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Dakota Prairie Grasslands - U.S. Forest Service

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Dakota Prairie Grasslands - U.S. Forest Service

The official government Facebook account for the
USDA - Forest Service - Dakota Prairie Grasslands. Each Grassland District has a flavor all its own.

Stretching over 1.2 million acres, the Dakota Prairie Grasslands offer visitors opportunities to view elk, antelope, whitetail and mule deer, bighorn sheep, coyote, sharptail grouse, greater prairie chicken, pheasant, wild turkey, eagles, falcons, and the busy prairie dog. Recreational opportunities available are hiking, camping, horseback and mountain bike riding, photography, canoeing, fishing,

hunting, and backpacking. The Dakota Prairie Grasslands are not solid blocks of National Forest System lands; they are intermingled with other federal, state, and privately owned lands. This mixed ownership pattern contributes to the uniqueness of the Grassland. The Dakota Prairie Grasslands are publicly owned lands administered by the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service. These large blocks of land in North and South Dakota are home to four Ranger District Offices; the Grand River Ranger District Office on the Grand River and Cedar River National Grasslands; the Sheyenne Ranger District Office on the Sheyenne National Grasslands; and the McKenzie Ranger District Office and the Medora Ranger District Office on the Little Missouri National Grasslands. From the savannas of the Grand and Cedar River National Grasslands to the rugged badlands of the Little Missouri National Grasslands and the rolling plains of the Sheyenne National Grasslands visitors can enjoy a wide range of outdoor recreation activities and witness the varied resource uses available on the grasslands. Resource use encompasses paleontological and archeological digs, oil and gas production, livestock grazing, and recreation.

06/10/2026

Dakota Prairie Grasslands and Volunteer Partners Bridge the Buffalo Gap for National Trails Day

Dakota Prairie Grasslands and a dedicated team of volunteer partners came together on National Trails Day, June 6, to give the Buffalo Gap Trail some much-needed care.

Volunteers from the Maah Daah Hey Trail Association, Badlands Conservation Alliance, Badlands Conservation Corps, and Montana Conservation Corps joined DPG staff to trim overgrown vegetation and rebuild a 16-by-6-foot bridge near the Buffalo Gap Campground.

Their hard work not only improved safety and access for hikers and horseback riders—it also embodied the American Hiking Society’s “Leave Better” pledge, reminding us all to care for the places we love.

👉 Check out the full story and photos here:

https://www.fs.usda.gov/r01/dpg/working-with-us/volunteers/dakota-prairie-grasslands-and-volunteer-partners-bridge-buffalo

06/09/2026

We had an amazing turnout for National Trails Day across the Dakota Prairie Grasslands! One highlight was a five-mile hike out to Pigeon Point in the Sheyenne National Grasslands.

The North Country Trail Association’s Dakota Prairie Chapter led a great day hike along the Sheyenne, with about 20 hikers kicking off at the Middle Trailhead near Sheldon, N.D., for a three-hour trek on the western trail. Our group of 20 hikers—many from the Dakota Prairie Chapter—enjoyed beautiful views, great company, and perfect trail conditions. The trek wrapped up at the Pigeon Point Preserve parking area.

With more than 300 miles of established trails across four national grasslands, the Dakota Prairie Grasslands offer numerous opportunities to hike, bike, and ride. Thanks to everyone who joined us and helped celebrate trail stewardship. See you out on the trails!

Forest Service photo by Cory Enger.

06/07/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1BmenLxQWM/

06/05/2026

Looking for a fun and meaningful way to celebrate National Trails Day on June 6, 2026? Join us out on the grasslands!

We’re hosting several events across the region, including:

• A guided hike along the Sheyenne National Grassland’s section of the North Country Trail. Register: https://northcountrytrail.org/events/dpc-060626/

• Two public volunteer projects near Buffalo Gap on the Little Missouri Grassland.
We’ll be installing a new Crying Butte Trailhead sign and building a 16‑foot bridge that will benefit visitors for years to come. Interested in helping? Sign up by emailing Jeff Davis at [email protected].

For full details on all National Trails Day events, visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r01/dpg/working-with-us/volunteers/national-trails-day-2026-grasslands

06/04/2026

Dakota Prairie Grasslands will temporarily close parts of the Medora Ranger District for public safety and security during the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Grand Opening from June 22 at 5:00 p.m. MDT through July 7 at 11:59 p.m. MDT, unless lifted sooner.

This closure affects parts of the Maah Daah Hey and Buffalo Gap Trails, the Scoria Pit Dispersed Camping Area, and certain Forest Service roads.

