This 784-acre wooded park was named for the mud and snapper turtles once found in abundance in the streams. Today, the entire park is a natural sanctuary, located just 22 miles west of Grand Forks. Turtle River State Park has 125 modern and primitive campsites, a woodland lodge and group cabins, a a mountain bike trail, self-guided nature trails, fishing for rainbow trout and special programs in an outdoor amphitheater. Winter activities include cross-country skiing, sledding and more.
Turtle State Park has gained popularity as a result of regular stocking of rainbow trout by the State Game and Fish Department. This section of Turtle River offers the state's only natural stream trout fishery.