Turtle Mountain Scenic Byway
(53 miles)
The byway begins its upward ascent winding through the calm, serene beauty of the Turtle Mountains passing farmsteads, pasture land, recreational areas, Christian retreats, beautiful clear blue lakes, tree covered wildlife areas and then descending into the foothills with a spectacular view of the prairie. Rich in history, this area provided trading and trapping for the early settlers. Buffalo herds were in abundance and wildlife still abounds in the area. The visitor can enjoy beautiful lakes, lush foliage, wildflowers and an abundance of wildlife.
Location
Beginning at St. Johns and proceeding west on County Highway 43 to State Highway 281. Then proceeding west on State Highway 43 until it terminates on State Highway 14.
Top 5 points of interest
- Martineau House Byway Information Center – This historic home offers information about the scenic byway and area attractions as well as displays on the area's early days.
- Wakopa Wildlife Management Area – The 6,800 acre Wakopa Wildlife Management Area (WMA) offers a variety of experiences to visitors. From lakes and wetlands to forest to prairie this WMA is an ideal area for nature study, photography, hunting, fishing, hiking, canoeing and primitive camping.
- International Peace Garden – The International Peace Garden is a 2,339-acre botanical garden commemorating peace between the United States and Canada along the world's longest unfortified border. It blooms with more than 150,000 varieties of flowers and showcases the Peace Chapel.
- Lake Metigoshe State Park - Lake Metigoshe State Park was constructed by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) in the 1930s and is one of the most popular year-round vacation spots in North Dakota. The park has both modern and primitive camping, as well as picnicking areas. There are group dormitories, kitchen and meeting facilities and year-round cabins available for rent. Winter provides opportunities for snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, skating, sledding and ice fishing.
- Turtle Mountain Recreational Forest - The Turtle Mountain State Forest offers an extensive trail system for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding during the summer and snowmobiling and cross-country skiing in the winter. Within the boundaries of the State Forest are Strawberry Lake Recreation Area, Hahn's Bay Recreation Area, Twisted Oaks picnic area and the newly consteucted Mystical Horizons, a 21st century Stonehenge with a solar equinox and solstice observation point.
- Lion Park at Lake Upsilon – Rolette County Park on beautiful Lake Upsilon. Public beach, picnic and camping areas, RV sites and restroom facilities.
