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While chains have a reassuring predictability factor, you can't fully appreciate the distinctiveness of a city until you shop its small local businesses. Pop into these locations, and you can often chat with the owner, browse distinctive small-batch products, and enjoy handmade goods that were thoughtfully crafted on-site. This is also the best way to enjoy personalized pieces or one-of-a-kind finds. Here are some of the favorite stops in Crookston, Minnesota, courtesy of the staff at Rydell Outlet. more Widman's Candy Shop Image via Flickr by Fargo-Moorhead CVB 116 S. Broadway If you're interested in local shopping, you can't miss Widman's Candy Shop. This is the oldest family-owned business in Crookston, dating back to 1911. The current owner, George Widman III, is often on hand with his wife, Lois. A fourth-generation confectioner, George has been making the shop's candies for four decades. While the caramel, taffy, toffee, peanut brittle, almond bark, and other treats are delightful, they're not the most famous items on the menu. This honor goes to Widman's Chippers, a special brand of chocolate-covered potato chips. Make sure you try this iconic snack. Real Good Bath & Body 118 S. Broadway Treat your body with the care it deserves with the nature-based skin-care products available at Real Good Bath & Body. Every handcrafted product is uniquely designed and created with care. The natural items on these shelves are free from gluten, animal tallows or fats, sulfates, phthalates, and parabens. Instead, you'll find indulgences created with nurturing clays, honey, avocado, goat's milk, charcoal, and oatmeal. From playful bath bombs to refreshing room sprays, you'll find a seemingly endless range of delights for your home. Montague's Flower Shop 114 N. Main St. Montague's Flower Shop is a family-owned-and-operated business. Everyone on staff is dedicated to helping customers enjoy a pleasant and memorable experience. Montague's offers outstanding arrangements that are suited to any type of occasion. In addition to its stunning fresh flowers, Montague's also offers seasonal decor and unique gifts. Flower delivery throughout Crookston is available daily from Monday through Saturday when you want to make a special impression on someone. Limited delivery is also available in Fisher, Red Lake Falls, and Climax. D&D's Thomforde Garden Center 528 Tuttle St. D&D's Thomforde Garden Center has been in the same place for more than 60 years. This locally owned and operated business offers custom planting and floral arrangements made to order. You'll also find garden supplies, plants, and gifts to help you enhance your landscape and home. Erickson Embroidery/2nd St. Boutique 124 W. Second St. Create custom apparel and accessories with embroidery and screen printing services from Erickson Embroidery. You can order unique apparel for any type of special event, including family reunions, sporting events, golf tournaments, and corporate retreats. The on-staff graphic designer will help you turn your creative ideas into a reality for your apparel. While you're there, don't forget to stop and browse the impressive collection of Crookston Pirates and UMC Golden Eagles merchandise. The 2nd Street Boutique is located within Erickson Embroidery. This shop focuses on fashion items from distinctive high-quality brands such as Multiples, Hem & Threads, and Tribal. Each piece is available in only a few sizes to preserve the novel look of these items and ensure you walk away with a truly distinct look. Wish Upon a Star 120 W. Sixth St. Thrifters rejoice — Wish Upon a Star is a consignment/thrift shop that offers an engaging selection of goods, with something new to be discovered in every visit. This store aims to prove that dressing well doesn't have to come with a high price tag. The racks feature gently used clothing for juniors and children. You'll also find shoes, children's equipment, toys, and furniture at affordable prices. Wonderful Life Foods 115 N. Main St. If you're looking for gluten-free foods, you've finally found the perfect place at Wonderful Life Foods. This bakery, deli, and specialty grocery store specializes in gluten-free and natural goods, offering baked goods that are thoughtfully made from scratch. You'll find enticing options such as carrot cupcakes, cranberry muffins, and oatmeal-raisin cookies. If you're looking for lunch, you can stop in from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The menu includes ham, chicken salad, tuna, or roast beef on a sandwich or wrap. The deli also serves a hot soup of the day. Common options include Caribbean chicken jerk, chicken tortilla, sausage and kale, as well as Angus steak chili. Wonderful Life Foods encourages healthy eating as a lifestyle and offers special workshops on food. Willow & Ivy 123 S. Broadway This antique and gift shop features a unique collection of one-of-a-kind finds. You'll find Willow & Ivy in the Historic City Hall in downtown Crookston. This is an especially smart shopping choice if you're looking for Minnesota-themed items. The collection of gifts includes several options, from dishtowels to blankets and more, that highlight this state with the shape of Minnesota or clever sayings. Simply Boutique 2015 Sahlstrom Drive Located within the Rejuv' Salon & Spa, Simply Boutique features jewelry, clothing, and accessories to help you with any fashion-forward transformation. You'll also find a selection of unique gifts you can choose from for special occasions. If you'd like to step into the adjoining spa while you're there, you can enjoy a full menu of services, including haircuts and styling, skin treatments, makeup application, face and body waxing, nail services, massages, and facials. Bridge Street Candle Company 1111 A St. Bridge Street Candle Company makes hand-poured candles right in the shop. You'll also find a selection of candle accessories, stained glass, and other home decor items to add interest to your space. If you're interested in treating yourself or someone special to a little pampering, check out the bath salts and Northern White Pine Studios lotions. Tuxedo rentals are available from this shop as well. Contact Rydell Outlet center There you have it! These are our favorite local shops in Crookston, Minnesota. You can get everything from lunch to soaps to flowers from companies that operate independently. Help local business owners thrive with a visit to these destinations. Did we miss any great Crookston businesses? Let us know so that we can provide the best recommendations for shopping in the area.

