Memorial Day Weekend Travel Updates

Kicking off your summer with a Memorial Day Weekend vacation?  North Dakota Tourism invites you to have some Legendary fun!  As you’re planning, we’d like to share a variety of updates and travel resources.  Certain parts of the state are experiencing the joys of Mother Nature – but rest assured, there’s plenty to see, do and explore.

Theodore Roosevelt National Park and Medora

Theodore Roosevelt National Park is open for visitors at both the North Unit (near Watford City) and the South Unit (Medora).  Campgrounds are closed, but will be reopened as soon as waters from the Little Missouri River (nicknamed the Little Muddy) recede.

Record water levels in Medora are currently affecting access to Bully Pulpit Golf Course and the Chateau de Mores State Historic Site.  Please call ahead to check the status of attractions in Medora as you’re planning your trip.  The Medora Musical will open as scheduled June 10.

Missouri River and Bismarck-Mandan

Due to unprecedented record and late snowfall in the Rocky Mountains, record inflows of water have raised Lake Sakakawea resulting in extreme releases from the Garrison Dam and into the Missouri River.  Fishermen are still getting out on the river and just need to be aware of the no-wake zone from the Garrison Dam to the McLean Bottoms/headwaters of Lake Oahe.

In Bismarck-Mandan, there are closures at the Dakota Zoo, Riverwood Golf Course, the Lewis & Clark Riverboat, boat ramps and recreational trails.  You can find information at the Bismarck Parks and Recreation office and get information on other attractions, events and lodging at the Bismarck Mandan Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Statewide Information

If camping is part of your travel plan, the North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department is keeping tabs on affected state parks, trails and campgrounds.  Likewise, the North Dakota Department of Transportation has travel maps to help guide you.

The message:  Please just plan ahead to make sure your vacation goes off without a hitch!  We hope your North Dakota trip is a great adventure for all the right reasons!  For example, consider some of the FUN to be had this weekend:

• The State Track Meet in Bismarck will continue as scheduled Friday and Saturday
• Veterans are admitted free at state parks and numerous attractions – like Bonanzaville, USA in West Fargo.
• Devils Lake is hosting a Memorial Motorcycle Rally with three days of riding, games and more.
• The Sky Dance Sakakawea kite festival will take place at Fort Stevenson State Park.
• How about a Wild West Shootout – 3 p.m. Monday at the Frontier Village in Jamestown.

For updates on travel information AND fun events – be sure to “like” Travel North Dakota on facebook and @TravelND on twitter.

 

Celebrate National Park Week in North Dakota

Springtime is upon us and Theodore Roosevelt National Park is the perfect place to shake off the winter doldrums with National Park Week, April 16 – 24. Visits to the park during this annual celebration will be free.

The focus of this year’s National Park Week is Healthy Parks, Healthy People, highlighting the connection between human and environmental health and the vital role America’s national parks play in both. “Theodore Roosevelt National Park is an excellent place to enjoy the outdoors after a long winter,” said Superintendent Valerie Naylor. “Whether you prefer a short hike, an overnight trip into the backcountry, watching returning migratory birds, or viewing newborn bison and feral horses, the park offers opportunities for just about everyone to explore and discover.”

Kids and their families are invited to “Calling All Rangers,” an interactive program about national parks and the rangers who work in them, to be presented on both Saturdays, April 16 & 23 at 2 p.m. MDT in the South Unit Visitor Center. Children who attend will become National Park Junior Rangers. A variety of national park movies will be shown in the North and South Unit Visitor Centers on both weekends: at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. MST in the South Unit and at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. CDT in the North Unit. Films will also be shown upon request Monday through Friday of National Park Week.

 

Lots of Theodore Roosevelt related news

This weekend, enjoy free entrance and camping at Theodore Roosevelt National Park (entrances in Medora and near Watford City).  The scenic drives are open, weather permitting, and backcountry skiing and snowshoeing is permitted.

January 15 is Winter Fun Day at the Chateau de Mores in Medora.  Bring sleds, skis, snowshoes and enjoy activities with hot chocolate and cookies to be served.  There will be a fire pit bonfire on the patio and all activities are free including admission to the Chateau de Mores and its interpretive center. 

