Wildlife Refuges
North Dakota has 63 wildlife refuges – more than any other state in the nation – and most offer visitors services.
Why Visit North Dakota's Wildlife Refuges?
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A Sanctuary for Birds: North Dakota's refuges are a key part of the Central Flyway migration route. You can witness the spectacular spring and fall migrations of hundreds of thousands of waterfowl, including ducks, geese, and tundra swans. Locations like the Tewaukon National Wildlife Refuge are famous for their amazing flights of migratory birds.
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Home to Diverse Wildlife: The refuges protect a variety of habitats, from mixed-grass prairie to wetlands and woodlands, which support more than just birds. Visitors can often spot white-tailed deer, coyotes, badgers, and even moose. The Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge is a great place to see many of these species, along with over 250 kinds of birds.
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Unique Viewing Experiences: Many refuges offer accessible ways to see wildlife. The Audubon National Wildlife Refuge has an 8-mile auto tour route, while the J. Clark Salyer National Wildlife Refuge features a nationally recognized canoe trail along the Souris River. The Lostwood National Wildlife Refuge is known for its rolling hills and "prairie pothole" wetlands, providing a prime location for viewing prairie grouse.
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Opportunities for All Seasons: The refuges offer activities year-round. While spring and fall are peak times for bird migration and observation, the summer months are perfect for viewing local breeding birds and wildflowers. Even in the winter, you can find wildlife like sharp-tailed grouse and foxes.
Refuge Visitor Centers Offer a Gateway to the Outdoors
Whether you're a serious birdwatcher, a photographer, a hunter, or simply looking for a peaceful escape into the outdoors, North Dakota's wildlife refuges provide an unparalleled experience for every visitor. Following are just a sampling of some of North Dakota's wildlife refuge sites to enjoy nature at its finest.
- Arrowwood National Wildlife Refuge: A mix of lakes, marshes, prairie grasslands, wooded coulees and cultivated fields. It's an excellent spot for birdwatching, with diverse habitats that attract ducks, geese, and other birds during migration. The Visitor Center is open Monday-Friday, 7:30am-4pm.
- For a full experience, plan an overnight stay at Indian Hills Resort. Located on the shores of the refuge's main lake, it's the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring. You can spend the evening watching the sunset over the water and wake up ready for another day in nature. - Audubon National Wildlife Refuge: Thousands of waterfowl, sandhill cranes and shorebirds pass through the refuge during spring and fall migration. The refuge is home to 243 bird, mammal, five reptile, four amphibian and 37 fish species. The Visitor Center is open Monday-Friday, 8am-4:30pm.
- For a full experience, tour the impressive Garrison Dam, a man-made marvel on the Missouri River that created the vast Lake Sakakawea, this area is a must-see for anyone who loves the outdoors. The Garrison Dam National Fish Hatchery and Aquarium is also a fun stop for all ages. For a unique place to stay, the Sakakawea Sunset Lodge offers 13 upscale, pet-friendly rooms right along Lake Sakakawea, where each room comes with a beautiful view of the lake. - Lostwood National Wildlife Refuge: Rolling hills mantled in short-grass and mixed grass prairie interspersed with numerous wetlands in the highly productive prairie pothole region that produces more ducks than any other region in the lower 48 states. Enjoy the scenery and wildlife along the Prairie Hiking Trail, a 7.5-mile loop which has been designated as a national scenic trail. (No Visitor Center)
- For a full experience, the Bowbells area offers a charming and tranquil escape with a blend of natural beauty and small-town hospitality. For a memorable stay, the historic Bowbells Hotel has been beautifully renovated. Its rooms are named after towns in Burke County and are decorated with old photos that celebrate local history. Guests can enjoy modern amenities and the hotel's lobby is a perfect place to relax. - Tewaukon National Wildlife Refuge: Offers many recreational opportunities for people who love the outdoors. Activities to enjoy include hunting, fishing, bird watching and wildlife photography. The Visitor Center is open Monday-Friday, 8am-4:30pm.
- For a full experience, after exploring the wetlands and prairies, escape to Coteau des Prairies Lodge, a rustic yet refined retreat perched on a ridge with even more spectacular views of the prairie. Here, you can experience a one-of-a-kind farm-life getaway with warm hospitality, homemade meals, and opportunities for hands-on farming fun.
