You're never too old to play cowboy. North Dakota has a number of exceptional areas to see from the saddle. Hit the trail, enjoy a ranch vacation - and don't forget your hat!
Little Missouri Grasslands Trail Ride
Riding Areas Theodore Roosevelt National Park Explore North Dakota's Badlands just as Theodore Roosevelt did, on horseback. The South Unit of the park has more than 80 miles of marked horse trails, plus countless unmarked trails carved by the park's buffalo herd. Riders are permitted in all areas of the park except for camping and picnicking areas and nature trails. A group horse campground is available in the South Unit by reservation and backcountry horse camping is allowed. Horse rentals and guided trail rides are also available. Popular riding areas include Petrified Forest, Halliday Wells and Painted Canyon. Be sure to watch for bison, wild horses, long-horned cattle, elk and deer. Horse trails can also be found in the North Unit.
Sully Creek State Recreation Area Those wishing to bring their own horses into the Badlands frequently use Sully Creek, with its horse corrals and primitive camping facilities as their staging area. Located near the historic western town of Medora, the park trails connect with those on the nearby Little Missouri National Grassland.
Little Missouri State Park More than 25 miles of the trails crisscross the Badlands terrain of the 6,000-acre park, most of which is accessible only on horseback or foot. The park provides corrals for those bringing their own mounts, and guided tours and horse rentals are available by a private concessionaire. An especially good time to ride in this park is the spring, when the Badlands come alive with blooming cactus and wild lillies. Bobcats, mule deer, golden eagles and other wildlife roam this primitive setting.
Lake Metigoshe State Park Nestled in the scenic Turtle Mountains on the shores of Lake Metigoshe, this state park includes several miles of nonmotorized, multi-use trails on rolling hills. The acquisition of an adjacent camp area significantly adds to the existing trail opportunities and also provides cabin rentals for park users in the summer and winter months.
Turtle Mountain State Forest More than 7,000 acres provide miles of winding, scenic trails in the heavily wooded Turtle Mountains. Both day-long riding facilities and primitive camping are available at Strawberry Lake.
Sheyenne National Grassland Located in southeastern North Dakota, the Sheyenne National Grassland includes a 25-mile segment of the North Country Trail. The trail covers flat, open prairie and is open to all nonmotorized traffic. Maps are available at the U.S. Forest Service district office.
Little Missouri National Grassland This ranger district in southwestern North Dakota includes hundreds of miles of roads and trails open for multiple use. Check with the ranger office for directions and topography maps.
US Forest Service, McKenzie Ranger District In addition to hundreds of miles of two-track trails and gravel and scoria roads, this ranger district includes 14 miles of marked multi-use trails on primitive roads over rolling plains and steep Badlands. Designated trails include the Long X Loop Trail, an 8.5-mile double-track trail, and the Summit Trail, a 4.5-mile single-track trail leading to a campground. Check with the ranger office for directions and trail maps.
Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park Rich in both military and early Indian history, Fort Abraham Lincoln was once an important infantry and cavalry post. It was from this fort that Lt. Col. George Armstrong Custer and the 7th Cavalry rode out on their ill-fated expedition against the Sioux at the Little Bighorn. Portions of the military post, including the Custer House, have been reconstructed. Travel back in time on your own steed or join a trail ride across these historic grounds.
Maah Daah Hey Trail The Maah Daah Hey Trail is a 120-mile nonmotorized trail open for biking, hiking and horsebacking riding. The trail begins at Sully Creek State Park, approximately five miles south of historic Medora, and meanders north through the south and north units of Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
Places to Camp With Your Horse Sully Creek State Recreation Area Those wishing to bring their own horses into the Badlands frequently use Sully Creek, with its horse corrals and primitive camping facilities as their staging area. Located near the historic western town of Medora, the park trails connect with those on the nearby Little Missouri National Grassland.
Little Missouri State Park More than 25 miles of trails crisscross the Badlands terrain of the 6,000-acre park, most of which is accessible only on horseback or foot. The park provides corrals for those bringing in their own mounts and guided tours and horse rentals are available by a private concessionaire. An especially good time to ride in this park is the spring, when the Badlands come alive with blooming cactus and wild lillies. Bobcats, mule deer, golden eagles and other wildlife roam this primitive setting.
Rolling Plains Adventure McKenzie, 701-367-3737 Horseback riding, nature hikes, ATV riding, cattle branding, hunting, ranch history and more.
