North Dakota isn’t exactly known for being covered in trees. A lot of early settlers described the prairies as mostly treeless and that still holds true today for much of the state. However, we aren’t entirely without forests. North Dakota has five state forests and plenty of beautiful, dense tree groves in various areas around the state.

One of these state forests is the Homen State Forest, located up north in Bottineau County and Rolette County, and it can take your breath away:

The Homen State Forest covers parts and sections of a huge area of broken up lakes and trees in the range of the Turtle Mountains.

Google maps

Some of these areas include the Pelican Sandy Lake Rec Area, Long Lake, and Hartley Boundary Primitive Area.

NDPRD/Flickr

There is an immense amount of trees here, and the Hartley Boundary Primitive Area has North Dakota’s largest aspen and balsam poplar trees, among many other tree types.

NDPRD/Flickr

These areas are absolutely stunning year round, especially in the fall when all the vivid colors are reflecting off the waters of the lakes and ponds that the forest surrounds.

TakinLotsaPictures/Tripadvisor

Even in the winter this place seems to glow in a serene and stunning way.

NDPRD/Flickr

You can find lots of critters in these forests, including deer, moose, beavers, and hundreds of birds.

NDPRD/Flickr

Many sections of the Homen State Forest have trails that will take you deep into the trees, away from everything else and completely surround you by nature. It is a truly peaceful experience.

NDPRD/Flickr

The Homen State Forest permits camping in certain areas. A lot of people enjoy camping here to truly get away from it all because it is a lot quieter and more remote than places like state parks. It is definitely a unique experience that is hard to find anywhere else in North Dakota!

Google maps

NDPRD/Flickr

TakinLotsaPictures/Tripadvisor

You can find more information about the Homen State Forest at the NDSU North Dakota Forest Service page by clicking here.

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