Theodore Roosevelt Documentary to Air

“Theodore Roosevelt: A Cowboy’s Ride to the White House” will run on 175 Public Broadcast stations over the next few months.  The documentary details Roosevelt’s life as a cowboy and his time in the Badlands of North Dakota, which he said was responsible for him becoming president.  For more information and copies of the film visit www.dorganfilms.com.

 

Count some birds this weekend at TR Nat’l Park

Theodore Roosevelt National Park, photo by Scott Thomas

Volunteers are needed for the annual Audubon Christmas Bird Counts in Theodore Roosevelt National Park. The event is free and open to the public. The Medora bird count will take place on Sunday, Dec. 19 beginning at 8 a.m. MST in the South Unit Visitor Center. The North Unit bird count will begin Dec. 20 at 9 a.m. CST in the North Unit Visitor Center. Participants can drive, walk, ski or snowshoe to best cover their assigned areas. You don’t have to be a bird expert to make a difference.

 

Yummy! Great summer Ribfests continue!

Tantalize your taste buds at Watford City’s Best in the West Ribfest Today! Enjoy the sweet and spicy barbecue scents wafting in the air and join the many ribfesters as they experience the samplings offered by cooking teams from across the country. A variety of kid’s activities will be on hand, and live music by the Taylor Brothers will encourage you to kick up your heels. http://www.4eyes.net; 1-800-701-2804

What else is goen on this weekend? To name a few Art Festivals, Buggy Days, County Fairs, Motorcycle Runs, Rodeos and much much more! Check it out! http://www.ndtourism.com/whatdo/events/festival-list.asp

There are only a few weekends left before the school year kicks off and everyone goes in different directions, so bring the whole family to your favorite North Dakota August events!!! Yeee Hahh

 

Rough Rider Country – Top-Ziele (Best of America)

Our international marketing director, Fred Walker, recently returned from a whirlwind of shows in Europe and he brought with him a copy of Jahre America (America Journal).  The März/April issue features writers giving their top 3 picks for a U.S.A. vacation.  Margit Brinke and Peter Kranzle rank “Rough River Country, North Dakota” as their #1 pick in the U.S.

To enjoy Rough Rider County, follow the footsteps of America’s rough-riding President, Theodore Roosevelt, at TR National Park, in the cities of Medora, Dickinson and Watford City and all along the North Dakota Badlands.

 

Wow Watford City!

Yesterday was a day where I should probably reimburse my paycheck.  It was my first trip to Watford City, and I’d long heard about the beauty and hospitality found in this western town … but I grew up near another “W” town on the opposite side of the state!

It wasn’t long after I turned north on Hwy 85 that I stopped the car to take pictures of the red-dirt roads and the oil wells.  I’m certain that I passed more than three-dozen operating pumps yesterday.  And there’s something about them that’s just cool.

As I neared the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, I was stopping left-and-right (well, mostly right) at all the scenic overlooks, snapping pictures and even texting my husband with shots.  (Which I now realize was probably quite mean.)  I saw pronghorn, mule deer, bison, and even a turtle.  I was so overcome when I saw these mule deer along the road that I forgot to pull-over before slowing down.  (Sorry drivers.)  The North Dakota Badlands are so majestic and green.  Wow.

That brings me to beautiful, hospitable Watford City.  Entering town, you’re greeted by waving American flags and the gorgeous new Long X Visitor Center – complete with a display of the largest petrified tree stump ever found in North Dakota.  I attended meetings with approximately 40 great gals representing community businesses and visitor services and then enjoyed a scrumptious tortellini lunch at Outlaws Bar and Grill (I was in the grill side) and a little shopping.

I took in a bit of the Killdeer Scenic Byway on the drive back to Bismarck, stopping at the Little Missouri State Park, Killdeer Mountain Battlefield State Historic Site and Medicine Hole.  What an absolutely perfect Thursday in North Dakota.

I didn’t have time to visit the North Unit of TRNP – but I know I’ll be going back in just three weeks.  Yea!