Supporting 63 wildlife refuges, the most of any state in the nation, North Dakota offers abundant opportunities for residents and visitors to experience the wonders of the Great Plains' wildlife. From the Turtle Mountains and the Badlands to Theodore Roosevelt National Park and the Killdeer Mountains, North Dakota is the place to witness fascinating creatures. Explore the diversity of North Dakota's animal species that call the following wildlife refuges home.
Arrowwood National Wildlife Refuge
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With its lakes, marshes, prairie grasslands, and wooded coulees, the Arrowwood National Wildlife Refuge attracts diverse waterfowl during migration periods. It supports a favorable habitat for geese, ducks, and shorebirds.
Spring and summer are spectacular times to encounter birds at Arrowwood. After a long, cold winter, the refuge comes alive with thousands of migratory birds flocking to the wetlands during the breeding season.
As spring turns to summer, the skies above Arrowwood fill with the sounds of bird calls from a diversity of species. With late summer's approach, Canada geese begin assembling on the lakes. Duck broods take flight. Dropping lake levels expose mudflats that beckon dowitchers, sandpipers, godwits, plovers, and yellowlegs for feeding.
Fall at Arrowwood brings magnificent bucks out of the woodlands. During the winter months, a keen eye is likely to spot sharp-tailed grouse, white-tailed deer, coyotes, and foxes amid the desolate landscapes of the refuge.
Audubon National Wildlife Refuge
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Home to more than 14,735 acres of planted grasslands, native prairie, and wetlands, Audubon National Wildlife Refuge offers food and shelter for various creatures on land and in the air.
Some of the diverse bird species you'll encounter include the northern pintail, piping plover, and sharp-tailed grouse. Canada geese, northern harriers, upland sandpipers, and marbled godwits are some of the more than 200 species of birds you can spot as you explore the scenic wonders of the refuge.
Land residents include coyotes, foxes, and white-tailed deer. During the spring, you can see does and their fawns as they scamper about the prairie lands of the refuge.
Chase Lake National Wildlife Refuge
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Established under an executive order by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1908, Chase Lake National Wildlife Refuge is the second oldest wildlife refuge in North Dakota and the 15th oldest in the United States. The refuge contains 4,155 acres designated as a wilderness area under the Wilderness Act of 1964.
As you explore this refuge, you won't be able to miss one of the most noticeable wildlife species that call Chase Lake home: the American white pelican. The refuge is home to one of the largest breeding colonies of American white pelicans in North America.
Measuring 6 feet tall from tail to bill, the white pelican is one of the largest birds on the North American continent. At maturity, these creatures can weigh up to 20 pounds and have a wingspan of 8 to 9 1/2 feet long. The best time for viewing these fascinating animals is mid-April through late August.
Lostwood National Wildlife Refuge
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Gently sloping hills of prairie grass dotted with wetlands support a welcoming habitat for many waterfowl species at the Lostwood National Wildlife Refuge.
In addition to waterfowl, the refuge is also home to two intriguing bird species, the piping plover and blue-winged teal. The piping plover migrates to Lostwood in early April as it seeks out nesting territories around the refuge's wetlands. You can identify these distinctive shorebirds by their sand-colored upper body, white underside, and orange legs.
The blue-winged teal also returns to the refuge each April. You can spot these dabbling ducks along the edges of the wetlands as they feed on the vegetative parts of aquatic plants, seeds, and aquatic invertebrates.
Birds aren't the only species to inhabit Lostwood. White-tailed deer and moose also call Lostwood their home. White-tailed deer use various habitats on the refuge, and you can encounter them in these habitats throughout the year. You might find fawns frolicking in the grasslands in May or June, or you may witness majestic bucks appear from wooded areas in late fall during mating season.
Moose roam the open prairie lands of Lostwood. You may spot them foraging around one of the wetland basins or lounging in an aspen grove.
Tewaukon National Wildlife Refuge
Image via Unsplash by jfeliseTewaukon National Wildlife Refuge offers year-round opportunities to explore various amphibians, birds, insects, mammals, and reptiles. As the snow melts and howling winter winds cease, the refuge's prairie lands give rise to temporary wetlands that attract thousands of species of migrating waterfowl. These species include snow geese, common goldeneye ducks, and lesser scaup. Bald eagles, great horned owls, and Canada geese follow as temperatures rise.
