Find Your Adventure
The Ultimate Real. Good. Summer Bucket List
By Liz Kemp
July 10, 2025
Our North Dakota summers are short, sweet, and jam-packed with adventures! Whether you’re looking for fun in the water, nature-centered activities, or a little more action, you can find it all in Pembina County.
Water
Icelandic State Park covers all the bases for water fun. The swimming beach is a popular attraction all summer long, with grills available and a concession stand to satisfy your sweet tooth. Lake Renwick provides a boat ramp for easy lake access and has space for tubing, fishing, or cruising. Kayak, canoe, and paddle board rentals are offered at the beachfront for slower paced exploration.
Kayaking the Pembina River gives you a scenic tour of the beautiful Pembina Gorge, including the historic Brick Mine Bridge and the steep valley cliffs. The river has two easy stopping points, so you can decide on the length of trip you want. Kayak rentals are available on weekends.
Hiking
The hiking trails at Icelandic State Park are well marked and family friendly. The Wildwood Trail is an interpretive trail with brochures (available at the visitor’s center) detailing the native landscape of the Gunlogson Nature Preserve.
The Tetrault Woods State Forest has a unique, hole-in-the-wall trail just outside of Walhalla. This out-and-back hike has it all: river views, stream crossings, beaver dams, swamp boardwalks, and a floating bridge–all leading to a stunning river overlook.
For more long distance hikes, the Pembina Gorge State Park boasts over 30 miles of trails through 2,800 acres of woodlands, wetlands, and prairie terrain.
If you’re wanting to enjoy the scenic views without all the walking, the Pembina Gorge State Park trailhead overlooks the gorge and has informational signs about the history of the area. For a meal with a view, visit the picnic shelter at the Tetrault State Forest Lookout Point and take in some more gorge-ous scenery.
ACTION
The multi-use OHV trails at Pembina Gorge State Park fulfill the need for speed. Trails are wide enough for dirt bikes, four wheelers, and side-by-sides, and provide access to the heart of the Pembina Gorge. Trail conditions are updated frequently on their Facebook page.
Mountain Biking at Frost Fire Park is a unique summer thrill. They have 8 trails, ranging from beginner to advanced. With trail features like wooden rollers, jumps, and drop offs, it will get your heart pumping! Rentals are available; opening for the season in mid-July.
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Read MoreAbout the Author
Liz Kemp is a busy mom of four, farm wife, and outdoors enthusiast. A life-long North Dakotan, Liz followed her husband back to the family farm and has lived in Cavalier for the last seven years. She loves the community opportunities small towns have to offer and enjoys getting to know all the unique spots. When not homeschooling and managing schedules, Liz spends her time exploring Pembina County with her kids and enjoying all the outdoor activities this area has to offer. Local favorites include hiking Tetrault Woods State Forest, swimming and camping at Icelandic State Park, and kayaking the Pembina River!
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