Sheyenne Oaks Horse Camp & RV Park Leonard, 701-361-8566 For those horse enthusiast, there are individual horse corrals available in a central area. If you would like to ride, but don't own a horse, we can help with that too.
Little Missouri Bed and Corral - Medora, 701-623-4496
Outfitters Badlands Trail Rides 18 miles north of Killdeer on Highway 22. Phone 701-764-8000. Guided horseback rides through the beautiful North Dakota Badlands in Little Missouri State Park. Cabins, camping and RV sites with electricity available. Medora Riding Stables East of Medora. Phone 1-800-MEDORA-1. Guided trail rides through North Dakota Badlands. One- to three-hour rides. Memorial Day through mid-September. Peaceful Valley Ranch 7 miles into Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Phone 701-677-4260 between September and May, 701-623-4568 June-August. One and one-half hour trail rides, evening rides and daybreak rides are available alongside the Little Missouri River. Peaceful Valley is surrounded by colorful Badland country. Naard Creek Ranch Killdeer, 701-764-6911 Secluded modern cabin in the Badlands sleeps 10. Nature's paradise for birding, hiking, photography, trail riding, family vacations and many other adventure opportunities. Corrals available. Sheyenne Oaks Horse Camp & RV Park Leonard, 701-361-8566 For those horse enthusiast, there are individual horse corrals available in a central area. If you would like to ride, but don't own a horse, we can help with that too.
Ranch Vacations North Dakota offers a variety of ranch vacations to take you back to a simpler way of life. Want to get away from it all and experience life on a real working ranch? If so, try these: Eagle Ridge Lodge 7 miles southwest of Medora. Phone 701-623-2216. Amazing view of the Badlands from the hilltop lodge. Packages include breakfast rides, overnight stays, two-day getaways and a five-day stay with overnight campout. Logging Camp Ranch Northwest of Amidon. Phone 701-279-5501. The ranch takes visitors back to life on a working 1880s ranch in the Badlands. Cabins on site. Naard Creek Ranch Killdeer, 701-863-6911 Secluded modern cabin in the Badlands sleeps 10. Nature's paradise for birding, hiking, photography, trail riding, family vacations and many other adventure opportunities. Corrals available. Lone Butte Ranch You'll find solitude or adventure and more here. Hand-crafted log cabins offer spectacular views of Lone Butte and the Badlands. Horse boarding, hot tubs, ranch experience, and hunting available. Rolling Plains Adventures McKenzie, 701-367-3737 Horseback riding, nature hikes, ATV riding, cattle branding, hunting, ranch history and more.
Rodeos Eight seconds seems so long as when you're watching a cowboy hang on for dear life. From national professional events to local high school competitions, rodeo isn't just a sport in North Dakota, it's a feel-the-dirt-in-your-teeth way of life.
Roughriders Days Fair and Expo/Rodeo Dickinson June 30-July 4, 2011
A Fourth of July celebration starting at the end of June and running through the Fourth of July features rodeos, live music, fireworks, a parade, and much more. http://roughriderdaysfair.com
Mandan Rodeo Days Mandan July 2-4, 2011
Three-day PRCA rodeo, art in the park festival, inflatable games, concert, 2 parades, musicals, street dances, fireworks display, wagon and pony rides, pitchfork fondue, and much more. http://www.mandanrodeo.com
Killdeer Mountain Roundup Rodeo Killdeer July 2-4, 2011
87th annual event. The oldest PRCA Rodeo in the state includes parade, barbecue, petting zoo, street dances and other events for all ages. http://www.killdeer.com
James River Rodeo Jamestown July 15-16, 2011
Full performance rodeo includes bareback, saddle bronc, bull riding, calf roping, steer wrestling, barrel racing, breakaway/goat tying event, as well as team roping, mixed team roping and a senior breakaway.
54th Annual Champion's Ride Rodeo Sentinel Butte August 6, 2011
For 54 years the Match has been a premiere event with top ranked professional cowboys who are invited to ride the toughest saddle broncs in the region.
North Dakota Rodeo Association Rodeo Finals Watford City September 9-10, 2011
This exciting indoor event is a "must-see" for rodeo fans, as well as others who enjoy the western experience. The top contestants in ND compete to earn the honor of NDRA Champion.
Roughriders Rodeo Association Final Devils Lake September 23-25, 2011
Badlands Pro Rodeo Circuit Finals Y's Men's Indoor Rodeo, Minot October 6-9, 2011
The championship rodeo for the Badlands Circuit featuring the 12 best cowboys and cowgirls in bull riding, steer wrestling, barrel racing, roping and bucking horse riding and more.
