Hidden away up at the international border between North Dakota and Canada is an amazing expanse of land that truly looks like something straight out of a painting – namely, something that Albert Bierstadt, a world-famous landscape painter, would have created. Here, you’ll find 7,500 acres of nearly untouched wilderness in all its glory; it’s an incredibly beautiful area that you just need to see to believe. Even the jaw-dropping photos in this article don’t seem to do it justice. Come out and explore this outrageously photogenic landscape in North Dakota the moment you get a chance – you won’t regret a moment of it.

Welcome to the incredible wonder that is the Turtle Mountain State Forest.
Melissa Hofman/Google Local
It's pretty much everything that makes North Dakota... well, North Dakota, with amazing forest, gorgeous wetlands, a couple of ponds, and endless awe.
Contained within are numerous pristine recreation areas, all of which are absolutely worth an adventure!
Ken Lund/Flickr
These include Hahn's Bay Recreation Area (a must see), Strawberry Lake Recreation Area (get your toes wet!), Twisted Oaks Equestrian Campground (spend the night!), and Mystical Horizons Scenic Overlook (which will steal your breath away).
The overlook might just be the most epic part of the region... but that's pretty subjective.
Jawana Watson/Google Local
Personally, I think the entire area is absolutely ridiculous and painterly in its beauty, from the overlook to the ponds and trails and everything along the way.

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No matter the season, you're in for a treat.
Skyler Niebuhr/Google Local
Spring and summer bring wildflowers and stunning greenery. Autumn brings brilliant, fiery color, and winter turns the forest into a wonderland of amazing proportions. That being said, it does get incredibly cold, so be sure to review our handy-dandy winter packing list before you head out.
Then there are the parts of it that are just so Midwest.
Ken Lund/Flickr
You'll get a little bit of everything here, and I truly encourage you to take your time exploring it.
It's not tiny, but it's not overwhelmingly enormous, either.
Ken Lund/Flickr
Somehow, North Dakota manages to be the least-visited and possibly most-forgotten state; I think we should change this.
So, spread the word about this outrageously photogenic nature scene in North Dakota!
Skyler Niebuhr/Google Local

We have awe to spread!

For more information about the Turtle Mountain State Forest, be sure to visit the official North Dakota State University website. There, you’ll find all sorts of resources, like trail maps and more information about each recreation area within the forest.

What are your favorite, most photogenic landscapes in North Dakota? Let me know! And don’t forget to bring a camera when you visit!

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Turtle Mountain State Forest, Bottineau, ND 58318, USA