Crow Flies High State Recreation Area

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Last Updated: January 11, 2026

Crow Flies High State Recreation Area is a popular destination in northwestern North Dakota, offering visitors a variety of outdoor activities to enjoy.


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Summary

One of the main attractions in the area is the Crow Flies High Butte, a towering hill that provides panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can hike to the top of the Butte for an unforgettable experience, or explore the many trails that wind through the surrounding grasslands.

Other popular activities at the recreation area include fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. The area is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including deer, coyotes, and a variety of bird species. Visitors can also explore the nearby Missouri River, which offers excellent opportunities for fishing and boating.

One interesting fact about Crow Flies High State Recreation Area is that it is located on land that was formerly owned by the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation. Today, the area is managed by the North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department, which has worked to preserve its natural beauty and historical significance.

The best time of year to visit Crow Flies High State Recreation Area is during the summer months, when the weather is mild and outdoor activities are at their peak. However, visitors should be aware that the area can get crowded during peak season, so it's important to plan ahead and book accommodations early. Overall, Crow Flies High State Recreation Area is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty of North Dakota.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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