Summary
The park is named after the Little Missouri River, which runs through the park. There are many good reasons to visit Little Missouri State Park, including its scenic beauty, diverse wildlife, and rich history.
One of the most popular attractions in the park is the Maah Daah Hey Trail, a 144-mile-long trail that winds through some of the most spectacular scenery in the region. The park also features several overlooks, including the Buckhorn Overlook, which offers stunning views of the Little Missouri River Valley.
The park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including bison, elk, coyotes, and prairie dogs. Visitors are also likely to see a variety of birds, including bald eagles and wild turkeys.
Little Missouri State Park has a rich history, dating back to the days of the early settlers. The park is home to several historic sites, including the Marquis de Mores State Historic Site, which tells the story of a French nobleman who established a ranching and meatpacking operation in the area in the late 1800s.
The best time of year to visit Little Missouri State Park is in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and the park is less crowded. However, visitors can enjoy the park year-round, with winter activities such as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing available when the weather permits.
Overall, Little Missouri State Park is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to North Dakota. With its scenic beauty, diverse wildlife, and rich history, the park offers something for everyone.
Weather Forecast
Park & Land Designation Reference
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.
Related References
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
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Little Missouri SP - Eastview CG
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Little Missouri SP - Main CG
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Little Missouri State Park
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Lake Ilo - ND GFD
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Killdeer City Park
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