When we hear the phrase ox cart trails, most of us picture deeply rutted, muddy paths traveled on by squeaky-wheeled carts, the sound echoing for miles. In the 1800s, the Red River Trails were important links in international trade, no different than the interstates that have replaced them.

Prior to 1800, almost all commerce in the frontier was accomplished by canoe, an arduous task that grew more and more dangerous. Alexander Henry, was believed to be the first trader to utilize carts in the Red River region from his post in Pembina. Initially, the carts were relatively small with solid wheels, and while they were a step up from canoes, there was room for design improvement. The Metis people, who had been utilizing the trade routes in the mid- to late-1800s, created larger carts able to haul up to 1,000 pounds while being pulled by oxen, a game changer for travelers on the Red River Trails.

Originally the trails hugged the banks of the Red River, though due to the soil in the Red River Valley, mud was a major limiting factor and the trails could only be used when the ground was dry. With the new and improved carts built by the Metis, the primary trails were moved out of the valley onto the beach ridges of ancient Lake Agassiz. Aptly called the Ridge Trail, the soil was much sandier, making mud less of a factor. These trails were connected to complete a Metis trade route that stretched from Winnipeg to St. Paul Minnesota.

Today, the Ridge Trail Historic District is a nearly 48-acre trail system in Pembina and Walsh Counties. Most of the cart trails have long since vanished, having been cultivated for many years. The sound of squealing, ungreased wheels no longer pierces the quiet of the northern Plains. However, the history remains as the Ridge Trail Historic District in Pembina and Walsh counties was established to preserve the remnants of the historic ox-cart trails and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2006. Finding the trails can be tricky, but with a little hunting, the remnants can be discovered.