North Dakota is pretty quiet, for the most part. We’re one of the least-visited states in the entire country, but we’re pretty sure that’s unfair; after all, everyone who lives here knows that it’s an amazing place to be, especially if you’re a fan of the great outdoors. North Dakota is home to more than 560 refuges and 38 wetland management districts; today, we’ll check out three of them that are absolutely worthy of a fun-filled and educational family day trip. Checking out these nature centers in North Dakota serves a few purposes: it gets the family out of the house, it teaches an appreciation for the world around us, and it shows us a thing or two about the world, too. Come check out three of our favorite refuges in North Dakota — the kids will thank you, and you’ll enjoy them, too!
- Lake Ilo National Wildlife Refuge
USFWS Mountain-Prairie/Flickr
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services Headquarters/Flickr The Lake Ilo National Wildlife Refuge was established by FDR in 1939 thanks to its place in the ecosystem as a very important part of many migrating birds’ seasonal breeding. It’s a wonderful place to connect with nature and learn what it takes to conserve entire species! This wonderful nature preserve in North Dakota is a must-do for everyone, but especially families. Enjoy fishing, hiking, presentations, and more - all in the name of education. North Dakota 200, ND-200, Dunn Center, ND, USA
- Cross Ranch Nature Preserve
ND Tourism
ND Tourism One of North Dakota’s best hidden gems, the Cross Ranch Nature Preserve can be found adjacent to Cross Ranch State Park. It’s one of our favorite things to do in North Dakota, and for good reason: it’s as much fun as it is educational. It’s located along the only free-flowing section of the Missouri River in the entire state, and countless critters call it home, including bison, sturgeon, bald eagles, cranes, and more! 58530, Center, ND 58530, USA
- Audubon National Wildlife Refuge
ND Tourism Audubon National Wildlife Refuge Complex, 3275 11th St NW, Coleharbor, ND 58531, USA
goneagain2/TripAdvisor Finally, the Audubon National Wildlife Refuge is calling your name. It’s huge, at more than 14,000 acres, and like the other preserves in this list and all over the state, it’s home to many kinds of native and migrating species. Folks that enjoy birdwatching will love it here. This is one hidden gem in North Dakota you can’t pass up, and besides - the kids will want to come back!
Of the more than 500 refuges and preserves all over the state, we think you’ll love these three the most, as they tend to be among the most beloved things to do with kids in North Dakota. But no worries – you don’t need to be young to enjoy these parks; just young at heart will do!
USFWS Mountain-Prairie/Flickr
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services Headquarters/Flickr
The Lake Ilo National Wildlife Refuge was established by FDR in 1939 thanks to its place in the ecosystem as a very important part of many migrating birds’ seasonal breeding. It’s a wonderful place to connect with nature and learn what it takes to conserve entire species! This wonderful nature preserve in North Dakota is a must-do for everyone, but especially families. Enjoy fishing, hiking, presentations, and more - all in the name of education.
North Dakota 200, ND-200, Dunn Center, ND, USA
ND Tourism
One of North Dakota’s best hidden gems, the Cross Ranch Nature Preserve can be found adjacent to Cross Ranch State Park. It’s one of our favorite things to do in North Dakota, and for good reason: it’s as much fun as it is educational. It’s located along the only free-flowing section of the Missouri River in the entire state, and countless critters call it home, including bison, sturgeon, bald eagles, cranes, and more!
58530, Center, ND 58530, USA
Audubon National Wildlife Refuge Complex, 3275 11th St NW, Coleharbor, ND 58531, USA
goneagain2/TripAdvisor
Finally, the Audubon National Wildlife Refuge is calling your name. It’s huge, at more than 14,000 acres, and like the other preserves in this list and all over the state, it’s home to many kinds of native and migrating species. Folks that enjoy birdwatching will love it here. This is one hidden gem in North Dakota you can’t pass up, and besides - the kids will want to come back!
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