Outdoor Recreation and Amenities

Experience the great outdoors in the Sheyenne River Valley. Birders will find 328 species throughout the year. If you’re looking for a leisurely road trip, there are 27 interpretive sites along the Sheyenne River Valley National Scenic Byway. If you prefer to go on foot, the North Country National Scenic Trail parallels the byway. Whatever the season, the opportunities for outdoor fun in the valley are wide open.

Sheyenne River Valley National Scenic Byway

Whether it is snowmobiling, snowshoeing, ice fishing, skiing in the winter or fishing, hiking, birding, biking or canoeing in the summer, the possibilities abound on the Sheyenne River Valley National Scenic Byway. Midwest Living magazine suggests this roadway as a "Fall Color Drive" and was listed in National Geographic's Guide to Scenic Highways and Byways.

North Country National Scenic Trail

Modeled after the famous Appalachian Trail, the North Country National Scenic Trail is the longest scenic trail in the United States, a premier footpath that stretches 4,600 miles linking communities, forests, and prairies across seven northern states.

Historic Bridges Tour

Valley City was founded in 1872 with the name of Second Crossing of the Sheyenne when the Northern Pacific railroad crossed the river here. When a town is built around a winding river, bridges become very necessary. Valley City is very proud of its beautiful and historic bridges, and we have developed a tour to showcase them.

Medicine Wheel Park

With its 19 acres of unique experiences, Medicine Wheel Park blends natural beauty, cultural history, hiking and education. The park features two solar calendars, Native American burial mounds, a "walking tour of the solar system," and the North Country National Scenic Trail and other woodland nature trials, several scenic overlooks of the Sheyenne River Valley and Valley City, and a 3000 square-foot perennial flower garden.

Parks and Recreation

Valley City boasts seven parks. Little Yellowstone and Clausen Springs are county parks that are part of the beautiful fall colors display. Fort Ransom State Park stages Sodbuster Days in July and September.

Lake Ashtabula

Located 12 miles north of Valley City, Lake Ashtabula is a recreational secret full of great fishing, excellent boating and skiing, and is developing into a cabin resort area as well. This 26 mile fun filled waterway is maintained by the Corps of Engineers and hosts many camping and recreational spots.

Hunting and Fishing

There is plenty of hunting variety in the Sheyenne River Valley: mourning doves, deer, sandhill cranes, grouse, ducks, geese, pheasant, fox and coyote. Popular fishing spots are found along the Sheyenne River, below dams at Lisbon, Ft Ransom, Kathryn, Cooperstown, Mill Dam at Valley City and Bald Hill Dam at Lake Ashtabula. Other sites are found at Clausen Springs, Hobart Lake, and Dead Colt Creek.

Golfing

The Bjornson Park Public Golf Course is beautifully laid out along the banks of the Sheyenne River on the south side of Valley City. Reservations for tee times can be made by calling the Pro Shop at 845-5452. Town & Country Club is open to out-of-town visitors and features Trestles Dining Room with a breathtaking view of the Highline Bridge. Call 845-4626 for further information.

Other courses in the Sheyenne Valley are:
Cooperstown Country Club (701-797-2599)
Bissel Golf Course, located at Hwy 32 N in Lisbon (701-683-4510)
Enderlin Golf Club (701-437-2369)
Memorial Golf Course, 12 miles N of LaMoure (701-883-4296)

Birding

There is outstanding birding in the Sheyenne River Valley