You can hear the sounds of summer on the refuge through the songs of diverse bird species such as bobolinks, meadowlarks, and grassland sparrows. Native badgers and coyotes are out on the prowl while muskrats keep busy building their huts.
As summer turns to fall, thousands of migrating birds and waterfowl wing their way over the refuge as they begin their trek south. During October, you can witness one of the refuge's most elegant creatures, the white tundra swan, feeding in the fields and shallow wetlands. You can also spot leopard frogs and painted turtles moving about the wetlands in their search for winter cover and protection.
The winter months blanket Tewaukon with a fresh covering of snow. While you won't see most migratory birds at this time of year, be on the lookout for the snowy owls and snow buntings. These species travel from the Arctic Circle and northern Canada to spend the winter on the North Dakota prairie. In addition to the snowy owls and snow buntings, watch for black-capped chickadees, white-breasted nuthatches, downy woodpeckers, and horned larks foraging for seeds in the grasslands.
Find the Car That Will Facilitate Your Adventure in Grand Forks
Now that you've learned more about the wildlife and wildlife refuges of North Dakota, it's time to grab your binoculars and head for the road. At Rydell Outlet Center, we'll help you find an attractively priced pre-owned vehicle for all your adventures in nature. Contact us or visit our Grand Forks dealership today.
Located in eastern North Dakota, Traill County boasts several small communities with unique businesses, some of which highlight cultural history. Boasting a population of approximately 8,100 people, Traill County has grown over the years and continues to welcome guests from all over to check out its many shops. At these retailers, you can purchase gifts for your loved ones, trinkets for your home, or even clothing. To help you figure out where to stop, we've compiled a list of must-visit local retailers. more Buffalo Coulee Wood Products 16171 7th St. NE in Cummings Image via Flickr by pdbreen If you're looking for rough-cut hardwood designs for your decor, Buffalo Coulee Wood Products is the place to shop. Located just south of Grand Forks, the store was founded thanks to arborists, Jared Johnson and Matt Weaver, who built a business creating pieces of art from wood planks. They purchased a circular sawmill in 2016 and produced their first creation just one year later. In addition to its designs, the men sell reclaimed wood and wood supplies for professional woodworkers and hobbyists. Over the years, the two men have created a stunning showroom highlighting their designs. It's filled with slabs of red mulberry, oak, red cedar, and sycamore pieces. They pride themselves on offering custom-made designs. To create their works of art, they obtain lumber from as far away as North Carolina and Kansas, but they've also been able to locate beautiful cedar and oak trees from Minnesota and both Dakotas. All of their designs are one-of-a-kind, so when you purchase one, you know no one else has a design exactly like yours. Countryside Creations 28 Main St. W in Mayville Countryside Creations is a family-owned and operated business that sells the finest floral arrangements and gifts. Its professional staff works closely with each customer, taking into account everything they want in an arrangement. Among the services the shop specializes in include contemporary and traditional arrangements, silk arrangements, gourmet and fruit baskets, gift baskets, candles, and greeting cards. It serves the following North Dakota cities: Arthur, Blanchard, Buxton, Clifford, Cummings, Galesburg, Hatton, Hillsboro, Hope, Hunter, Mayville, Page, and Portland. These areas are subject to a $3 delivery fee. As a service to its customers, the shop doesn't charge to deliver to the local nursing home, hospital, or funeral home. The shop is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. and on Saturday from 9 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. It does work with families on Sundays for funeral or anniversary needs. Geneva's Found Goods 7 North 3rd St. in Reynolds Geneva's Found Goods is a family-owned boutique run by sisters Jenny Curry and Emily Eisenbeisz. The two grew up in Buxton and named their shop after their late grandmother who showed them all a small town has to offer. In looking for an area to set up their shop, they settled on Reynolds, where they opened the doors in 2020. Check