Throughout North Dakota are hidden patches of nature. Among all the farmland, towns, and cities, you can find these spots that are like oases on the prairie. Many of these are preserved by becoming national wildlife refuges. In fact, North Dakota has the most wildlife refuges of any state.
These spots are truly, naturally beautiful, and to top it off they can be fun to visit. This refuge in particular is all of that and more, and you’ll love it.
The Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge is located on the river by the same name near Minot, North Dakota.
Johnida Dockens/Flickr
The beautiful rolling prairie hills surrounding the river are full of native grasses, plants, and - if you come at the right time of the year - wildflowers.
Jennifer Jewett/USFWS/Flicke
This environment is perfect for butterflies and it is why this is one of only few sites in the entire state that is used for butterfly research.
Jennifer Jewett/USFWS/Flickr
Much of the area the refuge encompasses is wetlands. These are home to hundreds of species of animals, especially birds. Thousands of migratory birds pass through here during certain times of year.
Johnida Dockens/Flickr
The entire refuge is over 32,000 acres in size and covers about 35 miles of the stunning Souris River. Many people enjoy fishing, canoeing, and kayaking here. Hunting is also permitted. This place is an outdoorsy person’s paradise.
Jennifer Jewett/USFWS/Flickr
There are also auto tour trails and foot trails in the refuge for visitors to see and experience all that it has to offer.
Johnida Dockens/Flickr
Birding, photography, and general wildlife viewing are one of the biggest draws to the Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge. With the amount of bird and animal species that lives around the water here, it really is a natural oasis.
Andy Jewett/USFWS/Flickr
From the waters of the river to the hilltops of the prairie, this refuge is truly a sight to behold. Summer is a great time to take advantage of it that you won’t want to miss.
Johnida Dockens/Flickr
Follow this link to the Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge page for directions and more information about visiting. If you can’t visit this summer, fall is also a great time to head out there when all the birds are coming through.
Johnida Dockens/Flickr
Jennifer Jewett/USFWS/Flicke
Jennifer Jewett/USFWS/Flickr
Andy Jewett/USFWS/Flickr
Discover more natural paradises in North Dakota right here.
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