If you want to give yourself a bit of a spook while exploring North Dakota this October, you might want to stop by this unusual recreation area and take a hike on its trail. If you’re easily scared by being in the dark, then this is not for you! This spot is not only a little unnerving but fascinating and full of history: it is also the only spot like this in the entire state. Check it out if you’re brave enough:
At the Sundheim Park and Recreation Area in McKenzie County, North Dakota, you will find the state’s only lift bridge and railroad tunnel.
Don Barrett/Flickr The Fairview Lift Bridge was built in 1913 but was scarcely used and has been sitting abandoned since the 1980s. In 1997, it was registered on the National Register of Historic Places.
There is a trail open to the public that will take you across the Fairview Lift Bridge and to this long since abandoned place.
wolfman9999999/Youtube The trail is called the Fairview Lift Bridge and Cartwright Tunnel Trail, and as you now know, it will bring you right to North Dakota’s only completed railroad tunnel — a tunnel that was never used.
The views from the bridge of the Yellowstone River are beautiful on their own, but it’s that dark destination at the end of this section of the trail that this hike is all about.
wolfman9999999/Youtube
At the end of the bridge is the Cartwright Tunnel, North Dakota’s only railroad tunnel. The tunnel unfortunately never saw any use and has sat abandoned since it was built.
wolfman9999999/Youtube
Taking this trail is not for people who are scared of the dark — once you get far enough in, it is practically pitch black.
wolfman9999999/Youtube The tunnel goes through at enough of a bend that about halfway through you can no longer see either of the entrances, and there are no lights. You just have to keep on walking until you finally start to see the light radiating from the exit.
After exiting the tunnel, you’ll reach a dirt path and scenic little nature area.
wolfman9999999/Youtube The trail does not loop so you must turn back and go through the dark tunnel again. Luckily, the trail is not exceptionally long and usually takes about 15-20 minutes to complete. The tunnel is just over 1,400 feet in total.
This tunnel and bridge combination makes for a pretty spooky hiking destination, but it’s an awesome piece of history and hidden gem in North Dakota worth a visit — if you’re not afraid of the dark, that is!
Ksteblet/Wikimedia
Check out this Youtube video that takes you through the trail and shows you just how dark it can get!
Don Barrett/Flickr
The Fairview Lift Bridge was built in 1913 but was scarcely used and has been sitting abandoned since the 1980s. In 1997, it was registered on the National Register of Historic Places.
wolfman9999999/Youtube
The trail is called the Fairview Lift Bridge and Cartwright Tunnel Trail, and as you now know, it will bring you right to North Dakota’s only completed railroad tunnel — a tunnel that was never used.
The tunnel goes through at enough of a bend that about halfway through you can no longer see either of the entrances, and there are no lights. You just have to keep on walking until you finally start to see the light radiating from the exit.
The trail does not loop so you must turn back and go through the dark tunnel again. Luckily, the trail is not exceptionally long and usually takes about 15-20 minutes to complete. The tunnel is just over 1,400 feet in total.
Ksteblet/Wikimedia
You can reach this trail by visiting the Sundheim Park, located on Highway 200 just about four miles east of Fairview, North Dakota.
Need more unusual hikes in the Peace Garden State to add to your bucket list? Follow this link for more!
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