Turtle Mountains Travel Guide
Explore the culturally rich and scenic Turtle Mountains with this comprehensive travel guide featuring top attractions, food, lodging, safety tips, and more.
- Introduction to Turtle Mountains
- List of Places to Visit in Turtle Mountains
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Turtle Mountains
- Best Things to Do in Turtle Mountains: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Turtle Mountains
- Food and Drink Scene of Turtle Mountains
- Where to Stay in Turtle Mountains: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Turtle Mountains: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Turtle Mountains
- Best Time to Visit Turtle Mountains
- Do’s and Don’ts of Turtle Mountains
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Turtle Mountains: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Turtle Mountains
- Where to Go Next from Turtle Mountains: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Turtle Mountains
The Turtle Mountains, located in North Dakota, USA, are a range of hills with scenic landscapes and historical value. The name “Turtle Mountains” comes from the large number of turtles in the waters around it. It is a popular tourist destination for its rich history, cultural attractions, and natural beauty.
List of Places to Visit in Turtle Mountains
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- International Peace Garden: This garden is a symbol of peace and friendship between the USA and Canada. It spans over 2,300 acres and features gardens, fountains, and a 9/11 Memorial.
- Bottineau County Historical Society: A museum filled with historical exhibits providing visitors with a glimpse of the past.
- Dunseith Heritage Center: The museum showcases the cultural and historical heritage of the Turtle Mountains specifically.
Natural Attractions of Turtle Mountains: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
- Lake Metigoshe State Park: Known for its scenic beauty, crystal-clear waters, and adventurous activities like hiking, fishing, and boating.
- Sky Dancer Casino & Resort: The resort offers a stunning view of the Turtle Mountains and features a casino, hotel, and restaurant.
- Souris River: A river that crosses through Canada and USA, offering mesmerizing views of the surrounding mountains.
Hiking/Biking Routes of Turtle Mountains
- Over 18 miles of hiking trails at Lake Metigoshe State Park.
- Bottineau Winter Park: A ski resort offering biking trails in summers.
- International Peace Garden: A peaceful hiking trail spanning for almost 4 miles with mesmerizing views of Turtle Mountains.
Best Things to Do in Turtle Mountains: Activities and Tours
- Bison Drive: A self-guided tour through the mountains to observe the majestic bisons.
- Fishing: The lakes and rivers surrounding Turtle Mountains offer excellent fishing opportunities for enthusiasts.
- Golfing: The Dunseith Community Golf Course and the Garden Gate Golf Course provide excellent golfing services.
Week-Long Itinerary for Turtle Mountains
| Day | Itinerary |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Visit the International Peace Garden and the Bottineau County Historical Society. |
| Day 2 | Hike around Lake Metigoshe State Park, have a picnic on the shores, and rent a paddle boat. |
| Day 3 | Explore the Dunseith Heritage Center and browse through their exhibits. |
| Day 4 | Fish at Lake Darling and Souris River. |
| Day 5 | Golf at the Dunseith Community Golf Course or the Garden Gate Golf Course. |
| Day 6 | Visit the Sky Dancer Casino and enjoy the scenery around the Resort. |
| Day 7 | Take a scenic drive while looking for bison herds and enjoying the Turtle Mountains’ views. |
Food and Drink Scene of Turtle Mountains
Must-Try Dishes
- Knoephla Soup: A creamy and flavorful soup with Knoephla, a type of German dumpling.
- Chippers: A crunchy and delicious snack made with potato slices.
- Lefse: A Norwegian flatbread made from potatoes and served as a holiday staple.
Local Beverages
- Turtlemint: A refreshing mint-flavored drink named in honor of Turtle Mountains.
- Dakota Sunset: A beautifully crafted cocktail of orange and cranberry juice with vodka and a splash of seltzer.
Where to Stay in Turtle Mountains: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- Cobblestone Inn and Suites: A modern, pet-friendly hotel with friendly staff and comfortable rooms.
- Burke’s Hotel and Convention Center: A family-friendly hotel with indoor pools, restaurant, and free breakfasts.
- Lake Metigoshe State Park Cabins: Rustic cabins near the lake designed for a cozy experience.
What to Buy in Turtle Mountains: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Salves and Oils: Locally made salves and oils contain a mix of natural ingredients ideal for skin, hair, and many other applications.
- Bison Jerky: Delicious and high-quality meat of bisons that roam near the Turtle Mountains.
- Handmade Pottery: The handcrafted pottery is a unique souvenir reflecting the Turtle Mountains’ culture and traditions.
Local Culture and Customs of Turtle Mountains
The people of Turtle Mountains are friendly and deeply respectful of their culture and traditions. The Turtle Mountains’ history is rich in Native American culture, with several heritage centers that preserve their traditions. The area surrounding Turtle Mountains believes in spirituality and peace, with Indigenous people sharing the same beliefs as well.
Best Time to Visit Turtle Mountains
The best time to visit the Turtle Mountains is from May to September when the weather is mild. Visitors can enjoy various activities like hiking, fishing, golfing, and biking, along with exploring the museums, cultural attractions, and restaurants.
Do’s and Don’ts of Turtle Mountains
Do:
- Respect local customs
- Follow hiking trails and other rules around natural attractions
- Tip well in restaurants and for other services
Don’t:
- Harm wildlife or remove plants or rocks
- Trespass onto private land
- Litter at beaches or other natural sites
Safety and Health
Safety in Turtle Mountains
The Turtle Mountains is a safe place to visit, but visitors should be on alert while hiking or camping outdoors. The area is known for rattlesnakes and thunderstorms that can cause flash-flooding.
Health in Turtle Mountains
Make sure to carry mosquito repellant and sunscreen and drink plenty of water while you are out exploring.
Getting to Turtle Mountains: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Turtle Mountains
- Minot International Airport (MOT) - 81 km
- Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport (YWG) - 304 km
Bus Stations Near Turtle Mountains
There are no bus stops near Turtle Mountains.
Other Options
Visitors can rent cars from airports or use ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft.
How to Get Around in Turtle Mountains
The best way to get around Turtle Mountains is by car. Other options include taxis and rented bikes.
Where to Go Next from Turtle Mountains: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Devil’s Lake, ND, USA: A city around 100km from Turtle Mountains, featuring scenic parks, museums, and colleges.
- Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada: A lively city about 300km from Turtle Mountains, with historical sites and cultural attractions.
- Theodore Roosevelt National Park, ND, USA: A national park sprawling over 285km offering scenic drives, wildlife viewing, hiking, and camping.
Conclusion
Turtle Mountains is a culturally rich and scenic travel destination ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs alike. From picturesque lakes to museums and national parks, visitors can explore and enjoy a wide range of activities concentrating on Turtle Mountains’ natural beauty and cultural heritage.