ahead before you venture to the store though, as its hours vary. It's mainly open on the weekends. The shop sells unique home decor, fair-trade jewelry, and gift items based on the season. Fair-trade jewelry is handmade by artisans, usually women, who live in some of the poorest communities across the world. The shop commissions the jewelry, and those who purchase it end up providing enough rice to feed the artisans' families for one week. The shop also sells a variety of local baked goods and refreshments. Hatton Granite Company 1205 Dakota Ave. in Hatton Established in 1904, the Hatton Granite Company is the state's oldest monument business. It began operations just 15 years after North Dakota gained its statehood. After emigrating with his family from Norway, Christian Ness began the business. In its early years, the company used a hand and chisel method to inflict personal artistry and design on its monuments. Since then, the company has gone through five generations but continues to offer high-quality granite and memorial pieces. Its staff continues to travel directly to suppliers to choose inventory, including granite from Norway, Africa, India, and the United States. Since the shop purchases each piece from the quarry and sells it directly to the customer, they can offer some of the best prices in the area. Also, each piece is worked on directly in the shop, from the design through the installation phase. Its hours are Monday through Friday 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. and 1 to 5 p.m. SewBatik 879 Main St. W in Mayville If you're into quilting, check out SewBatik. The owners chose the name because "sew" means to create an item using a sewing machine, and "Batik" is the ancient art of hand dying and hand stamping cloth to create a unique design. At this shop, you will find all types of creations and materials from Bruce and Diane Magidson who opened the store in 2004. For traditional batik quilting cotton, the company offers the largest collection of batik backings in the industry as its extra-wide backings work with its 45-inch cotton collection. You can also purchase precuts and project kits. Specially designed garments include 44-inch-wide rayon batiks and 72-inch-wide cotton batik jersey kits. Head into this shop Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. 29 West Boutique 29 Westwood Dr. in Mayville Located in the home of owner Mindy O'Conner, 29 West Boutique offers a variety of affordable and comfortable clothes that you can wear every day. Peruse the selection of apparel, accessories, shoes, and bags to find the perfect outfit for a night out or at the office. You can also shop for clothes via its website where the owner shows off all the available styles. What Are Your Favorite Local Shops in Traill County? What do you think of this list of fun small shops you should check out in Traill County that Rydell Outlet Center put together? With so many places to choose from, we might have missed a specific place that you like to visit. If so, please let us know so we can add it to our list. We want to promote as many local shops as we can, so make sure you reach out to us today.
Have you been wondering where to grab breakfast on your way to check out the exciting used cars at Rydell Outlet? Let's check out a few great places to get those warm blueberry pancakes, freshly squeezed orange juice, and a hot cup of coffee. more If you love hotcakes, waffles, sausage, bacon, cinnamon rolls, or hash browns, you'll be covered. Beautiful Fargo is a comfort food mecca, so you'll find no shortage of places to satisfy that pancake craving. Here are our top five places around town to tackle a towering, syrup-glazed stack. Kroll's Diner Photo by nikldn on Unsplash Just looking at the menu at Kroll's Diner can get your appetite going. With items for a quick lunch, a kids' menu, and a senior menu, it's a great place for you to stop by with the kids or the grandparents after selecting your used car. Highlights include a variety of German and North American dishes that are, "güd for the gut." Kroll's all-day breakfast menu features vegetarian dishes like a three-cheese omelet and grandma's French toast. For meat lovers, you can choose from a country-fried steak skillet, grandma Kroll's pancakes, or even black oak kielbasa. What makes Kroll's pancakes special is the different ways you can order them. We recommend the pigs in a blanket that comes in strawberry or banana with whipped cream, but the buttermilk pancakes are also