Ward: Nature, Wildlife and Culture

Souris Valley and Nature Experiences

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. It is part of the Central Flyway, a waterfowl migration corridor. Visitors can experience its distinctive geology and diverse wildlife by boat, car or on foot; wildlife viewing opportunities are also available. You can fish for walleye, northern pike, yellow perch and largemouth bass in Lake Darling and the Souris River. Fishing regulations can change, so check the current rules before your trip.

There is a special option for observing and photographing at leks: visitors can use observation blinds for this purpose with advance reservations. Confirm your reservation and the conditions before your visit.

Waterways and Walks

A three-mile paddling route in the refuge passes through three ponds and a short stretch of cattails before reaching the Souris River. If you prefer to travel on foot, there is a half-mile or one-mile trail through the river’s riparian area. Another, signed interpretive trail is half a mile long and leads to the Pool A Spillway. These details make the differences between the routes clear: a longer stretch on the water, a riverside trail with two distance options, and a short trail with a set destination.

The Minot-to-Burlington Trail also offers practical details for spending time outdoors. It includes two covered shelters, park benches and a three-station outdoor fitness equipment area. These amenities distinguish this trail from the refuge’s trails. Check the condition of the facilities on site.

Culture, History and Unique Experiences

The Scandinavian Heritage Park hosts the Midsummer Night Festival every June. The Sigdal House there is considered the oldest house in North Dakota. The Gol Stave Church is a life-size replica of a medieval church from Gol, Norway; the original building was constructed in the 13th century. The festival, house and church replica offer different highlights for a trip focused on Scandinavian heritage.

The Railroad Museum of Minot displays historic locomotives, railroad cars and railroad artifacts. Its exhibits explain how the railroad helped shape Minot into a major transportation hub in North Dakota. At the Pioneer Village Museum in Burlington, thirteen historic buildings tell the story of northwestern North Dakota, beginning before statehood. Check seasonal dates before visiting.

At Roosevelt Park Zoo, the indoor giraffe habitat allows year-round encounters with the animals and year-round giraffe feeding. The Magic Climber at the Magic City Discovery Center offers a different kind of exploration: the two-story structure includes tunnels, ramps, a prairie dog crawl-through area, an oil derrick and an interactive B-52 bomber cockpit. From the top, you can enjoy a 360-degree view of Minot.

Transportation in Minot

Minot International Airport offers nonstop flights to Minneapolis, Denver, Las Vegas and Phoenix on Delta, United and Allegiant. Amtrak’s Empire Builder connects Minot with Seattle, Portland and Chicago. Rail services and schedules can also change, so it’s a good idea to check the current timetable.

Minot City Transit offers fully accessible fixed-route service throughout the city of Minot. Eligible passengers can also use a shared-ride paratransit service that provides curb-to-curb and origin-to-destination trips. This information concerns public transit in Minot and can help you understand the transportation options there.

Discover more destinations: Kenmare, Des Lacs, Minot, Bottineau County, Nelson, Stutsman, Lamoure County and Foster County.

Go to the main travel overview: North Dakota.