Those Lasting Words Of Wisdom
I can’t really remember the exact day that my Dad imparted a few words of wisdom to me, but as I remember it went something like this: Did you assume that I would not notice that the car was not parked where it normally is in the driveway? To which I answered, because I had taken a short spin up and down our driveway with the car, “Yes.” Well, I did notice and your assumption would be incorrect.

What does this short teaching moment in my life have to do with The Northern Sentry? In a conversation amongst new arrivals to Minot Air Force Base, the topic of fall and the beauty of fall leaves in the mountains of the eastern United States came up, and one of the gentlemen said, “Yeah, we are really going to miss all those fall colors this year.”

However, having lived in North Dakota all of my life, I would like to chime in and say, “your assumption would be incorrect.” Besides the beautiful fall colors that adorn the city of Minot, viewable from either north or south hill, there are three or four “must see” areas of North Dakota. They may not be as large as the fall color regions found on the East Coast and up into Maine, but they are certainly worthy of visiting, camping, or photo stops.

The Sheyenne Valley National Scenic Byway
From North Dakota Legendary: Winding along the Sheyenne River in the southeastern corner of North Dakota, the 63-mile Sheyenne River Valley National Scenic Byway passes by rolling hills, quaint farmlands, small towns, and notable historic sites. Start your journey at Getchell Township Hall on Barnes County Highway 21 north of Valley City and follow the byway along Highways 17 and 19 before curving back onto Highway 21 to Ransom County Highway 13, all the way to Lisbon.

I first visited this area because my roommate at the University of North Dakota was from Lisbon. He knew I was into outdoor photography, and one fall day while visiting him he said, “jump in the car, let’s go for a ride, and bring your camera.”

We drove to Fort Ransom State Park. I couldn’t believe we were still in North Dakota. The fall foliage was spectacular. The Sheyenne River and Clausen Springs Creek provided winding valleys full of trees that made a spectacular backdrop for our drive.

Since then, they have added cabins, yurts, and even a Percheron wagon for folks to rent at Fort Ransom.

Pembina Gorge State Park
Pembina Gorge State Park invites visitors to explore one of the state’s most dramatic and diverse landscapes. The Pembina River winds through the gorge, offering kayaking opportunities when river conditions allow, with rentals available seasonally. Defined by steep valley cliffs, quiet prairies, and pocketed wetlands, Pembina Gorge is surrounded by the largest continuous, undisturbed forest in North Dakota. From sweeping views and unforgettable sunsets to miles of wooded trails, Pembina Gorge State Park offers both adventure and solitude in a landscape found nowhere else in North Dakota.

The Pembina Gorge is one of those best kept secrets, and now with the all-new Pembina Gorge State Park, more people are going to enjoy the area, especially in the fall when the entire gorge seems to explode in fall foliage. The Pembina Gorge is about three hours from Minot, and there is a lot of nice scenery along the way, including the Turtle Mountains and Lake Metigoshe.

Turtle Mountains & Lake Metigoshe
Nestled in the scenic Turtle Mountains along the U.S./Canadian border, Lake Metigoshe is one of the most popular year-round vacation spots in North Dakota. The small lakes within the park provide excellent opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and birding. Visitors can enjoy over 13 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails along with a three-mile self-guided interpretive hiking trail. The unique woodlands and wetlands of Lake Metigoshe State Park provide habitat for a wide variety of plant, animal, and bird species seldom seen elsewhere in North Dakota.

Definitely a day-cation possibility. The Turtle Mountains and Lake Metigoshe provide another photo-friendly backdrop. We often head up to this area for a day trip and fall picnic. There are many parks in the area for stopping and enjoying the fall colors.

The Cross Ranch
Located along the Missouri River, the Cross Ranch supports the oldest stand of cottonwood trees in North Dakota. Maybe not as spectacular because it isn’t heavily wooded, but it is still a great fall adventure area.

Make Your Fall Plans Now!
So, if the assumption is that North Dakota cannot compete when it comes to fall color, I would gently suggest that assumption would be incorrect. The color is here, sometimes tucked into river valleys, wooded hills, state parks, and scenic byways, but it is here for those willing to go looking.

Fall comes and goes so quickly, and then we look at the “W” word—but not quite yet. The North Dakota Legendary site is a great resource, and I might add: take your time and enjoy the scenery and the landscape. For those who are so inclined, we’ll have another photo contest down the road.

Ramblins’
Kopps Gardens at the Farmer’s Market has been sending me a list of fresh-grown produce. Potatoes, cucumbers, cabbage, onion (several varieties), pickles, relish, cowboy candy, some carrots, peppers…just to name a few. There are two Farmer’s Markets in town and from personal experience I can tell you the produce is awesome.

Today’s Chuckle
Conference: A gathering of important people who singly can do nothing but together can decide that nothing can be done.