Winter Wildlife Watching in North Dakota

A bison stands its ground in Badlands National Park.

Not into snow sports? Did you know North Dakota is home to 63 wildlife refuges - more than any other state in the USA?

Grab those binoculars and adjust the camera lens for an unforgettable wildlife watching experience. Lostwood National Wildlife Refuge, numerous prairies and wetlands produce more ducks than any other region in the lower 48 states while Arrowwood National Wildlife Refuge is an excellent habitat for ducks and other waterfowl as well as deer. 

Chase National Park was established as one of the country’s first wildlife refuges in 1908 by executive order of President Theodore Roosevelt himself and Audubon National Wildlife Refuge is home to 243 birds, mammals, 5 reptiles, 4 amphibians and 37 fish species. 

Tewaukon National Wildlife Refuge is perfect for fishing, bird watching, and wildlife photography while Theodore Roosevelt National Park is excellent for spotting bison, wild horses, prairie dogs, badgers, deer, coyotes, a range of birds including the golden eagle and reptiles.