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Dakota Prairie Grasslands

The Dakota Prairie Grasslands includes the Little Missouri National Grasslands, the Sheyenne National Grasslands, the Cedar River National Grasslands, and the Grand River National Grasslands.

Each of the Dakota Prairie Grasslands has a flavor all its own. The tallgrass prairie on the rolling hills of the Sheyenne National Grasslands are a significant contrast to the stark badlands found in the Little Missouri National Grasslands.

There are four Ranger Districts, which offer a variety of activities and scenery. Learn more about each District: Medora, McKenzie, Grand River, and Sheyenne.

The Little Missouri River, a State Scenic River, meanders through the badlands, carving and exposing colorful geologic layers. The spectacular sunsets and sunrises provide a backdrop for the badlands, grasslands and fields of farmland that stretch across these northern prairies.

There are a number of trails, for a variety of recreation uses on these Grasslands. A 25-mile segment of the North Country National Scenic Trail, which crosses the Sheyenne Grasslands, is an excellent area for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Along this segment of the trail, one can see native grasses and forbs and sight great flocks of geese, ducks and sandhill cranes as they migrate through the area.

The Maah Daah Hey Trail is a 97.2 mile hiking, horseback and mountain bicycle trail that traverses through the scenic and rugged North Dakota badlands. The trail passes through the Little Missouri National Grasslands, as well as State and private land, as it connects the North and South Units of Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

In addition to trail activities, there is a variety of other recreation opportunities, including: camping, canoeing, hunting, and fishing.