Sheyenne River National Scenic Byway

Sheyenne River National Scenic Byway

Don’t be afraid to wander off the populated path and spice up your winter traveling.

Most North Dakotan’s know traveling across the state means flat landscape and long, uneventful drives, but it doesn’t always have to be that way. The Sheyenne River Valley National Scenic Byway holds a plethora of sites to see. Anything from wildlife to historical sites dating back to the 1800s.

The Sheyenne River Valley National Scenic Byway was the first one in North Dakota to be nationally recognized and has won multiple different awards – it’s something you’re not going to want to miss. It starts at Getchell Township Hall on Barnes County Highway 21 and works its way south ending in Lisbon. If you’re planning a road trip be sure to plan time accordingly. Travel guides say to map out roughly nine hours to complete the scenic trek – this allows time to explore the small quaint towns, learn about the rich American history, and see some varied North Dakota landscape.

Warmer months have the potential to offer more to see, but there is something unique about a sparkling white blanket of snow covering the distinct sites along the way. Here are a couple of sites that would be fascinating to see this winter.

Self-guided Historic Bridges Tour

The Sheyenne River weaves its way through Valley City, ND. There are 13 total bridges in the town and eight of them make up the historic bridge tour. Begin by stopping in the Rosebud Visitor Center (250 Main Street W) and picking up a map to guide you through your adventure. One memorable bridge is the High Line – 3,860 feet long, 162 feet above the Sheyenne River, making it the longest and highest single-track railroad bridge in the United States.

Wadeson Park State Historic Site

If you’re driving this scenic byway, there’s a chance you could blink and miss Wadeson Park State Historic Site. This site consists of a hand-hewn oak cabin built by settlers Carl Jenson and his nephew John Bjerke in 1878. Over the years the cabin’s been used for many things – a community hall, pioneer home, a country store, and icehouse.

Clausen Springs

Clausen Springs Recreation Area is a 545-acre Wildlife Management Area that is open year-round. Located in the park is a campground with 60 campsites, both with electricity and non-electrical. Camping is only available May through October, but there are other opportunities for winter activities.

If your interests include hiking, snowshoeing or cross-country skiing there is a two-mile loop around Clausen Springs Lake. Don’t forget to bring your camera, you never know what you might see – it’s known to be a picturesque area especially if a fresh blanket of snow covers the landscape.

Little Yellowstone Park

Little Yellowstone Park is another must see on your adventure along the Sheyenne River Valley National Scenic Byway. Little Yellowstone is 27 acres and is burrowed within the hills and valley along the river. In the winter it’s possible the little spring-fed stream that runs through the park could be frozen – this could make for some cool pictures.

Fort Ransom State Park

Fort Ransom State Park is open year-round and offers many enjoyable winter activities. Camping or glamping is available. This winter they are keeping two campsites free of snow for those winter camping lovers. If that’s not your style, they do have a cabin for the family and two 30-foot yurts with two bedrooms. These are all available year-round. Throughout the park, there are some groomed trails spanning roughly five miles long – one designated for cross-country skiing and the other for fat-tire biking, snowshoeing, and hiking. They even offer cross-country ski rentals if you forget or want to learn. Don’t forget to bring your camera; you never know what you might see on the trails. In the park, you can experience an array of wildlife from birds, whitetail deer, upland beaver, to fox. Another new feature this year will be a designated hill for sledding. All of these depend on having enough snow – so check the weather or call ahead to check the snow totals. The park charges $5 per vehicle for a day pass. If you’re looking for camping prices or want to make reservations call 701-973-433.

Park photos courtesty of Tyler Modlin, Park Manager, Fort Ransom State Park