Forget Yellowstone, Visit This Lesser-Known Midwest Wildlife Refuge With Roaming Bison, Lake Views, And Trails

Even before the popular TV show, Yellowstone National Park was a major magnet for anyone who enjoys the outdoors, with its wide open plains and abundant wildlife. For many, the bison steal the show, but fans of these majestic beasts might be tempted to forget the busy roads of Yellowstone — which had over 4.7 million visits in 2025 alone — and instead head for lesser-known White Horse Hill National Game Preserve in North Dakota. This animal refuge receives only 80,000 visits per year, so your bison views won't be obscured by traffic and bustling tourist crowds.

The Midwest has plenty of diverse, striking landscapes, but North Dakota doesn't exactly pull in the tourism numbers of other states. White Horse Hill National Game Preserve isn't even one of its most popular parks. While you might find destinations like the city of Fargo, Theodore Roosevelt National Park, or the Enchanted Highway on Tripadvisor's most recommended things to do in North Dakota, this overlooked and lesser-known wildlife sanctuary is rarely mentioned. However, it provides excellent opportunities to see a remarkable species that was once driven to the brink of extinction. The park appears only 23rd on North Dakota Tourism's list of the 30 must-see places in the state, which is probably why it's typically a quiet, idyllic experience with few crowds. Discover its legendary wildlife, walk along short-but-scenic trails, and marvel at stunning views of nearby Devils Lake in this wonderful part of the country that's scarcely explored.

There are several places to see wild bison in the Midwest, including the underrated, hilly Big Basin Prairie Preserve in Kansas, but White Horse Hill National Game Preserve is among the best. It was first established in 1904 as a national park and later designated a big game preserve in 1914 to protect elk and bison species. It was previously known as Sullys Hill National Game Preserve but renamed in 2019 to honor requests from the Spirit Lake Tribe. Today, successful conservation efforts continue, and it's home to around 12 to 15 elk, a prairie dog colony, white-tailed deer, and between 18 and 20 bison. Mark Fisher, a former wildlife biologist for the Fish and Wildlife Service in the Devils Lake area, told Grand Forks Herald, "The future for bison conservation is very bright in the U.S. ... The White Horse Hill bison herd is small, but mighty."

Flying to Devils Lake Regional Airport (DVL) will place you just 14 miles from the refuge, which you can visit any day from 8 a.m. until sunset, with gates closing up to 30 minutes beforehand. Take the 4.5-mile auto tour route to drive through the animal enclosure and see these regal giants up close — though don't be tempted to approach them. Bring your camera, as you'll be kicking yourself if you miss a photo op, and if you plan to walk within the designated area of the park, remember to dress for the season.

Despite its reputation for cold weather, North Dakota enjoys over 200 sunny or partly sunny days annually, with average temperatures of 82 degrees Fahrenheit in summer, which is usually the best time to visit. Regardless of when you go, walking within the preserve is possible year-round with the right layers. It's also about 79 miles from the city of Rugby, a picturesque hideaway with quirky landmarks, art, and shops, whose museums and boutiques you can explore on a day trip.

At the preserve, start at the Visitors Center to learn about the 994-acre refuge and to pick up a map. Choose one of multiple trails that begin from the parking lot: the 0.24-mile Bird Watching Trail through the wetlands is best for spotting the pileated woodpecker or bald eagle, or opt for the 1.4-mile Nature Trail to see other critters. There's also a paved, ADA-accessible path, and a 300-foot staircase to the summit of White Horse Hill, with sweeping views of the preserve and Spirit Lake Nation. There, a built-in telescope helps you observe grassy prairie landscapes dotted with grazing bison.

The preserve also overlooks the sparkling surface of Devils Lake, called the "Perch Capital of the World." Cast a line to catch dinner, rent a boat on tranquil waters, or bring binoculars to spot resident birds. Staying in neighboring Fort Totten provides lake access and is 4 miles from the preserve, or embrace waterfront life at Spirit Lake Casino & Resort, just 6 miles away. The resort has an average rating of 3.9 on Google and offers a variety of rooms, cabins, and RV parking. Away from Yellowstone's sardine-tin crowds, White Horse Hill offers a peaceful way to see one of America's most iconic creatures, with plenty to do nearby.