Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge

Facility Activities

Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge provides numerous recreational opportunities for visitors. People enjoy viewing the unique geology and diverse wildlife, whether boating, driving, or hiking. For more detailed information on what the Refuge has to offer, please see our activity guide brochure and map.

Hunting

While deer and upland game bird hunting can be quite good near Minot, one of North Dakota's largest cities, opportunities on public lands can be hard to find. Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge offers almost 32,000 acres for quality hunting, particularly for the area's abundant white-tailed...

Fishing

Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge has one of the best year-round fisheries in north-central North Dakota. Anglers may fish for walleye, northern pike, yellow perch, and smallmouth bass in Lake Darling and the Souris River. Fourteen bank fishing areas and two boat fishing areas are available...

Hiking

For your enjoyment, we have developed five different hiking trails. Whether you want a short, easy walk or a challenging hike, you're likely to find what you want. Some trails are paved and universally accessible.

Running
Many multi-purpose trails are open to runners and joggers as well as walkers and, in some cases, bicyclists. Some sites host annual fun runs. Check individual refuge websites for details.
Boating - motorized

Fishing boats are permitted on Lake Darling from May 1 to September 30 from Highway 28 south to Lake Darling Dam. Six boat ramps are available. No swimming, water-skiing, sailing, personal watercraft use, or other recreational boating is permitted.

Boating - non-motorized

Canoes and kayaks are permitted on Lake Darling from May 1 to September 30 from Highway 28 south to Lake Darling Dam for fishing. No swimming is allowed. 

Two canoe trails are also available May 1 to September 30. The Beaver Lodge Canoe Trail is 6 miles round-trip and located...

Birding
From bald eagles to spoonbills, from condors to puffins, birds abound on national wildlife refuges. Refuges provide places for birds to nest, rest, feed and breed making them world-renown for their birding opportunities.
Auto tour

Prairie-Marsh Scenic Drive

This is a 3-mile, self-guided interpretive auto tour route which provides views of native prairie-covered hills, brush-choked coulees and river bottom marshes. The tour route is closed during the winter, when muddy road conditions exist, and...

Wildlife watching

With the coming of warm air and prairie crocuses of spring also comes the annual courtship display of many birds. One of the most unique and easiest to observe and take photos of is the "dancing" of the sharptailed grouse of Upper Souris Refuge. With tails erect, wings spread, and air sacs on...