This Amazing Hiking Trail In North Dakota Takes You Through An Abandoned Train Tunnel
North Dakota only has one railroad tunnel and it was never even used. Despite being built to allow passage of trains, a train has never been through it – not once. What has been through it, however, is hundreds of people using it as part of a hiking trail that has become a special feature of the state. The area is scenic, the tunnel is one of a kind, and the experience is unlike any other.
Unfortunately, this may not be forever. You should act fast if you want to take the hike through this tunnel. As time takes its toll on the tunnel, repair costs have gone up, and though there are groups fighting to save the tunnel the outlook currently does not look good. Check it out before it’s gone:
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
To take this hike, you will have to head to the very western edge of North Dakota near the town of Cartwright. Here, you will find the Fairview Lift Bridge.
The bridge is within the Sundheim Park and Recreation Area, which has created a hiking trail across the bridge and to North Dakota's only railroad tunnel. Both were built over a century ago in 1913.
Along with the tunnel and bridge, the trail includes a park among the rolling prairie hills of western North Dakota. It is truly a quiet, peaceful, and beautiful hike.
The walk through the Cartwright Tunnel is still popular and many people want to save it before it gets sealed off or imploded. As of now, you can still hike it - and you may never have the chance to do it again.
If you can’t get out to do this hike, watch the video below to get an idea of the experience.
The tunnel never saw any trains go through it despite being built for just that purpose. Soon, it may never even see any people through it either. You can check out Friends of the Fairview Bridge for more information on trying to save the tunnel. If funds can’t be raised to repair it, it will no longer be able to be hiked and will be the end of North Dakota’s one and only railroad tunnel.
Click here for more awesome historic spots in the Peace Garden State.
Leah moved to North Dakota when she was 12 years old and has traveled from the Red River Valley to the badlands and many places in between. She loves small-town life and currently enjoys living on a small farm in the ND prairie. She's always had a passion for writing and has participated in novel writing challenges such as NaNoWriMo multiple times. Her favorite part about this job is recognizing small businesses that deserve a boost and seeing the positive affect her articles can have on their traffic, especially in rural areas that might have otherwise gone overlooked.
Love North Dakota?
Thank you! You'll receive your first newsletter soon!
