After wrapping up my adventure at Pipestone National Monument (check out my last post, Road Trippin’ From Iowa to North Dakota), I headed north on Interstate 29 to my 47th state—North Dakota. With Montana, Wyoming, and Alaska still on my bucket list, I was ready to explore Fort Ransom State Park and see what North Dakota had in store. Before diving into the park, I made a quick stop at the actual Fort Ransom site, located just 3 miles south of the park entrance, to kick off my North Dakota adventure with a bit of history.
Photos: The Historic Fort Ransom Site | Entrance to Fort Ransom State Park
Dances with Wolves
As I rolled into Fort Ransom State Park, it felt like I had driven straight into a scene from Dances with Wolves. I half expected Lieutenant John Dunbar (Kevin Costner) to come galloping up and ask what I was doing there. The rugged terrain, lush greenery, and sweeping views felt straight out of a classic Western—a perfect setting for some epic outdoor adventures.
Upon arrival, I made a beeline for the visitor center. Even though I had a camping reservation, North Dakota has this quirky little rule where you still have to pay an entrance fee. They don’t roll it into the camping fee, which I found a bit odd. The woman at the visitor center was friendly but sad to say didn’t have much to add about the park’s highlights. However, she did tip me off about the $7 firewood bundles sold by the camp host—a tale for later in this post. With map in hand, I headed to my campsite, lucky number 23, and got settled in.
Photos: Visitor Center | My Campsite – Lucky #23
Photos: Trail Map | Campground Maps and Park Information
Hills, and yes, Yurts!
As I set up my campsite, I couldn’t help but notice the area’s unique blend of rolling hills, dense trees, and sprawling farmland. The mosquitoes were out, but they were nowhere near as bad as the swarms I encountered in Wisconsin and Iowa. With a bit of daylight left, I decided to explore a bit.
I set off on a roughly 2-mile loop, starting from the back of the campground. My journey began on the South Gate Trail, where I crossed the North Country Trail before following a service road down to the Pederson Hills Trailhead. This trail starts with an incline through oak woodlands, up to a ridgeline, and across mixed-grass prairie, offering stunning views of the countryside. From there, I followed the Spur Trail—a winding connector between the Pederson Hills and Ridgeline Nature Trails.
Photos: Pederson Hills Trail
Photos: Some of the many trailmarkers including where the Spur Trail meets the Ridgeline Nature Trail
A short trek down the Ridgeline Nature Trail led me to Yurt Loop, where the park’s quirky yurts immediately caught my eye. These unique accommodations, along with a refurbished stagecoach, add a charming Old West touch to your stay. As evening settled in, I marveled at how long the daylight lingered and how cool the temperature had dropped. Despite the crisp night air, my car stayed surprisingly warm—if only there had been a breeze to stir things up a bit.
Photos: One of the Yurts | The Percheron Wagon for a one-of-a-kind stay!
No Wood for You!
Camping at Fort Ransom State Park was the perfect way to soak in the park’s tranquil beauty. My campsite, nestled in a shaded corner of the campground, offered just the right balance of seclusion and proximity to the bathrooms and shower house. The only hiccup? A determined bird dive-bombed my head as I walked across the field, despite there being no trees nearby—definitely an unexpected challenge! On the bright side, I stumbled upon a cute painted rock on a bench near the building. As night fell, I enjoyed stargazing under a clear sky, free from city lights and treated to a breathtaking display of stars.
If you’re planning a visit to Fort Ransom, I highly recommend camping. Whether you’re staying in a tent, a yurt, or even the quirky refurbished stagecoach, it’s the perfect way to experience the park’s unique charm. Just a heads-up: if you’re hoping to grab a $7 bundle of firewood from the camp host, be prepared for a bit of luck. Unfortunately, the day I arrived was his day off, so I had to make a quick trip into town to stock up.
Photos: Bathrooms and Shower House | The Painted Rock I Found
Is “Sleeping In” a Camping Tradition?
The next morning, I was up and at it early. After a quick shower and some organizational maneuvers for my upcoming trip to Chicago, I hit the trails. It’s worth noting that I was pretty shocked at how late campers sleep in. By 9:15 AM, I had done so much and I was ready to go, but most of the camp was still snoozing away. Don’t get me wrong—I’m all for a good night’s sleep, but the day is slipping by folks!
One thing that really impressed me was how well-labeled the trails are at Fort Ransom. My hike started with a visit to the picnic pavilions, where I discovered a volleyball court—a fun spot for groups looking to mix a bit of sports with their nature retreat. After a quick pit stop at the outhouse, I set off on the Ridge Line Trail. The breeze had picked up, which was a blessing for keeping both the bugs and the heat at bay. The trail itself was peaceful, with the melodic chirping of birds providing the perfect soundtrack to my hike.
Photos: One of the Picnic Pavilions | A Pit Toilet, aka Outhouse
Watch out for Road Apples!
From Yurt Loop, I climbed back up the Ridgeline Nature Trail, which offered a good cardio workout with its elevation changes. As I hiked, I encountered some intriguing trail markers, including cryptic letters that I still need to decode. At the top, the trail forked, and I chose to go left, continuing on the Ridgeline Nature Trail. This section was marked by horse tracks and the occasional road apple (aka horse manure), indicating the trail’s popularity with equestrians.
Photos: On the way to Yurt Loop | Ridgeline Nature Trailhead
Fort Ransom State Park boasts over 20 miles of non-motorized trails, including loops, connectors, and segments suitable for hiking, horseback riding, biking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. As one of North Dakota’s designated horse parks, it’s equipped with 68 corrals, catering to both riders and horses.
