The Sheyenne River passes by a variety of North Dakota terrains, including rolling hills, wide bottomland forests, open prairies and rich agricultural land. Visitors also can see terrain seldom associated with North Dakota such as sandhills, abrupt riverbanks and majestic stands of forest.

Nature photographers, hikers and sightseers are all sure to enjoy the scenery around the Sheyenne. The area around the river includes 2 large tracts of public lands, namely the Lonetree Wildlife Managment Area and the Sheyenne National Grassland, as well as countless small parks and public land areas in several counties, all of which provide opportunites for hiking, biking, camping, bird watching, hunting and North Dakota fishing.

The Sheyenne River stretches through North Dakota for 280 miles, but only a few segments are recommended for canoeing. The river has many hazards like low-head dams. North Dakota canoeing enthusiasts can enjoy the river and river valley along a few selected portions, however.