Monson Nature Park: Scenic Escape

On a sunny day, there isn’t a better place to be in Valley City: clear blue skies, sparkling water, sounds of birds, bugs, and rustling branches. For a glimpse of what the Sheyenne Valley looked like before farming, take a very quick drive to the Monson Nature Park.

Much of the 43 acres was native prairie, and many of those plants and flowers are still present. Invasive grasses like Smooth Brome and Kentucky Bluegrass have overtaken some areas of the trail, though. The trail was the original railroad grade before the Hi-Line Bridge was built.

The Start of the Monson Trail

There are 2 pollinator plots, about 7 acres total. The first is along the west fence and extends 1/3 mile to the south. The second is located just south of the orchard. Both have a mix of native grasses and flowers and are an ongoing project. You will see bee balm, blazing star, flax, echinacea, big and little bluestem, as well as many other species—and hopefully lots of tiny native bees, big bumblebees, and butterflies. And then in mid-summer and fall, there is the bonus of fruit from planted apple trees as well as wild plum and chokecherry, free for the taking.

A pollinator on a flower along the trail.

Driving Directions: Take the access frontage road at the Ready Mix Cement building, following the gravel road to the top of the hill, about 1/2 mile. Turn west on the gravel and go west about 1 mile. There is a red steel gate with a parking area where the trail starts.

Length of trail: From the gate to the orchard is about 1/2 mile. The trail continues on for another 1/4 mile, about 3/4 mile total.

Please!

• Close any gates you opened

• Pack it in, pack it out!

• Keep pets on a leash

• Respect private land adjoining

• Wear orange during pheasant and deer hunting season

  
  

The project was made possible by the generous donation of land and upkeep funds by Dick and Karen Monson in 2022, with added support by the ND Outdoor Heritage Fund, Barnes County Park Board, Valley City Eagles Aerie 2192, ND Natural Resources Trust, Barnes County Soil Conservation District, Bee and Butterfly Habitat Fund, and Audubon Dakota.

Report any problems to the Barnes County Auditor’s Office: 845-8500