Denbigh Experimental Forest
Welcome to the Denbigh Experimental Forest! Tucked into the heart of North Dakota’s prairie country, this unique forest is a place where history, science, and outdoor adventure come together. Since the 1930s, Denbigh has served as a living laboratory—showcasing how trees, wildlife, and grassland ecosystems can thrive on the northern Great Plains.
Whether you’re here to hike the trails, enjoy the quiet beauty of the shelterbelts, watch wildlife, or learn about decades of conservation research, we’re glad you’re exploring this special place. Take your time, look around, and discover what makes the Denbigh Experimental Forest such an important—and inspiring—part of North Dakota’s natural heritage.
Visit the Denbigh Experimental Forest: A Brief History to find out about how this special place began and the story of its development over time.
Click an image to view the photo gallery in full-screen size and read the descriptive captions.
Active Alerts
General Information
Here are some resources to aid in planning your visit:
- Fire Restrictions may be in effect. Patrons are responsible for monitoring current conditions on NDResponse.gov
- Stay limit of 14 consecutive days.
- Pack-it-in, pack-it-out.
- Horse feed and straw must be certified as free of noxious weed seed.
Free.
Pets are allowed but must remain leashed within the trailhead at all times. Keep the area clean. Please clean up after your animals.
Contact Name: Sheyenne Ranger District
Contact Phone: 701-404-8950
Address: 1601 Main Street, Lisbon, ND 58054
Phone: (701) 404-8950
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Central Time (Closed on federal holidays)
Office Email: Sheyenne.RD@usda.gov
Getting There
Directions
Denbigh Experimental Forest is located on 640 acres, 13 miles west of Towner, North Dakota, on Highway 2. In addition, the 115-acre Souris Unit is located three miles north of Towner, North Dakota, on Highway 14.
Parking
Ample parking available.
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
One vault toilet near the kiosk is available during winter.
Horse/Pack Animal Information
Horse/Pack animals are allowed at this site.
- Hitching, tethering, or hobbling a horse that causes damage to live trees, soil, or water is prohibited.
- Horse feed and straw must be certified as free of noxious weed seed.
Nearby Trails
Recreation Opportunities
Biking - Mountain Info
The USDA Forest Service considers E-bikes as motorized vehicles, restricted to established and paved roads, and prohibited on trails unless otherwise authorized. Motor Vehicle Use Maps are available on the Visitor Maps and Guides page.
Horseback Riding Info
Horseback riding permissible on the Denbigh Trail. Hitching, tethering, or hobbling a horse that causes damage to live trees, soil, or water is prohibited. All forage used on National Forest Service lands must be certified weed seed free. Here is a list of locations in North Dakota for certified weed seed freed forage.
Horse Camping Info
Camping is allowed anywhere on the Denbigh Experimental Forest except at designated trailheads. There are no designated campgrounds.
However, when camping with horses, please remember:
- Pack in, pack it out rules apply, which also refers to cleaning up after your animals.
- Feed and straw must be certified as free of noxious weed seed.
- Animals cannot be tied to trees.
Viewing Plants Info
Before you go, download the Plant and Wildlife Checklist and keep track of the flora and fauna you may spot in the grasslands.
Viewing Wildlife Info
Before you go, download the Plant and Wildlife Checklist and keep track of the flora and fauna you may spot in the grasslands.
Viewing Scenery Info
Before you go, download the Plant and Wildlife Checklist and keep track of the flora and fauna you may spot in the grasslands.
HuntingHunting Info
National Grasslands are open for public hunting under the North Dakota Game and Fish or the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks regulations.
XC Skiing/Snowshoeing