Fargo is a vibrant city nestled along the Red River on the eastern border of North Dakota. The area known as Fargo actually consists of three cities across two states — Fargo and West Fargo in North Dakota and Moorhead in Minnesota. You'll find a welcoming Midwestern attitude and a bold, pioneering spirit here. It's this spirit that's launched the handful of distinctive doughnut and coffee shops that are beloved staples of Fargo. Considering the wide coverage of Fargo, it's no surprise that many of these locally owned shops have branched out into multiple locations to provide ample coverage for all the area's residents. If you're looking for a sweet treat, start at one of these destinations recommended by Rydell Outlet Center. more Sandy's Donuts & Coffee Shop Image via Flickr by drewtarvin 300 Broadway North, Fargo, ND | 4281 45th Street South, Fargo, ND | 301 Main Ave. West, West Fargo, ND Sandy's Donuts & Coffee Shop offers dozens of doughnut flavors and bakes over 10,000 fresh doughnuts daily. You can choose from classics like sour cream, cinnamon sugar, and glazed doughnuts as well as intriguing options like cherry bismark, maple fried cinnamon, double chocolate peanut butter, and lemon blueberry cake. The selection of gourmet doughnuts includes playful picks like the Cookie Monster doughnut, which features a playful face and cookie chunk in the center, or the Dirt 'n Worms with crushed cookie dirt and gummy worms on top. If you're looking for rich flavors, the S'mores Long John or Espresso Bismark are made to please. Sandy's got its start in 1983 in a small building in West Fargo. The donut shop later moved to a larger building just up the street on Main Avenue West. This location is considered the flagship store for Sandy's and is the most spacious of the three destinations that the shop now maintains. In addition to its ample indoor seating, this spot also offers a drive-thru so you can pick up doughnuts on the run. With more than 80 flavors to choose from, you'll find that you're never lacking for options. Sandy's opened its second shop in 2014, adding a store in historic downtown Fargo by the Fargo Theatre. This central location is the perfect pick if you want to order morning treats for your team at the office. You'll find 70 flavor options in this store, so you can easily find a delicious doughnut that suits your tastes. The third Sandy's location opened in 2019, bringing the now-famous doughnut selection to a more convenient spot for customers on the south side of town. Located in the Osgood area, this is now the most popular of the three Sandy's shops. This location offers a drive-thru for your convenience, but you won't want to miss the experience of stopping inside at least once. Here, you'll find a 5-foot-tall caveman statue posing with an equally large doughnut, providing the perfect spot for a playful photo. Beans Coffee Bar 5675 26th Ave. South, Suite 100, Fargo, ND | 2550 S. University Drive, Fargo, ND | 201 5th St. North, Fargo, ND Beans Coffee Bar is another Fargo favorite with three locations to choose from. Don Larson's daughter Heidi opened Beans in her father's memory, as an homage to their shared love of coffee. While the brews are the main focus here, it's hard to pass up a helping of the shop's fresh miniature doughnuts. These are available by the bag or by the bucket. If you're looking for a fun family tradition, consider sharing a heaping bucket of hot doughnuts with a warm drink on Saturday mornings. These doughnuts are available in cinnamon sugar or powdered sugar flavors. Make sure you indulge in a gourmet drink alongside your doughnuts, so you can truly appreciate the distinctive flavors that the Beans Coffee Bar has to offer. In addition to traditional coffee drinks, the menu also includes options like the Beans mocha in turtle, berry, minty, or s'mores flavors. Kids might enjoy options like a caramel apple cider or the Beana Colada, made with pineapple, coconut, cream, and sparkling soda. If you're having trouble making your coffee selection, default to the daily brew. There's a different treat on the menu each day of the week. With intriguing picks like Cookiedoodle or Zombie Cure, there's always something tasty to try. Red River Coffee, Treats, & Boutique 2600 52nd Ave. South, Fargo, ND If you're seeking to satisfy a group with several different cravings, Red River Coffee, Treats, & Boutique is the perfect place to stop. Here, you'll find a diverse breakfast menu that includes oatmeal, breakfast sandwiches, muffins, scones, and more. Naturally, doughnuts are included on the menu as well. Grandma's Donuts are baked fresh daily and in limited quantities, so you'll want to stop in early to ensure that you can score one. If you're picking up doughnuts for the office, the Meeting Pack includes coffee for eight people and a dozen doughnuts. Red River proudly serves premium coffee, all of which is certified organic and fairly traded. If you find a taste you like, you can purchase a bag of beans either whole or custom ground to your preference. If you have time for a leisurely morning, take the time to relax in the warm and cozy atmosphere of this coffee shop. You'll find an inspirational gift boutique inside the shop with a variety of fun finds for you to browse while you sip. Red River partners with local creators and artists to feature distinctive items that are truly unique to the area. If you're looking to shop local, you've found the perfect place. Contact Rydell Outlet Center These sweet spots are Rydell Outlet Center's top choices for doughnuts in the Fargo area. Did we miss any great places for a breakfast treat? If your favorite doughnut shop is missing from the list, let us know so we can update our recommendations and point customers in the right direction. If you haven't tried these destinations yet, pop in and give Fargo's top doughnut shops a try to see which one best suits your tastes.

