Arrowwood National Wildlife Refuge (Pingree)
Arrowwood National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) was established in 1935 as a refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife. It is an important link in a chain of refuges extending from the prairie lands of the Canadian border to the Gulf of Mexico. Located along the James River in east central North Dakota, Arrowwood NWR's 15, 934 acres are made up of lakes, marshes, prairie grasslands, wooded coulees, and cultivated fields.
Chase Lake Prairie Project WMD (Woodworth)
The Wetland Management District (WMD) was administratively created in 1993 and is a satellite station of the Arrowwood National Wildlife Refuge Complex. The WMD consists of 127 Waterfowl Production Areas (35, 317 acres); five Wildlife Development Areas (3, 734 acres); 666 wetland easement contracts protecting 52, 919 wetland acres; four grassland easement contracts preserving 2, 790 grassland acres and 14 RECD Conservation Easements protecting 1, 762 acres.
Devils Lake Wetland Management District (Devils Lake)
Devils Lake Wetland Management District (WMD) is located in the heart of the Prairie Pothole Region of the United States. It was established in 1962 to purchase and protect wetland habitat for migratory waterfowl and other wildlife in northeastern North Dakota.
Kellys Slough National Wildlife Refuge (Devils Lake)
Kellys Slough National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) was established to develop and manage a system of wetlands and grasslands that is unique to the Red River Valley. The Refuge supports a diversity of wetland and grassland wildlife, while providing for wildlife-dependent recreation, interpretation, and education and promoting an appreciation for wetland values. Kellys Slough NWR is located in the heart of the Red River Valley.
Lake Elsie NWR (Cayuga)
A large lake surrounded by cabins. Swimming, boating, jet skiing, and, water skiing are some of the recreation conducted on the lake. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service only controls the water level and the hunting on this easement refuge.
Lake Ilo National Wildlife Refuge (Dunn Center)
Lake Ilo National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) is located in the Missouri Slope region of western North Dakota, near the Killdeer Mountains. Established in the mid 1930's for migratory waterfowl, this unique Refuge encompasses slightly more than 4, 000 acres and is home to approximately 226 bird species, 36 mammals, 9 reptiles/amphibians, and 11 different fish species. Lake Ilo NWR also is home to one of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service*s largest cultural resource deposits.
Lake Zahl National Wildlife Refuge (Zahl)
Lake Zahl National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) is a fee title and easement refuge. The Refuge lies at the juncture of the Missouri Coteau and the Missouri Slope physiographic regions. Water flowing out of Lake Zahl enters the Little Muddy River which flows into Lake Sakakawea, along the Missouri River, 28 miles to the south. The Refuge is mostly native prairie surrounding two large semi-permanent marshes totaling about 1, 250 acres.
Lostwood National Wildlife Refuge (Kenmare)
Lostwood National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) lies in the heart of the Missouri Coteau region, a dead ice moraine feature. Topography includes rolling to steep hills in mid-grass prairie, dotted with more than 4, 100 wetlands and small clumps of aspens. Lostwood NWR is the largest contiguous block of native grassland managed by the National Wildlife Refuge System in the prairie pothole region. The Refuge also contains a 5, 577 acre Wilderness Area established in 1975.
Homme Lake (Valley City)
Visit the Memorial Gardens near this lake in northeast North Dakota.
Pipestem Lake (Riverdale)
Located within the Prairie Pothole Region of ND, this 840-acre lake offers year-round recreational opportunities including birdwatching, boating, fishing, and hunting.
Brekken-Holmes Recreation Area (Turtle Lake)
Site is one and one-half miles north of Turtle Lake in the center of North Dakota. The lake has 675 surface acres and 10 miles of shoreline. Available species include trout, walleye, crappie, bluegill, and small mouth bass.
Devils Lake State Park (Devils Lake)
Available species include pike, perch, walleye, white bass, muskie, and crappie. Public use area open 7 days a week. Overnight camping, water, and electric hookups. 1, 187 acre park system with 4 recreation areas in lakes and gardens section of North Dakota.