classic. You can grab any item for carryout, and Kroll's offers a "Feed a Buncha Folks" menu for large groups featuring a BURGERFEST with five burgers, five fries, and five sodas, or you can go with the more authentic and German-style FLEISCHFEST which comes with four fleischkuecle, four mashed potatoes, four bowls of knoephla soup, and four sodas. Kroll's provides regulars with a VIP Club and is located in Fargo, close to the Rydell Outlet, making it easy for you to stop in to grab a quick bite to eat after you check out our new inventory. The Shack on Broadway Known for its delicious homemade buttermilk pancakes and three daily specials, you'll love stopping at The Shack on Broadway after going for a test drive in a used SUV or minivan. The restaurant offers affordable, tasty, home-cooked meals. With a $2 share plate charge, the family can try several meals together. Omelets are served with fresh hash browns and your choice of toast or pancakes. There are several flavor-packed omelets to choose from including a taco omelet and a hooligan omelet which has chili and jalapenos. You can customize the fresh buttermilk pancakes by choosing plain cakes, or add in blueberries or chocolate chips. The Shack on Broadway brings you pancakes as a single cake, short stack, or full stack, and it also offers waffles and French toast. The Shack on Broadway offers online ordering options for pickup or carryout and is located conveniently close to the Rydell Outlet. Randy's University Diner Whether you prefer a light breakfast, an omelet, pancakes, a skillet, or a slice of coffee cake, Randy's University Diner has you covered. The menu features a "hot from the griddle" section which offers a short stack of original-recipe pancakes with or without eggs made your way. Customers also choose from French toast, cinnamon roll French toast, and some great toppings: whipped cream, blueberry, strawberry, caramel pecan, chocolate chips, or bananas, making for a scrumptious morning meal. Other fun breakfast choices include the breakfast sandwich, a garden veggie omelet, and the "Lotsa Meat" skillet. You can use online ordering options at Randy's University Diner for either pickup or carryout, and Randy's is located just a few minutes away from the Rydell Outlet, so you can stop by right before you take home the vehicle of your dreams. Deaner's Diner At Deaner's Diner, breakfast is served all day! A menu just for kids lets your whole family enjoy the tasty breakfast and buttermilk pancakes. Some of the favorite menu items at Deaner's are the Hungry Man's Breakfast, the Little Deaner, and Della's Deluxe. A go-to for adults and children alike, the malted waffles are available with strawberries, blueberries, whipped cream, or warm cinnamon apples. The cute, home-style vibe diner has a funny menu with "I don't want that" and "I'm not hungry" under the kids' menu to appeal to parents' humorous side, while the charming vintage car drawings appeal to those who appreciate a classic American car along with their classic American meal. Deaner's is available for carryout or dine-in and is not far from the Rydell Outlet, making it an easy choice to be sure you're powered-up for a day of driving. Fryn' Pan Family Restaurant The Fryn' Pan Family Restaurant's meals are to die for, so it's no surprise that this is one of Fargo's finest breakfast joints. The hotcakes are always drizzled with syrup and whipped butter, while the French toast and caramel nut roll appeal to your sweet tooth. For the savory types, the chicken fried steak, country sausage skillet, and country biscuits 'n sausage gravy provide a tasty breakfast to indulge in. The Fryn' Pan has a VIP club for regular customers and the restaurant offers free Wi-Fi and senior discounts. Plus, it is open 24 hours a day and is located near the Rydell Outlet, so it's a perfect spot to enjoy a Saturday afternoon with the kids or your partner to discuss your next big automobile purchase. Fryn' Pan is available for delivery or takeout. Contact Rydell Outlet So, there it is, the top five places to find pancakes in West Fargo! Whether you're feeding the whole family or you're looking for the perfect spot for a romantic brunch outing, you'll find a plethora of tasty options in town. Take the time to try all five and let us know what your favorite pancake joint is. Enjoy your pancakes, hotcakes, or waffles, add some fruit, and add some whipped cream before you head over to Rydell Outlet to pick out an affordable used car – contact us today to learn more.
