Red River Valley Fair Campground

Though the region is primarily, an agricultural one, both North Dakota and Minnesota have been diligently working on creating parks for outdoor lovers to enjoy. Just across the North Dakota-Minnesota is Buffalo River State Park, established in the early 70s. Combined with the adjacent Bluestem Prairie Scientific and Natural Area, Buffalo River State Park is one of the largest prairies in Minnesota. The sole source of water, Buffalo River, is the lifeblood of many animals that reside on the prairie. The river, which snakes through the park, is lined with elm, ash, cottonwood, oak, and basswood trees. The banks are crowded with dense shrubberies, though people have established paths to the water at several points. The shallow river is terrific for cooling off one’s toes on a hot summer day. Fishermen, often donning sturdy waders, are often seen standing in the middle of the river as they cast their lures into the water. Common catches include white sucker, river redhorse, and goldeye. The prairie that is within the park, along with the Bluestem Prairie Scientific and Natural Area (SNA), is considered to be one of the largest and best of the state's prairie preserves. Over 13 miles of trails meander through the prairie, in which hikers, birdwatchers, and photographers can observe several prairie birds like chickens, upland sandpipers, bobolinks and even on occasion, marbled godwits. Foxes, badgers, white-tailed deer, and jackrabbits, too, are common sights. Moose occasionally travel this region in search of food, though their visits tend to be sporadic and unpredictable. Also very close by is Sheyenne National Grassland, which is a 70,000-acre slice of prairie wilderness. In addition to supporting a variety of prairie birds and mammals, it also is one of the only habitats in which the western prairie fringed orchid can be found. This orchid is endangered, and if hikers find one, they should leave it undisturbed. There are around 50 miles of hiking trails, including the North Country Trail, which is a less known trail that can be compared with the Appalachian Trail. The trail starts in eastern New York and stretches around 4,600 miles to terminate in northern North Dakota. A portion of this trail passes through Sheyenne National Grassland.