Heart Butte Reservoir (Bismarck)
The 142 foot high Heart Butte Dam, Heart Butte Project is on the Heart River in Grant County, North Dakota about 15 miles south of Glen Ullin. Managed by the Dakotas Area Office, Bureau of Reclamation. The reservoir, Lake Tschida, is the only sizable body of water in the area and it has become a popular recreation center. The reservoir has a surface area of 6, 576 acres. Six primitive campgrounds with wells and vault toilets are available.
Tewaukon National Wildlife Refuge (Cayuga)
Tewaukon National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) is located in southeastern North Dakota along the western edge of the northern tallgrass prairie. The Wild Rice River flows through the Refuge and then through Lake Tewaukon. Established in 1945, the 8, 363-acre Refuge is located in the Prairie Pothole Region, one of the most biologically productive areas on earth because of the high density of wetlands.
Schnell Ranch Recreation Area (Dickinson)
The area is a 2, 000-acre native prairie and woody draw that has been set aside for wildlife habitat, environmental education, and outdoor recreation.
Dakota Prairie Grasslands (Bismarck)
The Dakota Prairie Grasslands are comprised of the Little Missouri National Grasslands, the Sheyenne National Grasslands, the Cedar River National Grasslands and the Grand River National Grasslands.Recreational opportunities include viewing wildlife, hiking, camping, horseback riding, photography, canoeing, fishing, hunting, and backpacking.
Black Tiger Bay State Recreation Area (Devils Lake)
Black Tiger Bay is used exclusively for boat launching and provides access to the eastern reaches of Devils Lake, North Dakota's largest natural body of water. Amenities are limited to a boat ramp, boat trailer parking and vault toilet facilities. No camping is permitted at this day use area.
Grahams Island State Park (Devils Lake)
Devils Lake, North Dakota's largest natural lake, is home to three state park and recreation areas in North Dakota. Named after the first known white settler in the area, Captain Duncan Graham, this state park is the largest park in the Devils Lake State Parks system. The park offers camping and picnicking facilities. The harbor includes a boat ramp, with access to the lake for fishing and other water sports, as well as a bait shop and gas facility.
Sully Creek State Recreation Area (Mandan)
Located in the heart of the North Dakota badlands, Sully Creek is just minutes away from the historic town of Medora and Theodore Roosevelt National Park. In the early spring, canoeing the Little Missouri River is a popular activity. Corrals are provided for those bringing in their own horses, but the park has no horse rentals. Horseback riders, mountain bikers and hikers have access to the 120-mile long Maah Daah Hey Trail, which traverses the Little Missouri National Grasslands.
Beaver Lake State Park (Wishek)
Located on the west shore of Beaver Lake, Beaver Lake State Park is operated as a seasonal park, with camping, picnicking and water-based activities available from mid-May through Labor Day. The park's gently rolling prairie provides scenic views for leisurely walks. In the summer, the lake attracts visitors for boating, canoeing, water skiing and fishing.
Ft. Stevenson State Park (Garrison)
On the north shore of Lake Sakakawea, this park was named for a late 1800s fort that served as a supply depot for other military posts in the Dakota Territory. A replica of the original fort's guardhouse serves as an interpretive center. Boaters will find excellent facilities, including a full-service marina with fishing boat, canoe and slip rentals, concession store and boat servicing and storage.
Ft. Abraham Lincoln State Park (Mandan)
Rich in both early Native American and military history, Ft. Abraham Lincoln's visitor center and historic buildings feature exhibits and programs on the early occupation of the area. On-A-Slant Mandan Indian Village with its reconstructed earthlodges depicts the lyfestyle of the Mandan, who lived here from 1575 to 1781. In 1804, the Lewis and Clark Expedition camped nearby and noted their abandoned village in their journals.
Icelandic State Park (Cavalier)
Situated on the north shore of Lake Renwick, camping, boating, swimming and fishing for northern pike and other game fish are popular activities. Within the park are the Pioneer Heritage Center and restored historic buildings, which provide a glimpse of North Dakota's homesteading heritage.
Baldhill Dam Lake Ashtabula (Valley City)
Lake Ashtabula offers year-round recreational opportunities in the east central region of North Dakota. It is a very productive fishery with abundant populations of popular game fish including walleye, white bass, northern pike and yellow perch. Lake Ashtabula is worth visiting any time of the year, with snowmobiling cross-country skiing and ice fishing in the winter and boating, swimming, camping and fishing in the summer.