Mileage is usually the first thing that used car buyers look for when considering a potential purchase. However, it's not only a matter of picking the car with the fewest miles on board, as there are several other factors to consider before deciding that a car has good mileage. more Why Is Mileage Important? Image via Flickr by ManelTor Considering a car or truck's mileage before buying it is a crucial step because most of a vehicle's wear and tear is done while driving it. The engine has many moving parts that interact with each other repeatedly and even the slightest deviation can cause unnecessary friction. This can make a tiny issue quickly turn into a big one. The car's wheels, brakes, and steering also take a constant beating from dealing with bumps in the road and the forces of physics, making them less effective as the miles roll by. So, although many other aspects are used to determine whether a certain vehicle is good or not, the number of miles a car has been driven is still the most relevant indication regarding its overall condition. What Is Generally Considered To Be Good Mileage? As a general rule of thumb, cars are driven around 12,000 miles per year on average, meaning that a five-year-old vehicle with 60,000 miles can generally be seen as a good buy. Cars with significantly higher or lower mileage than this average should raise questions. A low average may mean that the car hasn't been driven enough. This can be a problem because certain parts tend to dry up over long periods of non-usage. On the other hand, higher than average mileage may indicate that the car has been used as a taxi or for other forms of passenger transportation. Factors That Influence a Car's Condition Using the 12,000 miles per year rule of thumb is a good way to start evaluating a pre-owned vehicle, but there are many other things to consider before deciding if its mileage is good or not. Make sure to get the car's full history report. Some of these factors are: The number of owners: The more previous owners a car had, the greater the odds that at least one of them didn't take care of it correctly. A 5-year-old car with 40,000 miles may seem like a great deal, but if it's had three different owners there's a strong chance that, at some point during those years, it may not have been properly driven and maintained. If a car only had one owner, you may want to consider it. Even if it has more miles than it should, this is an indication that the owner probably took good care of it. How the car was used: The same number of miles can produce different levels of wear and tear, depending on how they were accumulated. Cars that were mostly used for short trips around town have a higher chance of deterioration because the engine oil needs a little time to warm up and reach peak lubricating efficiency. Cars that were mostly used for long trips and commutes are usually better buys. Once the oil warms up, everything runs smoothly and there's a significantly lower chance of various engine parts deteriorating over time. The owner's geographical location: Cars deteriorate at different rates depending on the climate where they're driven. Cars that were used in dry weather are generally in better shape than those driven in humid conditions because air humidity makes the air less oxygenated and requires the engine to work harder to produce the combustion needed for propulsion. Also, cars that have been regularly kept in a garage are usually in better condition, as they didn't have to face various weather phenomena, like extreme temperatures or precipitation. The car's overall wear and tear: No matter how well a car apparently looks and drives, it is always a good idea to have it inspected by a mechanic before buying it. They will thoroughly check things like the engine and transmission, the braking and steering systems, signs of leaks, air filters and valves, signs of body rust, and other signs that may indicate poor overall condition. Even if a car has seemingly good mileage and checks all the boxes, it can still be in worse shape than it seems. Should I Buy a Car or Truck With High Mileage? Although the overall perception is that older cars are more prone to various issues, modern cars are built to last a long time when maintained properly. A car with 100,000 miles on the odometer was considered very old a while ago, but newer models can easily reach 200,000 and even 300,000 miles. From a financial standpoint, buying an older car can prove to be a great deal because you will be buying it well after it reached the peak of its depreciation curve. This means that, unlike a new or slightly used car, it won't quickly start losing its value. Generally speaking, a car's deterioration is avoidable and fixable. This means that a car that has been properly maintained throughout its lifetime and that had various faulty parts