Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge

Trails

Oxbow Nature Trail

Your walk along this trail will take you on either a one-half mile or 1-mile journey through prime river bottom habitat of the Souris River. This trail is hard-surfaced and benches are available along the route. Interpretive signs are provided to increase your enjoyment of this area.

Overlook Nature Trail

This mowed grass trail winds a total of one-third mile over the prairie grass-covered hills where a spectacular panoramic view of the Souris River valley will unfold before you. Benches are available.

Pelican Nature Trail

This trail offers a one-half mile interpretive hike to the Pool A Spillway. You are welcome to use the photo blind at the end of the trail to "hide" and let the wildlife come to you.

Cottonwood Nature Trail

This trail is named for the large number of cottonwood trees planted in the late-1930's by the Civilian Conservation Corp. It consists of two mowed grass loops. The first loop is one-half mile long and features a scenic overlook with a bench. The second loop is one mile long and continues from the overlook area west through the coulee and around the surrounding ridges.  

Centennial Wildlife Nature Trail

Located at the north end of Renville County Memorial Park, this mowed grass trail meanders through bottomland grasslands. The trail length will depend upon how wet the meadows are, but it will be from 2 to 2-½ miles round-trip.

Beaver Lodge Canoe Trail

This 3-mile (6-miles round trip) trail involves paddling through three ponds and a short section of cattails to get to the Souris River.

Mouse River Park Canoe Trail

This 5-mile (10 miles round trip) trail is located at the northern end of the Refuge.

Prairie-Marsh Scenic Drive

This is a 3-mile, self-guided interpretive auto tour route which provides views of native prairie-covered hills, brush-choked coulees and river bottom marshes. The tour route is closed during the winter, when muddy road conditions exist, and during North Dakota's State deer gun season. The scenic drive begins 1 mile south of the dam. There is a gate at the entrance to the drive; this gate is located south of the intersection of County Roads 6 and 11.

Accessible Fishing Walk Grano Crossing

Trail Length (mi)
0.02
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Beaver Lodge Canoe Trail

The Beaver Lodge Canoe trail is 6 miles long on the Mouse River. Beginning just east of the Outlet Fishing Area, the trail follows the river downstream for 3 miles to a decomissioned dam, where you will have to turnaround and return to the point of origin. In low water conditions, there may be some portaging required within the first 1/4 mile. You can expect a slow moving wandering river with many opportunities to see an abundance of wildlife, to include waterfowl, shorebirds, mink, beaver, muskrat, river otters, eagles, deer, moose, and much more.
Trail Difficulty
Difficulty Meter / introductory
Easy
Estimated Time
4 hours
Suitability
Kid friendly
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Centennial Wildlife Nature Trail

Trail Length (mi)
1.11
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Cottonwood Nature Trail

Trail Length (mi)
1.32
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Greene Crossing Rock Fishing Pier

Trail Length (mi)
0.04
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Mouse River Canoe and Boat Trail

The Mouse River Canoe and boat trail is 5 miles long (10 miles round trip) on the Mouse River. The trail is open to all paddle boats and any boat with a small motor. Beginning on the east side of Mouse River State Park. Upon entering the refuge you will pass through a water control sturcture before the trail follows the river upstream for 5 miles to the boundary of the National wildlife Refuge, where you will have to turnaround and return to the point of origin. Note: This is the extent of the official trail, but you may continue further if desired through private lands. You can expect a slow moving wandering river with many opportunities to see an abundance of wildlife, to include waterfowl, shorebirds, mink, beaver, muskrat, river otters, eagles, deer, moose, and much more.
Trail Difficulty
Difficulty Meter / introductory
Easy
Estimated Time
5 hours
Suitability
Kid friendly
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Overlook Stop On Prairie-Marsh Auto Tour

Trail Length (mi)
0.01
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Overlook Viewing Trail

Trail Length (mi)
0.33
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Oxbow Nature Trail

Trail Length (mi)
1.06
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Pelican Nature Trail

Trail Length (mi)
0.35
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