Bowman Haley Lake (Riverdale)
Located on a former Sioux hunting ground of treeless slopes and plains, this 1, 740 acre V-shaped lake offers year-round recreational opportunities including camping, boating, fishing, hunting and picnicking.
Garrison Dam Lake Sakakawea (Riverdale)
The Corps of Engineers' largest lake, and one of six built to control recurrent flooding on the Missouri River. Sites of early Indian culture and of trading and Army posts are located in the area. The Missouri River valley dominates the landscape surrounding the lake, and rolling prairie split by woody draws, can be seen for miles along the shoreline. Wildlife abounds on the project and the lake is a birdwatcher's paradise.
Dickinson Reservoir (Dickinson)
Dickinson Dam and Reservoir (Edward Arthur Patterson Lake), on the Heart River, store water for irrigating valley lands downstream from the dam, and for a municipal water supply for the city of Dickinson, North Dakota. The reservoir has about 1, 100 surface acres and 22 miles of shoreline. Public use area open 7 days a week. Overnight camping, water and electric hookups. Available species include walleye, largemouth bass, perch, pike, crappie, and bluegill.
Jamestown Reservoir (Jamestown)
Jamestown Dam and Reservoir are features of the PSMBP - Jamestown Dam. Located in central North Dakota the reservoir provides flood protection to areas downstream. The reservoir covers 2, 095 surface acres and has 45 miles of shoreline. It is located 2 miles north of Jamestown and features a modern campground, concession, boat rental, primitive camping. Public use area open 7 days a week. Overnight camping, water, and electric hookups.
Arrowwood Wetland Management District (Pingree)
Arrowwood Wetland Management District (WMD) was established in 1961 as a breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife. The District currently includes 28 waterfowl production areas (WPAs) totaling 6, 138 acres across Foster and Eddy counties in east-central North Dakota. Within the District, there also are 314 wetland easements protecting 19, 046 acres of wetland habitat, four Farmers Home Administration easements, and one easement Refuge (Johnson Lake National Wildlife Refuge).
Audubon National Wildlife Refuge (Coleharbor)
Audubon National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) is located in west-central North Dakota, and is part of a landscape marked by numerous wetlands or "potholes" that remained after glaciers melted more than 10, 000 years ago. This landscape is commonly called the prairie pothole region and extends into Canada, Minnesota, western Iowa, South Dakota, and eastern Montana. The Refuge encompasses 14, 735 acres of native prairie, planted grasslands, and wetlands.
Chase Lake National Wildlife Refuge (Woodworth)
Chase Lake National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) is one of the nation's oldest Refuges, established in 1908 by President Theodore Roosevelt as a reserve and breeding ground for native birds. Located in the famous Prairie Pothole Region of the United States, the Refuge and surrounding area provides breeding and resting habitat for more than 293 bird species. The Refuge is home to North America's largest nesting colony of American white pelicans, with 33, 000 birds counted in 2002.
Des Lacs National Wildlife Refuge (Kenmare)
Des Lacs National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) is a 28-mile long river valley with three natural lakes. The northern boundary of the Refuge is Saskatchewan, Canada. The Refuge was established in the 1930s "dust bowl era" and original Refuge facilities were constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) to benefit waterfowl production and protection. "Des Lacs" is French for "of the lakes.
J. Clark Salyer National Wildlife Refuge (Upham)
J. Clark Salyer National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) is located along the Souris River in Bottineau and McHenry Counties of north-central North Dakota. The 58, 700-acre Refuge extends from Canada southward for approximately 45 miles. The 36, 000 acres of upland habitat include native and introduced grasslands, thick woodlands, shrub thickets, and some cropland. The northern portion of the Refuge is primarily river valley with a narrow band of adjacent upland habitat.
J. Clark Salyer Wetland Management District (Upham)
J. Clark Salyer Wetland Management District (WMD) is located in north-central North Dakota. The District covers 6, 543 square miles in Renville, Bottineau, Rolette, McHenry, and Pierce Counties. Within the District, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service manages 27, 332 acres of Waterfowl Production Areas (WPAs), 127, 100 acres of wetland easements, 15, 231 acres of grassland easements, 6, 500 acres of FMHA conservation easements, and 7, 910 acres of National Wildlife Easement Refuges.
