If speeding across powder-covered fields and hills is your idea of winter fun, then the Sheyenne River Valley Scenic Byway of North Dakota is your place to be this snowmobiling season. Tune up your sled and get ready to experience an expansive trail system running the entire length of the byway and beyond!
Before you take off in a flurry of fresh powder on any of North Dakota's more than 3400 miles of groomed trails, be sure to visit the North Dakota Department of Natural Resources or Snowmobile North Dakota for information about snowmobiling registration, safety courses, trail conditions and other resources to ensure that your journey is both safe and fun.
When you start your byway snowmobiling adventure, make the Sheyenne Valley Snowmobile Trail first on your agenda. Maintained by five area snowmobile clubs and groomed with two state-owned SnoCats, this unmatched 300-mile trail system spans Barnes, Ransom, Dickey, LaMoure, and Stutsman counties. Ditches, shelterbelts, open fields, and river bottoms beckon beginners and avid sledders alike to test their skills. As you explore the miles of the Sheyenne Valley Snowmobile Trail, remember that many sections of the trail pass through private land. Be sure to respect the landowners by staying on the marked trails.
To ride the section of the trail paralleling the byway, start in Valley City and follow the trail south along the Sheyenne River through several small towns. Discover Fort Ransom’s proud Norwegian heritage as you ride past the Viking statue on Pyramid Hill. Take advantage of Lisbon’s small-town hospitality and charm and visit its historic shops and churches. As you speed along the banks of the Sheyenne River, make sure to stop your machine for a moment to contemplate the beauty of the river and its surroundings. If you feel the urge to venture off the byway, depart from Kathryn or Valley City to explore sections of the trail to the west that loop between towns like Marion, Dickey, LaMoure, and Spiritwood.
Be sure to include the Ransom Retro Ride-In as part of your North Dakota snowmobiling plans. This January event, held annually in Fort Ransom, celebrates vintage snowmobiles and their owners. Enthusiasts from all over the area gather for food, friends, a trail ride, and a vintage snowmobile show complete with awards. For more information on the Ride-In, visit www.retroride.org. Locals are eager to welcome visitors into town to join in the festivities.
With exhilarating rides over snowy hills and valleys, the Sheyenne River Valley Scenic Byway may just be your best option for your upcoming snowmobile trip. Stop dreaming of flying across billowy blankets of fresh, white powder and make this memorable winter adventure a reality this season.
