North Dakota’s true, natural landscape has widely been converted to farmland in most of the state. There are small spots of untouched landscape here and there, but not much of the actual prairie has been left alone. To see what our beautiful state looked like just a couple hundred years ago is possible, however, at this one enchanting place. It’s a bit off the beaten path but well worth the trip!
This is one of the largest, last remaining true prairie landscapes in North Dakota - the Davis Ranch. It is just west of Highway 14 in between the small towns of Denhoff and Wing right in the middle of North Dakota.
Google maps
Davis Ranch is part of the Nature Conservancy and is over 7,000 acres of mostly untouched land.
Justin Meissen/Flickr
It’s interesting to imagine that most of North Dakota was covered in a landscape like this at one point, with native prairie grasses and seldom a tree in sight.
Justin Meissen/Flickr
Davis Ranch is located in the “prairie pothole” region, or the Missouri Coteau. Within it are the beautiful sights you see here. These water spots are home to an impressive amount of waterfowl and other birds.
Justin Meissen/Flickr
Reflective, calm lakes, ponds, and other wetlands are all over the area. That with the breathtaking natural surroundings creates an absolutely gorgeous and relaxing place.
Justin Meissen/Flickr
You can completely immerse yourself in Davis Ranch to get a full feeling of the size of the prairies of North Dakota. These vast plains were the ones that the settlers of the state once crossed.
Justin Meissen/Flickr
Davis Ranch is a true little slice of natural paradise. It is remote in a way that will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time and are experiencing North Dakota hundreds of years ago.
Justin Meissen/Flickr
For more information and directions on how to get to Davis Ranch, click here.
Google maps
Justin Meissen/Flickr
This place is a great way to experience North Dakota as the settlers did. If you really want to see what they saw back then, check out these rare, vintage photographs taken in the state back then.
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