Kulm WMD (Kulm)
The Kulm Wetland Management District (WMD) is a four county area located in south central North Dakota (Dickey, LaMoure, Logan and McIntosh Counties). The eastern third of the WMD is located in the drift prairie physiographic region, a gently undulating landscape. It contains the James River, a valuable migration pathway for many species of migratory birds. The drift prairie was historically a transition area between tall grass prairie to the east and shorter grasses to the west.
Lake Alice National Wildlife Refuge (Devils Lake)
Lake Alice National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) is located in Ramsey and Towner Counties near the former town of Church's Ferry, North Dakota. Long recognized as a major waterfowl concentration point during spring and fall migrations, Lake Alice NWR also supports significant numbers of nesting waterfowl. Hundreds of thousands of snow geese, Canada geese, and a variety of duck species use the lake and surrounding lands each year. The Refuge was first established in 1935 as an easement refuge.
Long Lake National Wildlife Refuge (Moffit)
Long Lake National Wildlife Refuge (NWR), located near the community of Moffit in south central North Dakota, was established in 1932 as a migratory bird refuge by President Herbert Hoover. Due to a long history of avian botulism outbreaks caused by a bacterial toxin that attacks a bird's central nervous system, a system of dikes was developed to aid in water control. Through manipulation of water levels, the incidence and severity of avian botulism outbreaks have been reduced.
Slade National Wildlife Refuge (Moffit)
Slade National Wildlife Refuge (NWR), just 3 miles off Interstate 94 near Dawson, North Dakota, is a 3, 000 acre prairie refuge. Established in 1940 as a refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service received the property as a donation from G.T. Slade, whom it is named for. The property was managed as a duck club by the previous owner, attesting to the attractiveness and value of the Refuge to waterfowl.
Sullys Hill National Game Preserve National Wildlife Refuge (Devils Lake)
The vision of Sullys Hill National Game Preserve (NGP) is for broad community support to protect and manage big game, migratory birds, and other wildlife resources and their associated prairie and woodland habitats. This is accomplished while promoting Sullys Hill NGP as a regional conservation learning center to enhance understanding and support for America's wildlife heritage and National Wildlife Refuge System.
Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge (Berthold)
Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge (NWR), located 30 miles northwest of Minot, was established in 1935 as a refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife. The Refuge straddles 35 miles of the picturesque Souris River Valley in northern North Dakota. This 32, 092-acre Refuge includes a narrow band of river bottom woodlands, fertile flood plains, native mixed-grass covered rolling hills, and steep, brush-covered coulees.
Valley City Wetland Management District (Valley City)
Valley City Wetland Management District (WMD) was established in 1971 to manage, restore, and protect habitat on public and private lands for all wildlife and for the use and enjoyment of all people. This District is one of 11 WMDs that help make up North Dakota's "duck factory, " otherwise known as the Prairie Pothole Region. Valley City WMD is located in east-central North Dakota and includes Cass, Traill, Barnes, Griggs, and Steele counties.
Turtle River State Park (Arvilla)
Constructed in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, this park is located in a wooded valley along the meandering Turtle River. The park features year-round recreational activities, including camping, picnicking, hiking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing and sledding. Anglers can also practice their fly fishing techniques in the trout-stocked river. Cabins can be rented by groups or individuals during the summer.
Ft. Ransom State Park (Ft. Ransom)
Fort Ransom State Park, which takes its name from an 1860s military fort, is located in the midst of the scenic and heavily wooded Sheyenne River valley, along a nationally designated scenic byway. The river provides abundant opportunities for canoeing, fishing and bird watching, while within the park can be found a short segment of the North Country National Scenic Trail. During the summer, picnicking and camping are favorite activities, while cross-country skiing is a popular winter sport.
Little Missouri State Park (Center)
Little Missouri State Park contains some of the most rugged, picturesque badlands terrain in North Dakota. Most of the park is accessible only on horseback or on foot. Within the park are numerous wildlife species, including mule deer, coyote, fox, bobcat and golden eagle. Guided horseback rides are available from a concessionnaire. In addition, corrals and well water are provided for those bringing in their own mounts to ride the thirty miles of trails.
