12 months a year."

The 20th Anniversary year of the Missouri Valley Historical Society is well under way. Throughout the year we will be honoring the people who have built and supported our historic town.

North Dakota's legendary activities are designed with the family in mind. Don't just tell the kids to get outdoors, join them on a hike or a bike ride, go swimming or visit a national park or historic site. Or play catch then take in a RedHawks baseball game. Try these activities and share your experiences with Travel North Dakota fans at www.facebook.com/TravelND.

Fresh water springs are few and far between in the badlands of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, but they are an important source of water this dry environment. A Wilderness Hike to one of the natural springs in the park's designated wilderness will be offered on Sunday, July 1.

"Backcountry springs sustain a wide variety of wildlife and plants in the park," said Superintendent Valerie Naylor. "This hike will be an excellent opportunity to spend some time with a ranger while exploring the challenges of life in the badlands."

Bismarck, N.D. - A delegation of North Dakota travel and tourism officials promoted North Dakota's bountiful outdoor adventures, specifically hunting and fishing, at regional sports shows.

North Dakota Department of Commerce Tourism Outdoor Promotion Manager Mike Jensen recently attended five sports shows in the Upper Midwest and was joined by industry representatives from Brad Durick Outdoors, Bully Pulpit Golf Course, Cannonball Company, Devils Lake Tourism, Eastbay Campground, Garrison Chamber of Commerce, Harvey JDA and Woodland Resort.

The Riverdale/Garrison Dam Recreational Airport (identifier 37N) is open again! The airport was temporarily closed to allow for new seeding and the runway is looking great. One of North Dakota's two state-owned airports, the Riverdale airport provides convenient access to the tailrace and a unique approach in which landing is beneath the lake's water level! The airport is also ready to provide a stamp for your passport - part of the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission and Tourism Department's Passport Program.