Grab Your Tent and Go!

By Paul Hankel
Contributing Writer

With the shutdown of the Minnesota campgrounds, North Dakota parks are more than happy to accommodate campers.

About an hour and fifteen minute drive from Fargo resides the town of Fort Ransom, North Dakota. Driving down the main street (no stop lights, naturally) one can’t help but catch the small town bug. There are the quintessential small town must-haves: mom-n-pop knick knack and antique stores, a local watering hole, a church (Episcopalian if my memory serves me) and the town hall, which has a foundation that is slanted slightly to the right. Ironic political implications?

The town’s name derives from a civil war-era fort that was constructed in 1867 and named after General T.E.G. Ransom, a distinguished officer during the war. Originally constructed to guard the trial from Fort Abercrombie to the Missouri river, Fort Ransom also served as protection for railroad crews working on the Northern Pacific Railroad. Some of the fort still remains today and is located just north of the town.

Fort Ransom is a town of approximately 100 people and is the home to the aptly named Fort Ransom State Park. The drive to the park is like something straight out of a brochure. See: coming up over a lush green ridge and descending down into a small quaint town. The drive there is not the most scenic. However, upon approaching Fort Ransom the scenery shifts from flat farmland to a valley of green that features the Sheyenne River running right through it.

Fort Ransom was established in 1976, renovated and officially opened in 1979. It was purchased from Helen and Morris Bjone and another couple who owned the land and later sold it to the state following a large flood in 1975. The park is 950 acres and features camping, summer events, and a plethora of outdoor activities. Over twenty miles of trails can be hiked, biked or cross country skied. Campers can fish or canoe in the Sheyenne river at several access points throughout the park. Fishermen can also head out of the park and fish at the nearby Fort Ransom dam.

During summer months, campers can bring their horses and corral them at the park while camping. The park does not, however, provide horses.

There is playground equipment and plenty of space for children to run around and play. There are over 50 unique campsites to choose from, some located next to an old renovated farmstead. There is electricity available at most sites along with bathroom facilities, sewage disposal, water sources and garbage/recycling.

During winter months, the park is still open for camping but only provides limited service. There is snowshoeing, hiking and a fire pit at each campsite. Also, a section of the Sheyenne Valley Snowmobile Trail runs through the park, along with the Fort Ransom Ski Hill located minutes from the park.

Fort Ransom and the state park play host to a number of summer activities and festivals. Sodbuster Days is the main attraction, along with fishing derbies, a large bluegrass festival and many concerts throughout the summer months. Check out the link below for a complete list of summer events.

If you need a break from the rustic outdoors while you’re camping, you can head into town and check out some of the local attractions. There’s the Old Flour Mill, Viking Statue Monument, the Ransom County Historical Museum, and the Sheyenne State Forest nearby.

To camp, it will cost you $12 a night, plus $5 dollars for a vehicle pass. Primitive campsites are also available for a lesser cost. The park is pet and alcohol friendly, they only ask that you clean up after your pets and not get too rowdy.

There are several ways to get to Fort Ransom State Park. Campers can either head West on I-94 towards Bismarck and exit onto County Road 18 at the Leonard/Casselton exit or head South on I-29 and hop off onto Highway 46.

With the Minnesota government trying to solve its debt woes by shutting down its government (including its state parks which are one of its bigger revenue streams), Midwest campers have the opportunity to think beyond Itasca and experience a truly enjoyable outdoor experience at Fort Ransom State Park. Whether you’re into hiking, sightseeing or just wanna get away, Fort Ransom State Park is sure to satisfy on all levels.

Questions and comments:paulhankel@gmail.com

Events Calendar: http://tiny.cc/HPRcamping
For more info on the park visit http://www.fortransomnd.com