Cross Ranch State Park (Center)
Located along some of the last free-flowing and undeveloped stretches of the Missouri River, Cross Ranch is one of five North Dakota state parks designated as official Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail sites. The park features an extensive hiking trail system, boat ramp access, canoe rentals and primitive camping. The trails allow access to a 5, 000-acre nature preserve with mixed grass prairie, river bottom forests and woody draws.
Doyle Memorial State Recreation Area (Ft. Ransom)
Located on Green Lake, Doyle Memorial is leased by the city of Wishek. The area is popular for camping, fishing and boating. The park, established in 1925, is named after J.J. Doyle, who donated the land for a park. Doyle was a member of the first village board when Wishek was established in 1898. He served in the North Dakota House of Representatives from 1909-1915. Early park development was undertaken by the WPA in the 1930s, including tree planting and the construction of a pier.
Lake Metigoshe State Park (Bottineau)
Nestled in the scenic Turtle Mountains on the United States and Canadian border, Lake Metigoshe is one of the most popular year-round vacation spots in North Dakota. The park is located along a state-designated scenic byway. The small lakes within the park provide opportunities for fishing, canoeing, boating and swimming. A multitude of trails attract hikers, mountain bikers, snowmobilers and cross-country skiers.
Lake Sakakawea State Park (Riverdale)
On the south shore of Lake Sakakawea adjacent to Garrison Dam, Lake Sakakawea State Park offers a wide range of water-based recreational activities and facilities. The park has a full-service marina, including boat rentals, convenience store, fishing guide services and boat and camper storage. Two large boat ramps allow access to the best salmon fishing on Lake Sakakawea. The park also features modern camping and picnicking facilities.
Shelvers Grove State Recreation Area (Devils Lake)
Shelvers Grove State Recreation Area is a popular overnight camping spot for motorists traveling across northern North Dakota on U.S. Highway 2. The area has campsites with electrical hookups and modern comfort station, picnic shelters and a playground. The park is open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
Lewis and Clark State Park (Epping)
The towering buttes and rolling hills of North Dakota's badlands provide a rugged backdrop to this park, located on one of the upper bays of Lake Sakakawea. Modern boating facilities, including a marina, boat ramp and camp store, are major attractions. Anglers will find excellent fishing for walleye, sauger and northern pike. Visitors can become acquainted with the natural communities associated with the park by hiking a self-guided nature trail.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park (Medora)
"I never would have been President if it had not been for my experiences in North Dakota, " Theodore Roosevelt once remarked. Roosevelt first came to the badlands in September 1883 on a hunting trip. While here he became interested in the cattle business and invested in the Maltese Cross Ranch. He returned the next year and established the Elkhorn Ranch.
Kulm Wetland Management District (Kulm)
Kulm Wetland Management District (WMD) in south-central North Dakota was established in 1971. Located in the heart of the Prairie Pothole Region, the District provides secure breeding, nesting, and brood rearing areas for many species of waterfowl and other migratory birds. The District currently manages 201 Waterfowl Production Areas (WPAs) (45, 683 acres), three easement and small fee National Wildlife Refuges, and 120, 000 acres of wetland and grassland easements.
Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site (Stanton)
Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site was established October 26, 1974. The 1, 758 acre site preserves historic and archaelogical remnants of the culture and agricultural lifestyle of the Northern Plains Indians.More than fifty archaeological sites suggest a possible 8, 000 year span of inhabitation, ending with five centuries of Hidatsa earthlodge village occupation.
Florence Lake National Wildlife Refuge (Moffit)
Florence Lake National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) was established in 1939 as a Refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife. Florence Lake NWR is administered by Long Lake NWR as an un-staffed satellite Refuge. The 1, 888-acre Refuge holds almost 1, 000 acres of virgin native mixed-grass prairie and a 132-acre lake. This high quality prairie habitat attracts grassland birds including prairie sparrows, which nest in the uplands and are sought by many birders visiting the region.
Lonetree Wildlife Management Area (Harvey)
The Lonetree Wildlife Management Area in central North Dakota comprises 33, 000 acres of wildlife habitat owned by the Bureau of Reclamation and managed by the North Dakota Game and Fish Department. There is a 32 miles segment of the North Country Trail that passes through Lonetree. It is designed for hiking but any non-motorized travel including mountain bikes or horseback riding is allowed. The Trail is not mowed but is marked with yellow carsonite posts.