Burleigh County: Birdlife, Trails and History

In Burleigh County, nature observation, trails for a variety of activities and glimpses into history come together. In particular, wildlife viewing opportunities in the refuges vary by location and season. Museums, historic buildings and exhibits also offer distinctive features to consider when planning your trip.

Observe nature with the season and water levels in mind

Florence Lake National Wildlife Refuge is in northern Burleigh County and provides habitat for the breeding and migration of various migratory bird species. During fall migration, the refuge attracts significant numbers of waterfowl. Birdwatchers will therefore find a clearly defined seasonal focus here: fall migration and waterfowl.

By contrast, Long Lake National Wildlife Refuge offers many opportunities to observe birds and wildflowers in spring, summer and fall. Other activities available there include observing wildlife and plants, environmental education, informational programs, photography, fishing and hunting. A one-mile trail runs between Lake Unit 2 and Unit 2 Marsh. Depending on water levels, there are seasonal opportunities to observe shorebirds and waterfowl there. This distinction is useful for planning: the information about Long Lake covers several seasons, while fall migration is particularly highlighted at Florence Lake.

Trails for hiking, biking and wildlife viewing

McDowell Dam Recreation Area has a 2.4-mile unpaved loop for biking and hiking. Hay Creek Trail is five miles long, paved and designed as a community trail; there are opportunities to observe wildlife along the route. The two trails differ clearly in surface and length: one is a shorter, unpaved loop, while the other is a longer, paved trail. The Bismarck Parks and Recreation District offers another way to get your bearings in the region; it manages more than 85 miles of trails in Bismarck and Burleigh County.

Not every route offers the same kind of outing. Biking and hiking are specifically listed uses at McDowell Dam. Hay Creek Trail also offers opportunities to observe wildlife; at the trail in Long Lake National Wildlife Refuge, seasonal viewing of shorebirds and waterfowl depends on water levels.

North Dakota history and historic architecture

The North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum presents North Dakota history in four galleries. Thousands of artifacts and specimens, high-tech displays and interactive exhibits are among the resources used there. This combination offers different ways to explore the subject: objects and specimens are presented alongside digital displays and interactive elements.

Double Ditch focuses on the history of a Mandan earthlodge village that was inhabited for nearly 300 years. Evidence of four concentric ditches remains at the site. The long period of settlement and the traces of the ditches provide two concrete points of reference for learning about the site and its past use.

Former Governors' Mansion State Historic Site comprises a restored Victorian home and carriage house. Room exhibits cover the restoration, changes in architectural style and furniture used by several governors. The story goes beyond the exterior appearance of the buildings: their changes over time and their furnishings are also part of the history on display.

Wildlife in refuges and at the zoo

Dakota Zoo is a 90-acre facility with around 400 mammals, birds, reptiles and fish representing 125 species. Wild Happenings include live animal-training demonstrations, interactive encounters and dynamic enrichment activities for animals. These organized presentations and encounters complement opportunities to observe birds and other wildlife in refuges.

For a themed trip, you can combine nature and cultural attractions: the refuges focus on bird and wildflower viewing, while Double Ditch and the historic buildings highlight history and architecture. The seasons mentioned and the effect of water levels are particularly useful points of reference if wildlife viewing is a focus of your trip.

Discover more destinations: Menoken, Bismarck, Barnes County, Bottineau County, Billings County, Richland County, Mercer, Eddy County.

For the broader travel overview: North Dakota.