Fort Ransom State Park

Introduction of Fort Ransom State Park

The Fort Ransom State Park, which derives its name from a fort built by the military in the 1860s, is situated along a beautiful byway in the middle of the picturesque and highly forested Sheyenne River valley. There are several options for kayaking, fishing, and bird viewing along the river. Animal life is abundant throughout the park. Particularly numerous are white-tailed deer. Raccoons, beavers, squirrels, mink, coyotes, and fox are among more species that may be spotted. At different periods of the season, a variety of songbird, raptor, and shorebird species can be seen. The park has a little section of the North Country National Scenic Trail. Camping and picnics are common summertime pursuits, and cross-country skiing is a well-liked winter sport. Every year, Sodbuster Days is held in the park and takes place at a farmstead where there are displays and demonstrations of homesteading. There is a canoe rental option. For individuals who bring their own horses, corrals are provided, but there are no horse rentals available.

Fort Ransom State Park Activities

Fishing

Visitors may easily fish on the Sheyenne River thanks to a boat ramp. The Sheyenne River is a popular place for canoeing throughout the summer, and the park offers canoe and kayak rentals.

Camping

The park provides both first come, first served and reservable campsites.

Bicycling

Want to get a closer look at North Dakota’s diverse landscape? The best sport for you is cycling, which is listed as the top participation sport in North Dakota. North Dakota has a route to suit your needs, whether you’re searching for a quick ride on a paved bike path, a long trip on one of the state’s gorgeous roads, or an exhilarating off-road mountain bike ride.

Hiking

The park is traversed by a little section of the North Country National Scenic Trail.

Historic Sites

The location for the annual Sodbuster Days celebrations, which feature displays and demonstrations of early farming life, is a farmstead located within the park. Sodbuster Days, which are held twice a year on the weekend after Labor Day and the second full weekend in July, are popular with tourists who come to see horse-drawn fieldwork demonstrations, vintage machinery exhibitions, blacksmithing, and farm food.

Picnicking

Within the park, picnic places are accessible to guests.

Horseback Riding

For parties bringing their own horses, corrals and riding pathways are available. It is required that livestock owners utilise certified weed-free hay, which is sold in the park.

RVing

For those travelling in RVs, there is a trailer dump station accessible.

Winter Sports

During the winter, visitors may enjoy the park on cross-country and snowmobile routes.

Directions

Driving

Take exit 292 off of Interstate 94 at Valley City and head south on County Road 21 for 22 miles, east on ND Highway 46 for half a mile, south on County Road 58 for nine miles, and finally south on Walt Hjelle Parkway for three miles via the town of Ft. Ransom to reach the park entrance.

Parking

Parking is available.

Public Transport

Public Transport is available.