State Historical Society of North Dakota launches ‘Snowshoe the State’ initiative

This winter, the State Historical Society of North Dakota invites you to embrace the season with “Snowshoe the State,” a statewide initiative offering free access to snowshoes at the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum, the Pembina State Museum, select state historic sites, and the North Dakota State Library. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful walk through snowy trails or a guided experience, this program makes winter recreation easy and fun.

Availability and checkout procedures vary by location. Snowshoe programs are weather dependent and subject to change based on conditions. Participants are encouraged to check with individual locations for hours, availability, and trail conditions, or check the State Historical Society website for updates.

Missouri-Yellowstone Confluence Interpretive Center, near Williston

• Dates: Available now–April 12
• Process: Visit the Missouri-Yellowstone Confluence Interpretive Center’s main information desk Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. First come, first served; available for use on-site during open hours.
• Extras: Guided tours of trails available with advance reservation. Children’s snowshoes available.
• Contact: 701.572.9034 or [email protected]

Chateau de Morès State Historic Site, Medora

• Dates: Jan. 6–April 12
• Process: Visit the Chateau de Morès Interpretive Center’s main information desk Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. First come, first served; up to three-day checkout available for on-site or local trail use.
• Contact: 701.623.4355 or [email protected]

Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center, Washburn

• Dates: Jan. 6–April 12
• Process: Visit the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center’s main information desk Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. First come, first served; up to three-day checkout available for on-site or local trails.
• Extras: Guided snowshoe experiences at Fort Mandan are available via advance request.
• Contact: 701.462.8535 or [email protected]

Pembina State Museum, Pembina

• Dates: Jan. 6–April 12
• Process: Visit the Pembina State Museum’s main information desk Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. First come, first served; up to three-day checkout available for on-site or local trail use.
• Contact: 701.825.6840 or [email protected]

Fort Totten State Historic Site, Fort Totten

• Dates: Jan.10–April 12
• Process: Visit the Fort Totten State Historic Site staff office adjoining the Fort Totten Little Theater Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. First come, first served; available for use on-site during open hours.
• Contact: 701.766.4441 or [email protected]

North Dakota State Library, Bismarck

• Dates: Jan. 6- April 12
• Process: Visit North Dakota State Library’s STEM Kit LibGuide https://library-nd.libguides.com/STEMkits/snowshoes for more information and to reserve snowshoes; available for a two-week period. Limit of up to three pairs per checkout.
• Extras: Shipping available statewide (library pays shipping to user; user pays return shipping). Alternatively, snowshoes may be picked up at North Dakota State Library in person Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Contact: 701.328.4622 or [email protected]

North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum, Bismarck

• Dates: Feb. 7–15
• Process: Visit the State Museum’s west information desk Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., and Saturday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. First come, first served; available for use on the Capitol grounds during open hours.
• Contact: 701.328.2794 or [email protected]

For more information, contact Education Outreach Supervisor Madison Milbrath, [email protected] or 701.328.2794. Find upcoming State Historical Society events at history.nd.gov/events.