Ward: Nature, Culture and Diverse Travel Experiences

Ward is an interesting choice for travelers who want to combine nature observation, active days and cultural discoveries. A defining destination is the Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge in the Souris River Valley in northwestern North Dakota. The protected area stretches 35 miles along the Souris River corridor; it also includes units in St. Mary's Township in Ward County. This means the range of experiences extends from water and landscape activities to observations in an important waterfowl migration corridor.

Experience Nature on the Souris River

At the Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge, you can discover the area's distinctive geology and diverse wildlife by boating, driving or hiking. Several clearly described options are available for different day plans: A three-mile paddling route leads through three ponds and a short section with cattails to the Souris River. Another trail runs for half a mile or one mile through the river's shoreline area. In addition, a half-mile, signposted interpretive trail leads to the Pool A Spillway.

Wildlife observation can also be deliberately included in your travel plans. The refuge offers opportunities to observe wildlife and is located in the Central Flyway, a waterfowl migration corridor. At courtship areas, visitors can observe and photograph birds from observation blinds with advance reservations. Those who prefer fishing will find opportunities for walleye, pike, yellow perch and largemouth bass in Lake Darling and the Souris River.

Trails, Lakes and Views for Active Days

Around Des Lacs, additional nature experiences complement the selection. The Munch's Coulee National Recreation Trail is one mile long and runs along Lower Des Lacs Lake, where birdwatching opportunities are available. The Canada Goose Nature Trail is six miles long, rises gently and is suitable for hiking and cycling. Along the way, views open up onto migrating waterfowl. The Des Lacs National Wildlife Refuge Scenic Backway ends at Ward County Road 1, offering another way to experience the landscape on a drive.

This variety is particularly relevant when choosing a holiday apartment or holiday home if you do not want to devote your days exclusively to a single activity. You can focus on water, trails, birdwatching and excursions into the city in different ways without limiting the trip to a single experience.

Culture and Special Discoveries in Minot

Minot adds a distinctly cultural dimension to travel planning. The Scandinavian Heritage Park hosts the Midsummer Night Festival every June. The Sigdal House is considered the oldest house in North Dakota. The Gol Stave Church is a true-to-scale replica of a medieval church from Gol, Norway, which was originally built in the 13th century.

At the Railroad Museum of Minot, you can see historic locomotives, railroad cars and railway artifacts. At the same time, the museum conveys how the railroad helped shape Minot into an important transportation hub in North Dakota. The Pioneer Village Museum in Burlington comprises thirteen historic buildings. Their contents present the history of northwestern North Dakota from the period before statehood; the museum is designed as a historic pioneer village.

There are also memorable discoveries for younger visitors: The Magic Climber at the Magic City Discovery Center is a two-story structure with tunnels, ramps, a prairie dog crawl area, an oil derrick and the interactive cockpit of a B-52 bomber. From the top, it offers a 360-degree view of Minot. At Roosevelt Park Zoo, the covered giraffe habitat enables visitors to encounter the animals and feed the giraffes year-round.

Getting There and Choosing a Location

Those basing their accommodation search in Minot can consider different ways of arriving. Minot International Airport offers nonstop flights to Minneapolis, Denver, Las Vegas and Phoenix with Delta, United and Allegiant. Amtrak's Empire Builder connects Minot with Seattle, Portland and Chicago. Within the city, Minot City Transit offers fully accessible route services. Eligible passengers can also use a shared paratransit service that operates from curb to curb and from origin to destination.

This makes it possible to align the choice of a holiday apartment more closely with your own travel plans: days in nature at the Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge, trails around the lakes, culture in Minot or a combination of several focal points. For further orientation, you can also visit Kenmare, Minot and Des Lacs. You can find more destinations under Walsh, Foster County, Nelson, Eddy County and Grand Forks.

For the higher-level travel overview: North Dakota.