Experience Americas Most Treasured Roads
Touring The Byway
13 Miles | 3 Days/ 2 Nights/ Optional Day 4 | Gateway City: Minot, North Dakota
During this spectacularly scenic drive there are ample opportunities for spotting a variety of wildlife, from deer and moose to more than 250 species of birds, like raptors and waterfowl. Start at U.S. Highway 52 and head north to the end of the refuge at Ward County Road 1.
We recommend your “wild” journey begin in Minot, an area was settled by Scandinavians who came to build new lives and railroaders who helped build new towns. Filled with heritage and culture, take in Scandinavian Heritage Park which tells the story of these hardy souls as well as The Northwest Arts Center, the Taube, and The Railroad Museum.
View the Detailed Itinerary below to see the full route, which is complete with dining, shopping, and lodging recommendations!
Highlighted Attractions
Scandinavian Heritage Park
To discover the heritage of another group of immigrants to North Dakota, the Scandinavians from Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark and Iceland, visit the Scandinavian Heritage Park, established to honor these five cultures. Remembrances and replicas include an authentic Stabbur Stave Church, from Gol, Norway, and a 25-foot tall Swedish Dala Horse.
Taube Museum of Art
Housed in the restored Union National Bank Building, The Tabue maintains a permanent collection of works of art as well as showcasing guest artists.
Town Square Park
The restored historic Danish Mill that now stands as the centerpiece in Town Square Park was built in 1902 to harness the wind for milling wheat, serving farmers for miles around until World War I.
Des Lacs National Wildlife Refuge
Encompassing nearly 20,000 acres along the Des Lacs River from the Canadian border to eight miles south of Kenmare, the Des Lacs National Wildlife Refuge is a mix of natural lakes and wetlands that provide a haven for migrating and nesting waterfowl. In addition to the Des Lacs National Wildlife Refuge Scenic Byway that travelers through the Refuge, Munch’s Coulee Nature Trail, is a designated National Recreation Trail which provides breathtaking views of the Lower Des Lacs Lake. Take a breather on the first bench on the trail to watch the ducks and turtles in the water. Tasker’s Coulee Wildlife Observation Area is located in a heavily wooded coulee (similar to those that the Native Americans sheltered their tipis in), offers hiking through the woodlands, teeming with forest birds, vireos, black & white warblers, black-capped chickadees and downly woodpeckers. The Canada Goose Nature Trail stretches from Middle Des Lacs Lake to Upper Des Lacs Lake. The Visitor Center features wildlife displays, bird mounts, antler sheds, furs, and interactive displays. There is an observation deck with binoculars.
Lostwood National Wildlife Refuge
There is a second National Wildlife Refuge in the area, nestled in an ancient glacial moraine with mixed-grass prairie. The scenery ranges from rolling contours to steep hills, both punctuated with wetlands and small lakes, often called “potholes.” Lostwood was designated a Globally Important Birding Area by the American Birding Conservancy/ Audubon Society, providing habitats for prairie birds including Sprague’s pipits, Baird’s sparrows, marbled godwits, upland sandpipers, and willets.
To experience all that It's All About the Birds! has to offer, download the complete itinerary!
The detailed itinerary includes:
- A complete trip experience organized in geographic order, to print down and go.
- A full description of the Byway tour.
- Each trip experience begins in a gateway city with commercial flight availability (and often ending in another) to enhance the Byway experience.
- Attractions and activities along the full length of the Byway selected to truly tell the story of the places you visit.
- Detailed description of each attraction and activity, including the address, telephone number, hours of operation, admission fees and suggested time to allow for a visit.
- Accommodations (related to the theme of the Byway or unique to the destination wherever possible) positioned in the correct locations and including breakfast wherever possible.
- Dining suggestions positioned in the correct locations for lunch and dinner.
- All attractions, accommodations and dining locations arranged into Days that allow time for relaxation, savoring meals and enjoying the experience.
- A road trip to create memories and intrigue your mind.