quickly changed can last for decades. The best way to make sure that this has been the case is to ask the seller for proof that the car's regular maintenance was always done according to the manufacturer's schedule. After buying it, you should stick to that schedule. Regularly rotating tires and changing the oil and other liquids will keep your car running longer. Buy a High Quality Used Car in Grand Forks Good mileage used to be the most important factor when buying a pre-owned vehicle, but newer cars or trucks made with better technologies are slowly changing that perception. Although checking the mileage is still a crucial step when buying a used car, finding out how and where the car was driven and how it was maintained throughout its lifetime is arguably more important nowadays. Luckily, dealers like Rydell Outlet in Grand Forks make it easy to find a wide selection of well-maintained vehicles, even for first time buyers or tight budgets, so all you have to do is choose the one that suits you best. Contact us online to learn more, or call us at 701-757-6140.

When buying a used car, you'll usually have two options: buying from a private seller or buying from a car dealership. A dealership group like Rydell Cars sells both used and new cars and operates under a defined set of rules and regulations. A private seller, on the other hand, is someone who sells their used vehicle outside of official channels. Here's a look at the differences between buying a car from a car dealership and buying a car from a private seller. more Cost Image via Flickr by dave_7 Purchasing a car through a private seller is often cheaper than buying from a car dealership. This is because car dealerships will often have cost margins (e.g. wages and rent) to cover, so they might increase the price of a vehicle slightly to compensate for this. But, the quality and professionalism of the customer service at a car dealership can make this cost worth it. When you shop at a car dealer, you are treated with respect, as they want to keep you as a lifelong client. Private sellers have no such concern. They want your money and after they get it, you likely will not ever hear from them again. Warranty While it's true that purchasing through a car dealership can be more expensive, cars from a dealership are less likely to break down soon after the date of purchase, and if they do, the repairs are usually covered by a statutory warranty. Also, car dealerships are responsible for resolving any encumbrances from the vehicle before their sale. This means you don't have to worry about your vehicle being repossessed due to unpaid debt you don't owe. A private seller, on the other hand, won't be including a warranty with your purchase, which means any repairs that arise are going to be your responsibility. This makes it very important to have the vehicle inspected by a mechanic you trust before the sale to make sure there was nothing accidentally or intentionally left out by the seller. Mechanical Condition Vehicle condition is a defining difference between private sellers and car dealerships. Buying a used car from a dealer means you can ensure that you are purchasing a high-quality vehicle. Most dealerships offer used vehicles that have been inspected, refurbished, and certified. Buying privately can be riskier because you are buying a car as-is. It's difficult to know what you are getting yourself into, mechanically speaking, without inspection or detailed accident history. Even if you do get the vehicle inspected by a third-party mechanic, you could end up paying a hefty amount in repairs if something goes wrong later on. Beyond the vehicle's condition, you should also check to see if the car is listed as stolen before you hand over the cash. Financing Options If you choose to buy a used car from a private seller, you don't have any options other than paying in cash upfront and in full. It often takes time to save up enough to buy a car, even a used one. And unless you have a large amount of money on hand, you will probably need to get car loan financing to buy one. It can also be difficult to get financing through a financial institution, such as a bank and credit union, for a pre-owned vehicle. Many financial institutions won't finance used cars through a private seller, as private sellers do not have a reputation to uphold and they may not be totally truthful or accurate about the condition of their cars. This is crucial because if you finance a car with detrimental problems, such as a faulty engine, you may abandon the auto loan — meaning the bank gets nothing but a vehicle that can't be driven. Dealerships, however, have a range of payment options available to you, including in-house leasing and financing. Car dealers also offer low down payment cars with a wide variety of financing plans that private sellers are unable to offer. As a "buy here, pay here" dealership, this financial flexibility comes in handy for individuals who can't afford to pay for a car all at once. This means that you will have the opportunity to improve your bank's credit score after making timely payments. Vehicle Selection When you buy from a dealership, you will have a much wider selection of used vehicles from which to choose. Whether you are in the market for a used SUV, sedan, hatchback, or minivan, a car dealership will likely have the vehicle you want. You can find