The Ridgeline Nature Trail offered a mix of serene flat stretches and some elevation changes, with occasional deer tracks adding to the sense of wilderness. I briefly explored the Nelson 80 Trail, but found it rather flat and unremarkable, so I quickly returned to the Ridgeline. I then connected with the Firebreak Trail, which led me to a junction with several other trails, including the Little Twig Trail. The entire stretch from the start of Ridgeline Nature Trail to the Little Twig Trail junction was only about 8/10ths of a mile. A good warm-up for the day.
Photos: Deer Trakcs | The endless Nelson 80 Trail
More Evidence of the Recent Heavy Rains
The Little Twig Trail, a short 6/10-mile path, provided a relaxing stroll with the soothing sound of a bubbling brook enhancing the peaceful vibe. However, the recent heavy rains had caused some sections of the trail to flood, and the brook was overflowing. A bridge up ahead looked like it had definitely seen better days—possibly the one the visitor center staff had mentioned.
Despite the wet conditions, I pressed on and found myself at the Little Twig trailhead, located on the backside of the Yurt Loop. This marked a full loop back to where I had started earlier in the day, but I wasn’t done yet.
Photos: Brook along the Little Twig Trail | The Brook Overrunneth
Photos: More of the wet Little Twig Trail
Insta-worthy Views
After leaving the Little Twig trailhead, I made my way toward the North Fork Trail. With the parallel road blocked off to car traffic, I opted to hike up the road to the ridge instead. The choice was a breeze—literally—since the road was less buggy and offered a refreshing wind.
Photos: Road and Trail Intersection—Redetzke Ridge Trail (where I’ll loop back) branches off to the right | The Road Leading Up to Valley and Prairie Vista
Photos: At the Vista—A Glimpse of the Area’s History and About the Prairie
At the top, I reached the Valley and Prairie Vista, where the panoramic views and cooling breeze made the climb totally worth it. This spot is a must-visit in the park, offering a serene overlook perfect for soaking in the scenery, grabbing a snack, and snapping a few pics for the ‘Gram.
From there, I continued on the Valley View Trail, a 0.8-mile multi-use path that begins at the Scenic Overlook parking lot and winds its way down to the Sunne Farm. The trail offers stunning views of the Sheyenne River Valley as it curves along native prairie slopes, dotted with grasses and colorful wildflowers. After crossing the intersection with Redetzke Ridge Trail, I kept heading toward the Sunne Farm.
Photos: The Valley View Trail—A Long, Flat Stretch, Perfect for Horseback Riding
A Step Back in Time: Visiting the Sunne Farm
The Valley View Trail led me to a farm that felt like a step back in time. One of the highlights was meeting Troy the blacksmith, whose family has been practicing the trade since 1880. The farm offered a unique glimpse into the park’s agricultural roots, providing a peaceful setting to reflect on the area’s rich history. The staff was bustling, preparing for Sodbuster Days—a local annual festival that celebrates the region’s agricultural heritage. They were surprised to hear I wasn’t sticking around for the event, which is known for its tractor parades, old-fashioned games, farm-fresh produce, homemade treats, and local crafts. If you’re in the area during this time, it’s definitely worth checking out.
Photos: Highlights from Sunne Farm
Photo: Troy’s Blacksmith Shop
Photos: More Highlights | Getting ready for Sodbusters Day
With the farm visit behind me, I made my way back toward the Redetzke Ridge Trail. Although the road offered an easier route, I chose the trail for its scenic appeal—and it didn’t disappoint. The Redetzke Ridge Trail didn’t disappoint, offering beautiful views and a more immersive experience in the park’s natural beauty. By noon, I found myself back at the intersection of the road and Redetzke Ridge, feeling accomplished and ready for a well-deserved break. I headed back to camp, where I showered, wrote a few postcards, and enjoyed some quiet time.
Photo: Heading Back Up the Valley View Trail | Where Valley View and Redetzke Ridge Trails Meet
Photos: A Few of the Wildflowers You’ll Encounter on Your Hikes
Fort Ransom: Not Quite Yosemite, But Worth a Visit!
Fort Ransom State Park may not be a bucket-list destination like Yosemite, but it’s definitely worth a visit if you find yourself in North Dakota. The park’s blend of history, scenic trails, and peaceful vibes offers a refreshing escape into nature. Whether you’re hiking, horseback riding, or just soaking in the views, Fort Ransom provides plenty of reasons to slow down and enjoy the simpler things. So if you’re passing through, don’t miss out on this little slice of prairie paradise—you might just discover a new favorite spot!
Oh, Geez…
Next up, I made a stop at the Fargo Visitor Center to check out the infamous wood chipper from the movie Fargo—because, when in North Dakota, how could you not? But that wasn’t the only surprise. I spotted a Facebook post from my old friend, Tim from Orlando, who just so happened to be hosting a garage sale nearby. I couldn’t resist swinging by to surprise him. It was a fun little reunion, and if I wasn’t on a tight schedule, I would’ve stuck around longer. Nonetheless, it was the perfect way to wrap up my North Dakota adventure before heading to Minneapolis to stash my camping gear. Chicago’s next on the agenda, and then back to Minneapolis for round two! Catch You on the Road!
Photos: The Famous Wood Chipper from Fargo | Not Looking Too Scary Using to It, LOL
Photos: Mini Reunion with Tim | My Minneapolis Storage Unit
Dates of Visit: 10 – 12 July 2024