You have probably noticed the leaves starting to change on all the trees in North Dakota. Many are just beginning to shift in hue, but when the fall foliage colors are at their peak in mid-October you won’t want to miss out on getting the most spectacular views of the season. This may not be the most densely forested state out there, but that doesn’t mean we are short on lovely places to visit to see this natural beauty. Here are the best places in the Peace Garden State to see it:
- Pembina Gorge
Pembina Gorge State Recreation Area/Facebook Up north near Walhalla, North Dakota is the timeless beauty of the Pembina Gorge. This is by far one of the most popular fall foliage destinations in the state and for good reason. The Pembina River snakes through a valley full of trees that become a masterpiece of color in autumn. You can enjoy these in the Pembina Gorge State Recreation Area or by exploring the town of Walhalla itself.
- Along the Red River
Sharon Mollerus/Flickr As with most bodies of water, the Red River brings life to the valley - especially on its banks. Many trees line along the winding river and to see them reflected in the water while they are at their most vibrant is an unforgettable sight.
- The Badlands
NDPRD/Flickr Though the badlands are more so known for their scrub prairie terrain, there are lots of trees among the canyons and along the Little Missouri River that helped form them. In places around Medora, among the Theodore Roosevelt National Park, and Sully Creek State Park (shown above), the landscape gets especially colorful and gorgeous to behold.
- Lake Metigoshe
NDPRD/Flickr This stunning lake near Bottineau, ND is surrounded by forests and marsh that shift into an array of reds, golds, and oranges in the fall season. This place is great for a peaceful stroll, a spot of fishing, or an overnight stay in a cabin while enjoying the colorful beauty around you.
- Sheyenne River Valley
NDPRD/Flickr The Sheyenne River Valley and Sheyenne State Forest within it become a truly breathtaking place in autumn. You’ll be able to gaze out over the acres upon acres of trees as they go from green to the colors of fire. You can even take a trail through the state forest to North Dakota’s one and only natural waterfall, hidden among the trees and a magical place during this upcoming season.
- Gunlogson Nature Preserve
NDPRD/Flickr The Tongue River flows through the Gunlogson Nature Preserve located near Cavalier, North Dakota. You can hike through the preserve and the adjoining Icelandic State Park while taking in all the sights of fall.
- Lake Sakakawea
NDPRD/Flickr Lake Sakakawea is a place that is perfect for year round fun. All throughout summer you can enjoy it for its outdoor recreational opportunities, and even in winter hundreds of people are out on the lake still to enjoy ice fishing. The fall is no different, there is a lot to still see and do here. Many patches of trees surround the lake and the combination of the rugged bluffs, reflective waters, and vivid bunches of trees make for a truly gorgeous scene.
Learn more about North Dakota’s upcoming fall predictions with the exact dates the foliage is going to peak in color and more by following this link.
Pembina Gorge State Recreation Area/Facebook
Up north near Walhalla, North Dakota is the timeless beauty of the Pembina Gorge. This is by far one of the most popular fall foliage destinations in the state and for good reason. The Pembina River snakes through a valley full of trees that become a masterpiece of color in autumn. You can enjoy these in the Pembina Gorge State Recreation Area or by exploring the town of Walhalla itself.
Sharon Mollerus/Flickr
As with most bodies of water, the Red River brings life to the valley - especially on its banks. Many trees line along the winding river and to see them reflected in the water while they are at their most vibrant is an unforgettable sight.
NDPRD/Flickr
Though the badlands are more so known for their scrub prairie terrain, there are lots of trees among the canyons and along the Little Missouri River that helped form them. In places around Medora, among the Theodore Roosevelt National Park, and Sully Creek State Park (shown above), the landscape gets especially colorful and gorgeous to behold.
This stunning lake near Bottineau, ND is surrounded by forests and marsh that shift into an array of reds, golds, and oranges in the fall season. This place is great for a peaceful stroll, a spot of fishing, or an overnight stay in a cabin while enjoying the colorful beauty around you.
The Sheyenne River Valley and Sheyenne State Forest within it become a truly breathtaking place in autumn. You’ll be able to gaze out over the acres upon acres of trees as they go from green to the colors of fire. You can even take a trail through the state forest to North Dakota’s one and only natural waterfall, hidden among the trees and a magical place during this upcoming season.
The Tongue River flows through the Gunlogson Nature Preserve located near Cavalier, North Dakota. You can hike through the preserve and the adjoining Icelandic State Park while taking in all the sights of fall.
Lake Sakakawea is a place that is perfect for year round fun. All throughout summer you can enjoy it for its outdoor recreational opportunities, and even in winter hundreds of people are out on the lake still to enjoy ice fishing. The fall is no different, there is a lot to still see and do here. Many patches of trees surround the lake and the combination of the rugged bluffs, reflective waters, and vivid bunches of trees make for a truly gorgeous scene.
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