Park River, North Dakota, is a small town in northeast North Dakota that's full of beautiful parks, recreation spots, and quaint places to eat and shop. About an hour from Grand Forks, this is a great place to visit during the summer for a small getaway alone or with family. Here are some reasons to add Park River to your list of weekend getaway spots. more Homme Dam Recreation Area Image via Flickr by mypubliclands As you plan your summer getaway to Park River, be sure to include the Homme Dam Recreation Area. During the warm summer months, this play is perfect for outdoor fun, adventure, and relaxation, whatever your cup of tea. The area is open from May through November for camping, hiking, fishing, swimming, and much more. Campsites are available for $15 to $35 per night depending on the type you choose (no electric, with electric, and with electric and water are all available). You can also rent campsites by the month for a longer time to enjoy the area. Get out on the water in a kayak or paddle boat and explore the peaceful Homme Lake and South Branch Park River for only $10 per hour for the first three hours and an additional $5 per hour after that. Relax on the beach or get in the water at the swimming area or cast a line at the nearby fishing pier. Homme Dam Recreation Area also offers hot showers, a playground, picnic areas, a bike and walking path, and volleyball courts. Campsite reservations and more information are available on the Homme Dam website. Hillcrest Golf Club Hillcrest Golf Club offers a par 35, nine-hole regulation golf course that features 2,500 yards of golf. You can visit their website or call to check on tee times and fees. It's always a good idea to check in before your visit to make sure there's a spot available for you and your crew to enjoy a game. The course is open daily and memberships are available for frequent visitors. Stop by the snack shop or the bar after some time out on the green and enjoy something yummy. Don't forget to visit the pro shop before you leave. Lyric Theatre Built and in 1915, Lyric Theatre is a charming old movie theater on Briggs Avenue South in Park River. If you're visiting the town during the summer, you might come across a rainy day or an evening with no plans. Catch a movie at Lyric Theatre and enjoy yummy snacks, deals on candy and popcorn, and a charming atmosphere. Keep up with Lyric Theatre's social media accounts to see which movies are showing and available specials on food. You can even get pick-up popcorn to enjoy back at the campsite or motel during your stay. Grab a box to go after your movie and take a stroll along Briggs Avenue. There are lots of local places to grab a late bite to eat, shop, and just enjoy the small-town culture on this street. Hahn's Bakery Another great spot on Briggs Avenue, Hahn's Bakery, previously known as Welch's Bakery, serves up fresh pastries and pizza. Just a few doors down from the theater, this is a good place to grab something tasty before or after a movie. Try some of their made-from-scratch baked goods whether you're craving something sweet or savory. Locals love the crunch donuts and the garlic herb rolls. Everything is made fresh, so their offerings are always changing but always mouth-watering. Alexander House Motel If you'd rather stay in a motel than camp at the Homme Dam Recreation Area, consider the Alexander House Motel. Right in the heart of Park River, this motel is a favorite local spot for a great steak and good drinks. You'll find affordable rooms for rent, an on-site bar, and a welcoming steakhouse restaurant when you visit the Alexander House Motel. Enjoy a relaxing dinner when you choose from their menu loaded with tempting options like eight different steak dishes including a whiskey-marinated sirloin, fried shrimp, and Chicken Kiev. If you have kids along for the visit, the Alexander House Motel restaurant has options like chicken nuggets, mini corn dogs, and grilled cheese. Gramma Jo's Kitchen No matter where you decide to stay in Park River, you're going to need a good breakfast and lunch spot. Gramma Jo's Kitchen is a must for all visitors in the area. Known for its great service and hometown cooking, this small restaurant offers up plenty of traditional American plates like loaded burgers with fried onion rings, Philly cheesesteak sandwiches, and a chicken strip salad. Come by for hot coffee, fresh baked goods, and hash browns for breakfast. Start your day with fried eggs, toast, and ham, or keep it light healthy with a bran muffin. You can't stop at a local, small-town diner such as Gramma Jo's Kitchen without grabbing a slice of pie. They offer freshly-made apple, pumpkin, blueberry, and strawberry-rhubarb. Ardoch Wildlife Refuge Just outside of Park River, along Route 81 near the town of Warsaw, the Ardoch Wildlife Refuge is also worth checking out during your summer visit to Park City. This would be a good place to stop on the way to or from Park City from Grand Forks, since it's along the route. Walk through the refuge or fish in one of the designated areas. Head out onto Lake Ardoch for a peaceful time on the water and you might even catch a few. Keep the rules and regulations for fishing in wildlife refuges during your visit. Contact Rydell Outlet So, there you have it, Rydell Outlet Center's list of reasons to visit Park River in the summer. Contact us to let us know if we missed a major area attraction and maybe we'll have to add it to the list. Plan a time to take your family, friends, or someone special up to this peaceful, quaint town for a little summer getaway. You're sure to make some great memories and have a relaxing time.
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