As the snow blows in and the temperature drops, North Dakota turns into a vast winter landscape. Some of the spots in the state can almost seem to transport you directly into the North Pole and you might even expect to see some reindeer trotting through! Here are 9 of those special spots that show the beauty of winter through the stunning views:
1. Icelandic State Park
This state park tucked away near Cavalier, North Dakota turns into an absolutely breathtaking winter wonderland once the snow starts rolling in. The peaceful forests around Lake Renwick become a frosted paradise. It is also near one of the state's only ski areas.
2. Lake Metigoshe
The beauty of Lake Metigoshe in the wintertime is hard to beat. Every view of the park looks like it belongs on a holiday card! It is located in the very upper reaches of the northeast corner and well worth at least one visit in your lifetime.
3. Scandinavian Heritage Park
The Gol Stave Church in this spot in Minot almost looks like a part of Santa's workshop once it is covered in a blanket of snow. The mesmerizing architecture of the structure is perfectly accented by the layer of white, and it is truly something to behold this time of year.
4. Lake Sakakawea
The vastness of the frosted-over lake surrounded by the snow-covered bluffs makes Lake Sakakawea an absolutely amazing winter destination. That and, of course, the great ice fishing opportunities that keeps people coming back every year.
5. Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park
The area surrounding Fort Abraham Lincoln near Mandan is full of surprises and delightful views once the cold comes in. The snow-kissed branches of the trees around some of the historic and scenic buildings of the park make for beautiful scenery.
6. The snow-covered fields
All around North Dakota you can find these places. The sheer expanse of fields covered in a thick layer of white snow makes it seem like you've been transported to the Arctic Circle at times, and certainly like something straight out of the North Pole.
7. Beaver Lake
Out near Napoleon in the central region of ND is the peaceful Beaver Lake. The views are one of a kind and positively lovely this time of year. There are snowshoeing trails throughout the Beaver Lake Park on the lake's west shore that you can take to really experience all the winter beauty has to offer.
8. North Dakota's rolling western prairies
Like the vast, flatter fields of the east, the gently rolling hills of the west make for out-of-this-world sights when snow is present. This is a region where you can definitely feel like you're out in the chilly North Pole, where Santa's workshop might be sitting just over the next hill.
9. Red River
Even parts of the Red River can transform into a magical winter wonderland this season. The icy banks can be great for a stroll in some areas, and the frosted trees alongside the frozen river create the most lovely views.
Where are your favorite places to visit during the wintertime? Are you excited for the holidays yet? I know I am!
If you're still longing for summertime, see what some of these places look like in the warmer seasons; they're still gorgeous!
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