Sheyenne River Valley Historic Trail

The Sheyenne River Valley offers a rare glimpse of North Dakota’s wooded side, where maple and oak forests line the meandering river through what locals call the ‘Little Yellowstone of the Prairie.’ This 24-mile route follows old logging roads and homestead trails from Valley City south to Lisbon, with the highlight being the crossing at Clausen Springs — a crystal-clear spring that’s been watering travelers since the 1880s. The trail passes several ghost towns including Nome, where you can still see the foundation stones of the old grain elevator.

This is easy driving suitable for any high-clearance vehicle, making it perfect for families or those new to backcountry exploration. The gravel roads are well-maintained by the county, though they can get muddy during spring thaw. Open year-round, but fall colors in October make this route spectacular. The Sheyenne National Grassland section offers excellent dispersed camping along the river, and the fishing for northern pike and walleye is legendary among locals.