Fort Ransom State Park
North Dakota's homesteading heritage is preserved at Fort Ransom State Park.
The park, nestled in the picturesque and heavily-wooded Sheyenne River Valley, officially opened in July 1979. This park is managed as a natural and scenic area, and is located on one of North Dakota's officially designated Scenic Byways and Backways. The park is open for camping and picnicking year-round.
Canoeing is popular on the Sheyenne River during the summer, with canoe and kayak rentals available in the park. A short segment of the North Country National Scenic Trail winds through the park. Corrals and trails are provided for groups bringing in their own horses. Those bringing in livestock must use certified weed-free hay, which is available for sale at the park.
A farmstead within the park provides the setting for annual Sodbuster Days celebrations, with demonstrations and exhibits of early homesteading life.
Snowmobiling and cross-country skiing are the major winter activities.
Location
34 miles south of Valley City or 20 miles northwest of Lisbon or 2 miles north of the town of Ft. Ransom in southeastern North Dakota.
Fees
Entrance fee—$5/day per vehicle or $25 annual vehicle entrance permit
Camping fees—Campsite with electricity $20/night; Primitive campsite $12/night.
Horse facilities—$6/day per horse. A per horse fee is charged, allowing use of park corrals and trails. Use of certified weed-seed free forage or fee is required and is available for sale at the park.
Canoes & kayaks—$16/two-hours or $50/day. Minimum two-hour rental period, additional fee for drop-off or pick-up service.
Shelters & Group facilities—
The Sodbuster Building includes an indoor kitchen and seating/tables for 64. No utensils. Available mid-May to October 1. Rental fee-$100/day.
Two small group picnic shelters, each holding 5-6 tables, can be reserved for small groups. No electricity. $25/day per shelter.
Nearby Attractions
Town of Fort Ransom • Fort Ransom State Historic Site • Sheyenne Valley Arts & Crafts Festival • Ransom Country Historical Museum • Viking Statue Monument • Swinging Bridge • Sheyenne National Grassland • Sheyenne State Forest • Bear's Den Hill Ski Area • Sheyenne River Valley National Scenic Byway • Little Yellowstone, Clausen Springs & Dead Colt Creek parks • Golf Courses
Additional information about things to do and places to go in the area can be found on the Ransom County Tourism's web site, http://www.ransomcountynd.com.
