Do you ever find yourself on the search for the perfect hidden gem in North Dakota to discover and enjoy? Us, too, and as it turns out, over the years we’ve become pretty good at it. It helps that North Dakota is pretty remote, as far as U.S. states go, and with less than 800,000 residents in the entire state, one could arguably call any single attraction in North Dakota a hidden gem. That being said, some gems simply don’t receive the attention they deserve, like the one we’ll explore right now. What was once called Sullys Hill in North Dakota, White Horse Hill National Game Preserve is a little slice of heaven right here in our own backyard. The best news of all is that it’s rarely, if ever, crowded. Check it out:

Formerly known as Sullys Hill National Game Preserve, this hidden gem in North Dakota is a wonderful destination for a day trip.
ShanOC/TripAdvisor
Originally established in 1904 as Sullys Hill National Park - making it well over a century old now - this park helps teach visitors about the importance of the local ecosystem as well as the ins and outs of conservation efforts.
Begin your visit with time spent at the Visitors Center learning all there is to learn about habitats and wilderness in North Dakota.
Management/TripAdvisor
From there, explore the 1,674 acres for yourself, taking time to read the plaques and information boxes along the way.
See the beautiful bison herds this preserve protects, or watch adorable prairie dogs going about their lives (which is way more amusing than it sounds).
ShanOC/TripAdvisor
Of course, you can't feed the animals that call the Preserve home, but you can absolutely observe them for as long as you'd like.

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While you're here, there's potential to spot more than 200 species of birds - which ones, however, depends on what time of day (and what month) you visit.
ShanOC/TripAdvisor
The preserve is open from June to August and sometimes on weekends. For the most up-to-date information about this year's season, be sure to check the official White Horse Hill National Game Preserve website.
The White Horse Hill National Game Preserve is also home to a couple of miles of hiking trails that lead to all sorts of scenic viewpoints, including an underrated overlook.
ShanOC/TripAdvisor
There is a newer trail at the park that's fully paved and ADA-accessible, so the preserve is a wonderful, easily-accessed place for everyone to visit.
Come see the splendid beauty of North Dakota's prairies and woodlands - and the critters who call it home - at this lovely preserve nestled in the eastern part of the state.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Headquarters, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons


Let's go explore the White Horse Hill National Game Preserve in this video from WaskiSquirrel to see the beautiful overlook, the visitor center, and maybe a bison or two:

With scenic prairies to enjoy and the surprise prairie dog popping out of its hole to peak at you, this game preserve is a wonderful place to enjoy a little bit of what makes North Dakota so special. So, what do you think? Are you looking forward to visiting Sullys Hill in North Dakota? Tell us your thoughts in the comments!

Then, be sure to check out our list of the best places in North Dakota to enjoy nature.

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More to Explore

More nature preserves in North Dakota

Chris Muras | May 02, 2023

What are some of the best places in North Dakota to enjoy nature?

 

To some, North Dakota might seem like a barren land that is covered in snow for most of the year. But there are plenty of beautiful areas if you know where to look. Here are some of the best places in North Dakota to enjoy nature any time of the year:

  • Lake Ilo National Wildlife Refuge, Dunn Center, ND: A walk in a nature preserve is a fun way to get your daily dose of rejuvenation. This refuge was established in 1939 because this area plays an important role in many bird species' migration and mating patterns. You can stop by the nature center to learn about all of the wildlife that calls this area home.
  • Mineral Springs Trail, Mineral Springs, ND: Did you know the Fountain of Youth is in North Dakota? One of the very few waterfalls in North Dakota is located in the Sheyenne State Forest. It may be only an eight-foot drop and mostly visible after a good rain, but many people think this delightful natural spring has healing powers.
  • Gunlogson State Nature Preserve, Cavalier, ND: Tucked away inside Icelandic State Park near Cavalier is the very first North Dakota nature preserve. Enjoy 200 acres of hiking trails through lush fern-lined forests to discover an abundance of cool finds like fascinating fungi, evidence of beavers making their dams, and grouse flapping wild as you round the bend. You may even hear the haunting call of a loon if you take an early morning walk.

 

For even more natural wonders in North Dakota, check out our guide to 10 of the most incredible natural attractions in North Dakota. Because there really is a lot of natural beauty in our state that you may not have known about.

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Featured Addresses
White Horse Hill National Game Preserve, 2107 Park Dr, St Michael, ND 58370, USA