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Turtle River State Park |
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Situated on the meandering Turtle River, Turtle River State Park is located in a
beautiful wooded valley. Constructed in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation
Corps, the park offers year-round recreational activities, including camping,
picnicking, fishing and trails for hiking, mountain biking and cross country
skiing. Rustic group cabins can also be rented.
The Turtle River is stocked with rainbow trout, and youngsters can borrow
fishing gear at the park office.
Mountain bikers will find a 2.5 mile trail specifically designated for their
use. Cross-country ski trails and a sledding hill are popular winter facilities.
A heated warming house is open during the winter months.
Location—Turtle River State Park is located 22 miles west of Grand Forks on
Highway 2.
Map showing location of Turtle River State Park
 Directions—Park and campground
maps are available online in pdf format and require Adobe Acrobat Reader 5.0,
which can be downloaded free of charge by clicking the Acrobat Reader icon.
* Campground Maps (pdf, 183K)-campsites have been renumbered. PDF file includes
information comparing new and old numbers.
Special Events & Campfire Programs—Additional information will be posted as it
becomes available.
* May 29—Military Appreciation Day. Honors all past and present servicemen and
women with free entrance to any North Dakota State Park. Held annually on
Memorial Day.
* June 3— National Trails Day. Join our naturalist for a one-hour guided hike
and discussion about the park’s “Trails Master Plan.” Meet at 2 p.m. at the
Chalet. Trails discussion will follow. Participation awards to all comers!
* June 24—Turtle Fest. Join the “Friends of Turtle River” (FOTR) at their annual
fundraiser! The day’s activities begin at 10 a.m. and will include a ‘learn to
fish’ activity for children 6-16, guided nature hikes, craft activities, and a
scavenger hunt with door prizes; as well as guided bike tours of the park
roadways and mountain bike trails. FOTR will sponsor a ‘Roast Pork Dinner’ from
11 a.m. until the pork is gone as their fund raiser! MMmmm GOOD! Free dinner to
anyone who steps up as a volunteer to help with this event! A special guest
appearance by Destiny, the bald eagle, is planned for 2 p.m.
* June 24—Visitor Appreciation Day. In honor of the Friends organization’s
Turtle Fest, and as a show of our appreciation to all our visitors, the park
will be waiving vehicle fees for the entire day. Take advantage of FREE park
entrance to attend the Turtle Fest event.
* July 4—Music in the Park. 21st year with Dick King and the Classic Swing Band
playing their first-class Big Band tunes at the CCC Memorial Shelter. Open
concert from 1-4 p.m.
* August 5—Enforcement & Emergency Services Day. Join us at the Chalet area,
from 1-4 p.m. for equipment and dog demonstrations by the ND Highway Patrol,
Grand Forks County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Border Patrol, Larimore Rural Fire and
Rescue, Larimore Ambulance, Emerado Rural Fire and Rescue and the Grand Forks
Air Force Base Dog Detail. Bomb and drug locations, suspect control, and a
tracking dog demonstration featured. We are working on a U.S. Border Patrol
helicopter landing; a burning car; and demonstration of the ‘jaws of life’.
There will be a concessionaire on-site for snacks and refreshments.
Trails—Turtle River State Park has hiking, nature and mountain bike trails. The
Northern Star Mountain Bike Trail reopened on April 23 after being closed this
spring due to muddy conditions. Trails may be periodically closed due to safety
concerns following heavy rain. Please contact the park at 701-594-4445 for
updated trail conditions.
Nature—The entire park is a nature sanctuary and harbors an abundance of plant
and animal life. More information about nature at Turtle River State Park
For more information about the flora of this park, a plant checklist and bird
checklist are available in pdf format.
Cabins & Group Facilities—Turtle River State Park has cabins available for rent
during the summer months. Woodland Lodge, a large group kitchen and dining
facility, can be rented throughout the year. More information about cabins and
group facilities at Turtle River State Park
Nearby attractions—Larimore Dam & Golf Course • University of North Dakota •
Grand Forks Air Force Base • Kelly's Slough National Wildlife Refuge • Red River
of the North
Turtle River State Park
3084 Park Avenue
Arvilla, ND 58214
Phone 701-594-4445
Reservations 1-800-807-4723
E-mail trsp@state.nd.us |
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