Central ND News

State and local officials, alongside private partners, recently celebrated the expansion of the Roughrider Trail in North Dakota with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The trail, located south of Mandan along Highway 1806, has extended nearly five miles, creating a continuous path between Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park and Fort Rice Campground. This extension increases the trail's length to over 22 miles, offering more opportunities for outdoor recreation.

Governor Kelly Armstrong highlighted the significance of the trail's expansion during the event, stating, "This expansion gives families more ways to enjoy North Dakota’s natural beauty. And it’s about growing something even more important: a culture of outdoor recreation and tourism that fuels our economy and enhances our quality of life."

The project is part of a broader strategy by North Dakota to enhance outdoor recreation opportunities through partnerships involving the North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department, North Dakota Game and Fish Department, Morton County Parks, and private businesses. This effort aligns with initiatives from the state's Office of Outdoor Recreation, established in 2024.

Cody Schulz, Director of North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department, expressed pride in the project's completion, saying, "We’re not just extending a trail – we’re building momentum. It’s about making outdoor spaces more inviting, more accessible, and more impactful for everyone."

The expanded trail includes a new trailhead and additional parking at Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park, facilitating access for off-highway vehicle (OHV) riders. The trail originally emerged from the Northern Pacific Railroad corridor, with the land transferred to North Dakota Parks and Recreation in 1979. It is currently managed by North Dakota Parks and Recreation, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the North Dakota Department of Transportation.

Outdoor recreation significantly contributes to North Dakota's economy, providing $1.6 billion in 2023. Director Schulz noted the social benefits, "This is about families riding side-by-sides together, kids seeing wildlife for the first time, and building memories that last a lifetime."

Trail users are encouraged to download the OuterSpatial app to access North Dakota’s 2,200 miles of trails, providing hiking challenges and integration with social platforms. The mission of the North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department remains to connect people and places through enriching experiences.