Find the closure order and map here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r01/dpg/alerts/medora-ranger-district-area-closure-theodore-roosevelt-presidential-library-opening

Thank you for helping ensure the safety of visitors and staff during this event.

06/03/2026

Looking for your next outdoor adventure? The Dakota Prairie Grasslands offer wide‑open spaces filled with wildlife, native plants, rugged scenery, and fascinating stories of the land.

Explore interpretive sites like the Battle of the Badlands and Birnt Hills Overlook, spot bighorn and pronghorn on the open prairie, or discover the diverse grasses and wildflowers that make this landscape so unique.

Whether you're into ecology, geology, history, or simply enjoying the outdoors, there’s something here for every nature enthusiast. Don’t forget to download the Plant and Wildlife Checklist before you go and see how many species you can find!

Start planning your trip by visiting the Outdoor Science and Learning webpage here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r01/dpg/recreation/opportunities/outdoor-science-and-learning

06/01/2026

Looking for things to do today, this week, or this summer, but not sure where to start?

Visit the DPG website’s new “Directory of Webpages.” This resource makes it easy to explore all our site has to offer and find the information you need.

While the search bar is great if you know your keywords, the Directory is perfect for browsing topics or discovering what’s available. It gathers all webpages into a single, easy-to-navigate list—including pages not in the top menu. Bookmark it for quick access anytime.

Browse by category:

• Alerts – Conditions, closures, and notices
• Recreation & Interpretive Sites – Places to learn about history and geology
• Camping – Developed and dispersed options
• Trails – All established grasslands trails
• Information – Maps, management, and publications
• Stories – Highlights and updates
• Offices – Locations and contacts
• Recreation – Activities and trip planning
• Regions – Info by geographic area

Start exploring (and bookmark) the Directory today:

https://www.fs.usda.gov/r01/dpg/data-tools/dpg-website-directory-webpages

05/30/2026

This is the final weekend of our Wildfire Awareness Month campaign. As you enjoy the outdoors, please stay safe. Wildfire Prevention’s goal is to reduce human‑caused fires—check local fire danger and any fire restrictions before you head out.

Always practice safe fire behavior, and remember: only YOU can prevent wildfires. —Smokey Bear

For fire restriction updates, visit ND Response or the South Dakota Grassland Fire Danger Map.

Learn more on the DPG Prevention webpage: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r01/dpg/fire/prevention

05/29/2026

Looking for a quiet escape filled with history, wildlife, and natural beauty? Discover the Denbigh Experimental Forest—a living legacy born from the Dust Bowl era to help stabilize the Northern Plains. Today, it’s a peaceful haven for education, conservation, and outdoor adventure.

Visitors can walk the trails of history, exploring the landscape that helped shape prairie forestry in the Northern Plains.

A Volunteer Host is onsite each week now through September, staying in the historic red forester cabin and ready to greet visitors, share stories, and answer questions.

Plus, don’t miss the newly released “Denbigh Experimental Forest: A Brief History” page, offering a fresh look at how this special place began—and why it still matters.

Plan your visit and explore the new page here:
https://www.fs.usda.gov/r01/dpg/recreation/epic-adventures/denbigh-experimental-forest-brief-history

05/27/2026

Get involved on National Trails Day with Dakota Prairie Grasslands and the American Hiking Society on June 6, 2026 as we prepare to celebrate America's 2050th!

The best birthday gift is the act of giving back. Serving the trails and celebrating the nation. Here are a pair of events taking place across the grasslands:

1️⃣ Little Missouri National Grassland: Join us at Buffalo Gap Campground for a volunteer project—help install a new Crying Butte Trailhead sign and build a 16-foot bridge. Meet at 9 a.m. at the Buffalo Gap Group Picnic Area. Bring gloves, safety glasses, lunch, water, and weather-ready gear. We’ll provide the rest—and enjoy a cookout to celebrate! Register by emailing Jeff Davis at [email protected].

2️⃣ Sheyenne National Grassland: Hike with the North Country Trail Association’s Dakota Prairie Chapter to Pigeon Point! Meet at 9:45 a.m. at the Middle Trailhead (6471 147th Ave. SE, Sheldon, ND) for a 3-hour trek. Learn more and register: https://northcountrytrail.org/events/dpc-060626/

Find full event details and more about National Trails Day: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r01/dpg/working-with-us/volunteers/national-trails-day-2026-grasslands

Address

2000 Miriam Circle
Bismarck, ND
58501

Opening Hours

Monday	8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday	8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday	8am - 4:30pm
Thursday	8am - 4:30pm
Friday	8am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+17019897300

Website

https://www.fs.usda.gov/dpg

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