Photo Credit: ND Tourism
Photo Credit: ND Tourism
Photo Credit: A. Schuster
Fort Ransom State Park Fort Ransom State Park is located approximately 50 miles southeast of Jamestown on the Sheyenne River. The park preserves the legacy of homesteaders who settled in the picturesque Sheyenne River Valley in the late 1800’s. Woodlands comprise half of the 950acre park, with the remainder being upland prairie and open grasslands. Many kinds of trees can be found on the banks of the Sheyenne, including elms, green ash and bur oaks. Autumn is a beautiful time in the park, as the trees change hue from golden yellow to a brilliant red. Fort Ransom State Park’s nonmotorized trail system covers over 14.64-miles and most are multi-use, open for hiking, horseback riding, biking, cross country skiing and snowshoeing. The majority of the trail system surface is either grass, dirt or hard-packed singletrack, with manageable grades with only a few steeper sections. Much wildlife can be found roaming Fort Ransom State Park. White-tailed deer, raccoons, beavers, squirrels, foxes and coyotes thrive, as well as songbirds, shorebirds and birds of prey. Among the various species of birds are blue herons, mourning doves, wild turkeys,
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meadowlarks, wood ducks, red-tailed hawks, Hungarian partridges, brown thrashers and woodpeckers. The North Country National Scenic Trail runs through the park. Upon completion, this trail will extend from New York State to Lake Sakakawea. Canoe rentals are available along the Sheyenne River. Anglers fish for walleyes, northern pike and rock bass. For the cross-country skiing enthusiast, Fort Ransom State Park offers 6.5 miles of groomed trails, and snowmobilers will enjoy the Sheyenne Valley Snowmobile Trail which meanders through the park. Two early homesteads can be found in the park. The Bjone Home is now utilized as a visitor center, and another farm, originally homesteaded in 1884, is the site of the annual Sodbuster Days Festivals. The festivals are sponsored by the Fort Ransom Sodbusters Association. Featured are horse-drawn farm equipment, antique machinery displays, blacksmithing and farm cooking. The park is open year-round, with an entrance fee charged to visitors. Call 701973-4331 or go online to www.parkrec. nd.gov/frsp/frsp.html for information, or 800-807-4723 for campsite reservations.
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Toy Farmer Museum LaMoure, N.D. Directions From LaMoure, N.D.: FREE To Subscribe or For More Information On The Show Admission 4 miles East, Call 1 (800) 533-8293 or go to www.toyfarmer.com 2 miles South Page 44
James Valley Guide 2019