Fritillary Prairie
Figure 1. The Prairie violet (Viola pedatifida) is a low-growing, perennial plant with deeply lobed, bird's foot-like leaves and violet or purple flowers. It's common in prairies, savannas, and other sunny, dry environments, and attracts a variety of insects, including butterflies, bees, and moths.
Fritillary Prairie, also known as Biesterfeld Meadow, is a rare remnant of tallgrass prairie—an ecosystem that once covered vast areas of North America but now exists only in scattered fragments. This prairie preserves a rich diversity of native grasses and wildflowers, including orchids, ferns, and prairie violets (see Figure 1), which are an essential food source for regal fritillary caterpillars.
The site provides habitat for notable wildlife, including the Dakota skipper, the regal fritillary butterfly, and the greater prairie chicken. Detailed information about the area’s flora and fauna can be found on the Animals and Plants page.
Visitors can enjoy a range of recreational activities at Fritillary Prairie, including hiking, photography, and wildlife observation. For additional details, please contact the Sheyenne Ranger District Office.
From Lisbon, North Dakota follow North Dakota Highway 27 east for 10 miles. Turn right (south) on County Road 54 towards Milnor. In three miles, turn left (east) into the parking lot for the North Country trailhead in Biesterfeld Allotment. This trail wanders northeast for 30 miles through the district’s tallgrass prairie, wetlands, burr oak savannah, and quaking aspen groves.
Biesterfeld Hay Meadow is 0.5 mile southeast of the North Country Trailhead. You are welcome to walk there cross-country from the trailhead. If you have a high-clearance vehicle, you can also drive. To do so, from the trailhead drive south on County Road 54 for an additional 0.3 mile. Turn left (east) onto the unmarked two-track road, being sure to shut the gate behind you. Drive east 0.5 mile until you reach the fence line protecting the Hay Meadow. Park here. You can walk in thru the gate. Again, be sure to refasten the gate behind you. No motorized travel is permitted within the Hay Meadow itself.