Sheyenne National Grasslands weekend hike

Why go there? At over 70,000 acres in size, the Sheyenne National Grasslands contains a great diversity of habitats, including some of the best remnants of tall grass prairie in public ownership.  This ecosystem is the most endangered in North America with only 1% remaining undisturbed.

Hike highlights:

  • Hike through rare Tallgrass prairie and oak savannah habitats
  • Excellent birding opportunities

Flora / fauna of the area: 

The Sheyenne National Grasslands are also home to several rare plant and animal species
including the Dakota Skipper butterfly, Greater Prairie Chicken, and
Western Prairie Fringed Orchid.  Along the 28 miles of the NCT within
the Grasslands, hikers will also experience oak savannahs, prairie
wetlands, and aspen parklands.  The great variety of prairie
wildflowers put on their show from May through September and an
abundance of wildlife may be found there.


Geology of the area: The Sheyenne Delta, which encompasses the Nature Conservancy’s Brown Ranch and parts of the Sheyenne, was a river delta formed at the place where the Sheyenne River flowed into glacial Lake Agassiz. This lake covered the Red River Valley some 15,000 years ago. At its maximum, it was the size of the current Great Lakes. When Lake Agassiz drained after the continental glaciers receded, the sandy river sediments that made up the delta were left exposed as low rolling hills.

Land ownership:  Sheyenne National Grasslands

Directions to and GPS Coordinates for trailheads:

  • The western trailhead is located on Ransom Co. Highway 54 about 13 miles east of Lisbon, ND.  From Lisbon, head east on State Highway 27 for 10 miles and then turn south for 3 miles on Co. 54.  The trailhead will be on the east side of the road.  GPS Coordinates: N 46°23’55.89″ & W 97°28’8.09″
  • The eastern trailhead is located about 19 miles southwest of Kindred, ND.  From Kindred, head west on State Highway 46, turn south on State Highway 18, and then west on Richland Co. Rd. 2 (58th Street SE).  Head south on Richland Co. Rd. 23 and look for signs for a National Grassland trailhead on the east side of the road.  GPS Coordinates: N 46°31’23.88″ & W 97°12’12.36″

General route description:  From the western trailhead located off of Ransom Co. Rd. 54, the trail heads north towards the Sheyenee River and then generally parallels it the rest of the way to the eastern trailhead.  The 28-mile hike takes hikers through flat, open prairie patches, savannahs, and thick woods.  You’ll also hike past stock watering tanks; go over and around the sand hills; and cross over Iron Springs Creek on an impressive trail bridge.  Hikers will pass through several actively grazed cattle pastures with swinging gates that automatically close behind them.  Backcountry camping is allowed anywhere within the National Grasslands but dependable water is found only at Iron Springs Creek.  Other water sources are small wetlands and the stock tanks…just look for the windmills and be sure to treat the water before drinking.  Notes: No entrance fees, permits, or camping fees are required.

Trail map: Obtain a map of the Sheyenne National Grassland by contacting the Forest Service office in Lisbon or purchase a copy online from the National Forest Store.

Camping information: Primitive backcountry camping is available anywhere on the National Grasslands but there are not any developed campgrounds.  Lodging may be found in the nearby communities of Kindred and Lisbon.

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