McHenry County: Birdlife, River Bottomlands and History

The J. Clark Salyer National Wildlife Refuge lies in the lakebed of the glacial Lake Souris. Its southern part includes wooded river bottomlands, floodplain meadows and native prairie sandhills. More than 250 bird species occur in the refuge, including waterfowl, shorebirds, birds of prey and songbirds. It also offers opportunities for wildlife viewing.

Landscapes and Protected Areas

The J. Clark Salyer Wetland Management District spans five counties in north-central North Dakota and is designated a globally significant bird area. Cottonwood Lake lies in southern McHenry County; it is one of the district’s lakes that are popular with anglers at times. The Sand Hills Wildlife Management Area in McHenry County features areas of aspen woodland, rolling meadows, woody shrubs and yellow pine. McHenry County is also home to the Wintering River National Wildlife Refuge.

Trails and Activities

The Souris River Canoe Trail is designated a National Recreation Trail. It passes through unique wooded hardwood river bottomlands and offers opportunities for wildlife viewing. The Wildlife Observation Walk is 0.13 miles long, accessible and rated easy; it includes an accessible wildlife observation platform. The Sandhills Walk is unmarked. Visitors can explore trees, shrubs, wildflowers and wildlife along it. The Wildlife Observation Walk is short, accessible and easy, while the Sandhills Walk is unmarked.

The Denbigh Experimental Forest Trail near Towner, North Dakota, is a 3.9-mile loop suitable for hiking. Dogs must be kept on a leash there. Check local trail notices before your hike.

For 2026, good numbers of walleye, some larger fish up to 26 inches, a few pike and many small perch are reported at Cottonwood Lake. There is also a fishing pier at the lake. Fishing conditions can change; check current information before fishing.

Culture and History

The McHenry County Courthouse in Towner was built in 1907 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980 as part of a thematic nomination. The year it was built and its later listing on the register mark two distinct chapters in the courthouse’s history.

Northeast of Velva, the David Thompson State Historic Site is located in McHenry County. A granite globe on a rectangular granite pedestal marks the site and commemorates the achievements of geographer and astronomer David Thompson. His surveys and observations during the expedition led to the first reliable map of the region from the western bend of the Souris River to the western shore of Lake Superior. Lewis and Clark used this map on their expedition across North America.

Discover more destinations: Drake, Nelson, Ramsey, Mountrail County, Pierce County, Burleigh County, Dunn County, Cass.

For the higher-level travel overview: North Dakota.