The Official Newspaper for Foster County
The Official Newspaper for Foster County
You may have noticed the leaves on the trees in your back yard beginning to change color. And as we go later into September, that foliage is becoming more intense and looks stunning.
Granted, North Dakota doesn't have forests like other places do, so you can't just drive down a road and see what those in New England might see.
But you can drive to certain places and see the same thing that is happening in Vermont, New Hamp-shire and New York, as well as parts of Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota.
North Dakota has spots, some hidden fairly well, that will provide the same impressive viewing that you would see Down East. About the only thing we don't have that the New England states do, is an abundance of maple trees.
Following are a few places you might consider and photograph the fall foliage right here within the state of North Dakota.
• I may be biased, but to me the most spectacular spot in the state to see fall foliage is Tetrault State Forest Overlook, which is about 6 miles west of Walhalla. Some of the best fall foliage photos I've ever taken have been there. It doesn't even seem like you're in North Dakota. You are. You're only 6 miles from the Canadian border, but it's North Dakota.
• Fort Ransom State Park provides incredible fall foliage. Actually the drive from Valley City south to Kathryn and to the community of Fort Ransom is quite a site to see. In that scenario, you might as well be in Vermont because you are driving close to 50 miles through the fall foliage.
• The Pembina Gorge – As you go west from the Tetrault overlook along Pembina County Highway 55, you descend into the Pembina Gorge which is quite similar to Tetrault, but you won't have the exact vantage point. The interesting thing about the gorge is, it's so deep that the wind doesn't affect it like much of the rest of the state and if you go there in the winter, some of the fall foliage remains. It's one of the prettiest sites in the snow.
• The Turtle Mountains are sometimes considered North Dakota's best kept secret. In parallel with Lake Metigoshe State Park, this area feels like you're somewhere in the woods in northern Manitoba. As you drive toward Bottineau on N.D. Highway 5, you see off in the distance what appear to be mountains. That's where you need to go and view the foliage. It's gorgeous every year and you'll most likely see some interesting wildlife as well while you're visiting.
• Devils Lake is a great place to see fall foliage; not the community, but the area around the lake. There are several overlooks such as Sullys Hill to see the lake area in the fall. Unfortunately, it isn't as spectacular as 30 years ago as the rising lake has killed a lot of the trees that magnified the beauty of fall.
• If you are in the central part of the state, a quick and easy drive will take you to Cross Ranch State Park near Center. This is an area that is covered with cottonwood trees so the foliage won't last as long as it will in other places that have oak, maple or box elder trees.
• In the northwest corner of the state is the Trenton Wildlife Management area, near the Montana state line. It's a large wooded area along Trenton Lake that is perfect for taking in the beauty of the fall colors. This is a great getaway for people in the Williston area.
• Fort Lincoln State Park south of Mandan, the Denbigh Forest near Towner, Lake Tschida near Elgin, Lake Darling just to the northwest of Minot, Roosevelt National Park North and South units, Beaver Lake State Park near Wishek and the Greenway in Grand Forks are all places that you'll be glad to visit.
North Dakota Tourism also points to the North Dakota state capitol area, Lindenwood Park in Fargo and the Turtle River State Park as must see areas as well. A couple of places Tourism missed are Icelandic State Park west of Cavalier and Seeman Park in Linton.
In conclusion, there are numerous places around the state to see the fall foliage. Take it in.
