Butte Saint Paul State Recreation Area
580-Foot Butte with Panoramic Turtle Mountain Views — Short Summit Loop Trail, North Dakota Prairie Landmark, Bottineau County Near Dunseith
Butte Saint Paul State Recreation Area is a state recreation area in Bottineau County, North Dakota, approximately 7 miles northwest of Dunseith. The area features a 580-foot sandstone butte rising above the North Dakota prairie, a short circular loop trail to the summit with panoramic views of the Turtle Mountain region, unique geological formation in the otherwise flat prairie landscape, and a dramatic natural landmark visible for miles across the plains.
Butte Saint Paul is North Dakota’s unexpected landmark — a 580-foot butte rising dramatically from the rolling prairie near the Turtle Mountain Indian Reservation. The summit loop trail rewards hikers with 360-degree panoramic views of the Turtle Mountains, the International Peace Garden region, and the vast North Dakota plains.
Named by French-Canadian fur traders, Butte Saint Paul served as a navigation landmark for centuries — visible for miles across the flat prairie, it guided Native Americans, fur traders, and early settlers across the northern plains.
Things to Do
- Summit hike — short loop to 580-ft butte top
- Panoramic views — Turtle Mountains + prairie
- Photography — butte, prairie, sunset
- Geology — sandstone formation study
- History — French-Canadian fur trade landmark
- Wildlife — prairie and grassland species
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | ~7 mi NW of Dunseith, Bottineau County, ND |
| Elevation | 580 ft butte — summit loop trail |
| Region | Turtle Mountain / Int’l Peace Garden area |
| Managed By | North Dakota Parks and Recreation |
| Coordinates | 48.8517° N, 100.1958° W |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Butte Saint Paul in North Dakota?
Butte Saint Paul State Recreation Area is located approximately 7 miles northwest of Dunseith in Bottineau County, North Dakota, near the Turtle Mountain region and International Peace Garden. A short circular loop trail leads to the summit of the 580-foot butte, offering panoramic views of the Turtle Mountains and the North Dakota prairie. Named by French-Canadian fur traders, the butte served as a navigation landmark across the plains for centuries.
Last updated: May 2026
