North Dakota's Scenic Nature Trail Transforms Into A Snowy Winter Wonderland

With more than 784 acres of trails and forest to explore, there's a rural state park in North Dakota that changes its personality according to the calendar: Turtle River State Park. In the summer, it's known as the perfect location to hold a beautiful wedding or enjoy an overnight getaway in a cabin. But in the winter months, the park becomes home to a beautiful nature trail experience that celebrates the snowfall with activities catering to the colder, wintry weather.

Specifically, the Turtle River Nature Trail within the park attracts everyone from cross-country skiers to snowshoe enthusiasts and fat-tire cyclists on a 6.4-mile loop that is generally labeled as a "moderate hike." Typically, visitors can complete it in under three hours. However, that does not include the countless moments you may want to take a break to admire the winter wonderland that surrounds you. Wildlife buffs should keep their eyes extra peeled, as they may even encounter the state's popular squirrel — which earned North Dakota one of its more unique and surprising nicknames as the "Flickertail State."

Of course, North Dakota is no stranger to spectacular natural views. Its Badlands, for example, are a must-visit destination for 2026 according to National Geographic. However, the beauty of Turtle River State Park has attracted thousands of yearly visitors since it was founded in 1934 — proving its appeal has clearly stood the test of time.

In total, the park offers  13 miles of trails that cater to different skill levels and experiences. Fans of sledding, cross-country skiing, and hiking will be happy to know that different trails are dedicated to different interests and enthusiasts, which means you likely won't have to struggle with crowds or unexpected run-ins. With so many options, it makes one wonder why North Dakota is too often considered the worst state to hike in the United States, despite having an abundance of trails to explore no matter the season.

Speaking of seasons, it's certainly no secret that winters in North Dakota are cold. January is the coldest month of the year in the state, and average temperatures range between 2 and 17 degrees Fahrenheit. In Grand Forks, North Dakota, located just 20 miles from the Turtle River Nature Trail, average daily highs rarely rise above 28 degrees Fahrenheit between late November and early March. Given those temperatures, it's important to dress appropriately while enjoying the winter wonderland offered by Turtle River State Park. 

The closest major airport to Turtle River State Park is Fargo Hector International Airport, located just 100 miles away in Fargo, North Dakota. Serving five major airlines, the transport hub also welcomes international visitors. Once you've landed, you'll find that there are multiple car rental services to help visitors explore the state's many sites and parks. Those looking to spend more time at Turtle River State Park will quickly realize that accommodations are easy to find in nearby Grand Forks, which also happens to be one of the most historic towns in North Dakota.