North Dakota’s homesteading spirit is evident at Icelandic State Park, located on the shores of Lake Renwick. Established in 1964, this 912-acre park allows visitors to learn about the state’s early settlement and provides an array of recreational opportunities. Boating, swimming, and fishing are a few favorite summer activities while snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are popular during the winter. Picnic areas enable visitors to enjoy a relaxing afternoon in the shade of old oak trees.

Within the park, visitors will find a number of restored historic buildings including Akra Community Hall and Hallson Church. Visitors can walk through the Pioneer Heritage Center that houses exhibits and hosts programing that highlights North Dakota’s homesteading years. A library is also open to the public offering resources on local and family histories.

Visitors can also spend time exploring the three-mile trail system in North Dakota’s first dedicated state nature preserve, Gunlogson Nature Preserve. The 200-acre natural wooded area along the Tongue River is a sanctuary for plants, birds, and wildlife. More than a dozen rare species exist in the preserve, ranging from Watermeal to Bishop’s Cap. The preserve also contains rare birds such as the Pileated Woodpecker and Western Wood-Pewee.