The Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge lies in the Souris River Valley in northwestern North Dakota and stretches 35 miles along the Souris River corridor. As part of the Central Flyway, it lies within an important migration corridor for waterfowl. There are many ways to experience nature here: by boating, driving or hiking, and by observing wildlife.

On the water: Paddling routes and trails

A three-mile paddling route passes through three ponds and a short stretch of cattails before reaching the Souris River. If you prefer to explore on foot, there is a trail along the riverbank that is either half a mile or one mile long. A signed interpretive trail leads a half mile to the Pool A Spillway. The trail lengths and destinations offer practical guidance when planning your time in the refuge.

Birdwatchers and photographers can also observe birds at courtship sites from observation blinds, available by advance reservation. Plan ahead and confirm reservation and visitor requirements beforehand. This offers a distinctive view of wildlife, separate from the refuge’s more general wildlife-watching opportunities.

The Des Lacs National Wildlife Refuge also offers different perspectives on the landscape and birdlife. The Munch's Coulee National Recreation Trail is one mile long, runs along Lower Des Lacs Lake and offers birdwatching opportunities. The six-mile Canada Goose Nature Trail is gently uphill and can be used for hiking or biking; it offers views of migrating waterfowl. Winter conditions may affect trail use. The Des Lacs National Wildlife Refuge Scenic Backway ends at Ward County Road 1.

Scandinavian heritage and railroad history

The Scandinavian Heritage Park hosts its Midsummer Night Festival every June. The cultural heritage also includes two buildings with distinct connections: the Sigdal House is considered the oldest house in North Dakota. The Gol Stave Church is a full-scale replica of a medieval church from Gol, Norway, whose original construction dates to the 13th century.

The Railroad Museum of Minot displays historic locomotives, railroad cars and railroad artifacts. It also shows how the railroad helped make Minot a major transportation hub in North Dakota. The museum offers a look both at preserved objects and at the role of rail travel in the city's history.

At the Pioneer Village Museum in Burlington, thirteen historic buildings make up an open-air museum about the history of northwestern North Dakota from before statehood onward. Since visiting hours are seasonal, check the schedule before you arrive. In Minot, other discoveries add to the experience: the enclosed giraffe habitat at Roosevelt Park Zoo allows year-round encounters with the animals and giraffe feeding. At the Magic City Discovery Center, the two-story Magic Climber creates its own world of discovery with tunnels, ramps, a prairie dog crawl-through, an oil derrick and an interactive B-52 bomber cockpit. From the top, enjoy a 360-degree view of Minot.

Getting to Minot and getting around

Minot International Airport offers nonstop flights to Minneapolis, Denver, Las Vegas and Phoenix on Delta, United and Allegiant. Flight routes may change; check current schedules before booking. Amtrak connects Minot with the Empire Builder and destinations Seattle, Portland and Chicago. It is also a good idea to check the current schedule for train services.

For getting around Minot, Minot City Transit operates fully accessible fixed-route services. Eligible passengers can also use a shared paratransit service that provides curb-to-curb and origin-to-destination transportation. If these services are important for your plans, check in advance which option is right for you.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Kenmare, Minot, Des Lacs, Foster County, Nelson, Bottineau County, Mercer, Mountrail County.

For the main travel overview: North Dakota.