This breathtaking spot in North Dakota was originally a national park but has turned into one of the state’s best kept secrets as a game preserve today. As the temperatures rise and summer arrives, this will become your new favorite spot to get outdoors and enjoy the Peace Garden State at its best.

Sullys Hill National Game Preserve is located near the town of St. Michael, North Dakota, and in 1904 became the state’s second national park.

Mark Goebel/Flickr It was removed from national park status in 1931 when it was transferred to the stewardship of the US Fish and Wildlife Service as a wildlife refuge.

It is located on the south shore of North Dakota’s biggest natural lake, Devils Lake. This stunning view of the bright blue waters can be seen by the most well-known overlook in the park.

Beatnik Photos/Flickr

The preserve features a variety of landscapes to explore. The gently waving grasses of a prairie, a dense woodland of aspen, oak, ash, and basswood trees, and natural wetlands around the lake can all be seen here.

Cami Dixon/USFWS/Flickr

These magnificent sceneries can all be accessed on over two miles of hiking trails in the park, or you can take a drive through four miles of a winding road to experience it from your car.

hopeforsun/Tripadvisor

Multiple lookouts and observation decks offer prime spots for fantastic shots like this. It is a nature photographer’s paradise!

NDakotaTransplant/Tripadvisor

As a game preserve, you can expect to see amazing wildlife up close and personal wandering the park.

Mark Goebel/Flickr

Deer, bison, elk, prairie dogs, and a huge list of birds can be seen right in Sullys Hill, making it like a wildlife safari you aren’t able to experience most other places.

USFWS/Flickr

Sullys Hill is open year round from 8 AM to sunset every day. It’s the perfect way to experience Devils Lake and a natural form of North Dakota!

Mark Goebel/Flickr

For more information on Sullys Hill National Game Preserve, follow this link.

Mark Goebel/Flickr

It was removed from national park status in 1931 when it was transferred to the stewardship of the US Fish and Wildlife Service as a wildlife refuge.

Beatnik Photos/Flickr

Cami Dixon/USFWS/Flickr

hopeforsun/Tripadvisor

NDakotaTransplant/Tripadvisor

USFWS/Flickr

This isn’t the only former national park in North Dakota. Did you know that there is another lost national park in the state? Most people don’t, but you can find out more about it here.

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