The North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department announces fun for 2021. The department is bringing back the statewide Adventure Challenge and unveiling a new statewide 12 Months-12 Hikes Challenge.

Participants can pick a challenge or take on both. Spend 2021 exploring trails, trying new recreational activities, traveling to new locations, visiting historic places, and exploring everything that Parks & Rec. has to offer.

“This is a great opportunity for someone who is new to state parks or those visitors returning to learn more about what we have to offer and the incredible opportunities we have across the state,” stated Parks & Rec. Director Andrea Travnicek. “This past year, we saw a significant increase in state park visitation. With many people looking for safe, healthy activities to participate in outdoors, it was the right time to bring back the Adventure Challenge and take the 12 Months-12 Hikes Challenge statewide.”

The new statewide 12 Months-12 Hikes Challenge is an expansion of the highly successful program run at Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park for the last five years. The 12 Months-12 Hikes Challenge includes 20 qualifying trails at 12 state park locations. Each month of 2021, participants will have a two-week time period to hike one of the 20 qualifying trails–participants will check-in for their monthly hike using a mobile smart device at each trailhead.

Throughout 2021, participants will be encouraged to visit multiple trails statewide, but if hikers want to stay close to home, they can also complete the entire challenge right within their favorite state park. Participants who complete the challenge earn a collectible 2021 12 Months-12 Hikes Challenge medal and have a chance to win great North Dakota state parks prizes, including annual permits for 2022. Registration is open now at parkrec.nd.gov/challenges.

The department is also bringing back the popular Adventure Challenge. The 2021 Adventure Challenge encourages participants to travel to different state park locations to experience recreational opportunities, historical aspects, and natural wonders around the state. Participants are encouraged to get outdoors and try accomplishing as many challenges as they can. Entrants must have a Facebook account and “like” the ND Parks & Rec 2021 Adventure Challenge Facebook page. Participants must take pictures to prove completion for each challenge by submitting the photos via private message to the ND Parks & Rec 2021 Adventure Challenge Facebook page.

The top 100 participants who have completed the most adventures will win a North Dakota Parks & Recreation Department patch. In addition, those who complete a minimum of 25 challenges listed and at least 12 of the Bonus Challenges throughout the year will get entered into a drawing for additional prize packages that will include 2022 annual permits, free camping nights, and North Dakota Parks & Recreation Department merchandise. For registration details, official rules, and challenge information, please visit parkrec.nd.gov/challenges.