2 Hours From Fargo Is North Dakota's Scenic Escape With Lake Views And Unique Wildlife

Mountains and beaches may get all the attention, but sometimes what you need is open space. Prairie grass waving in the wind over rolling hills as far as the eye can see. Deer grazing without a care. Birds calling and dancing to impress their mates. Nature in its simplest form, without crowds of visitors watching from the park boardwalk, and you can find it all at Arrowwood National Wildlife Refuge, just over two hours west of Fargo, North Dakota.

Established in 1935, Arrowwood protects migratory bird habitat and other prairie wildlife on just under 16,000 acres of grasslands and wetlands. A 14-mile stretch of the James River winds its way through the refuge, feeding three lakes and a marsh. The stars of the show, though, are the resident sharp-tailed grouse, delighting bird enthusiasts with their unique mating dance every spring; but Arrowwood Refuge also hosts millions of migratory birds each year, with as many as 250 different species documented since they began keeping track. In addition to the birds, white-tailed deer and other prairie wildlife can be spotted around the refuge. Fishing and hunting are both allowed, in season and per regulations, and an auto tour route lets you explore the landscapes and wildlife without leaving the comfort of your vehicle.

Arrowwood is open year-round. The visitor center is a good starting place, but information kiosks are also spread throughout the refuge. In the winter, ice fishing is allowed on all three lakes, but snowmobiles and ATVs are prohibited anywhere within the refuge. No matter the season, you can escape to Arrowwood for a peaceful getaway.

The wildlife refuge sits squarely in pothole country, and that's not referring to the roads. The Prairie Pothole region covers three Canadian provinces and five states, including North Dakota. Receding glaciers made shallow depressions in the ground, known as prairie potholes. These potholes create seasonal wetlands which act like rest stops for birds and support over 50% of North America's migratory waterfowl (per the National Wildlife Foundation). Bird watching in Arrowwood is phenomenal, especially during peak breeding and migratory seasons in April and October. Reserve one of the two photo blinds to witness the unique mating dance of the sharp-tailed grouse.

Instead of renting a blind, take a scenic hike along the moderately difficult, out-and-back Historic Fort Totten Trail, meandering through open prairie with lake views before turning around at Deputy Marsh. The trail is 20 miles total, but you can turn around at any time to shorten the hike. Alternatively, the 5.5-mile auto tour route also reveals scenic landscapes and has an elevated observation deck with views of the James River.

Arrowwood is an easy day trip at just over 2 hours away from Fargo, North Dakota's largest city with intriguing attractions and shops. If you'd prefer to stay in the area overnight, perhaps during peak migratory season, the closest hotels are 30 minutes north of the refuge in Carrington or 40 minutes south in Jamestown. I-94 passes through Jamestown, and that's where you'll find familiar national chain restaurants and hotels, as well as the World's Largest Buffalo Monument, a roadside tourist trap that's actually worth a quick stop. In addition, you can see more birds in Kenmore, North Dakota's charming little city with a hint of Danish charm.