vehicles from all sorts of makes and models equipped with everything from navigation to leather upholstery to heated seats. Convenience The extra research that goes into purchasing a vehicle from a private seller can lead you to purchase from a car dealership. A car dealership is a more convenient choice in some ways, as they provide the vehicle history upfront and ensure you are purchasing a vehicle in good working order. On the other hand, private sellers may not provide all the vehicle information you need to make a wise decision. This requires you to spend a lot of time and effort on research. Car dealerships handle all the necessary documents for you when you purchase one of their cars. They know how to correctly handle all the title and car registration transfers, so all you need to do is sign them. When you buy a car from a private seller, however, you are both responsible for correctly completing all the associated paperwork. This typically requires that you make at least one trip to your department of motor vehicles or local tag office. Buy a Used Car at Our Used Dealership in Grand Forks If you are looking for a used car dealership in Grand Forks, North Dakota, look no further than Rydell Outlet Center. Our team will be more than happy to help you find a used car that matches your lifestyle and personality. We have hundreds of used cars in our inventory that are bound to catch your eye. Contact us by phone at 1-701-757-6140 or through our website, or come and visit us at our convenient location in Grand Forks, North Dakota.

Buying a used car is an excellent way to get a high-quality car, truck, or SUV at an affordable price. When shopping for a used car, it's important to understand how to look through the many available options in order to identify the best match. If you're in the market for a used car, these tips will help you to find the right car at the right price and get you behind the wheel of a car you love. more Create a List of Wants and Needs Image via flickr by Daily Invention The first step in any search for a car is narrowing down the potential options based on what you're looking for in a vehicle. For the best results, however, you should do more than simply create a list of things you care about. Instead, further break that list down into features and amenities that you absolutely have to have versus those you would like but may be willing to compromise on. By creating these lists in advance and then using them to help decide between similar options, you can make an honest assessment between two or more good choices. Often the final decision between cars will come down to small details, so the more thorough you are with your list of wants and needs, the more metrics you'll have to distinguish between alternatives. Consider Your Budget One of the most significant factors in any car search is your budget. Knowing how much you can afford to spend is a great way to quickly narrow the field to just vehicles that fit within your ideal spending levels. The great news when shopping for used cars is that you don't have to break the bank to find a car you'll love. Many fantastic used cars are available for less than $10,000. By choosing a used car, you can get a great deal on a vehicle that still has been tested and assessed by your dealership, so you have the peace of mind of knowing it's still in good condition and ready to provide you with many years of service for just a fraction of the cost of a new car. Find the Right Manufacturer When buying a car, the manufacturer is always important, but that is even more true when it comes to buying a used car. Because you're buying a vehicle that has already had miles put on it by its previous owner, it's important to make sure that you're buying a car made by a manufacturer that is renowned for producing vehicles that age well and last for a long time. This ensures that you can get the maximum value out of your next used car. Top manufacturers to look for when buying a used vehicle include: Chevrolet Fiat Ford Kia By purchasing a used car made by a reliable manufacturer, you know that you are getting a vehicle that is built to last and is capable of providing you with many happy years behind the wheel. A Reliable Retailer is Essential Just as important as buying a car made by a manufacturer you trust is buying from a car retailer you can rely on, such as the professionals at Rydell Outlet Center. When you buy from a trusted dealer with an established track record of satisfied customers, you know that the car you purchase has been assessed and honestly marketed so that you know exactly what you're getting. Give It a Visual Inspection Whether you're visiting a car lot or making a purchase via delivery from an online retailer, when you first see your car in-person you should take time to give it a thorough inspection. Check out both the exterior and the interior, looking not only for any possible aesthetic flaws like dents or stains but also for any indication of damage. If you discover any issues which are not accounted for, speak with your dealer so that they can be factored into the final sale price should you still be interested in buying the car. Take It for a Test Drive How a car looks and the amenities it offers are important, but the primary element of owning it you are most likely to notice is how it feels to get behind the wheel. Taking a test drive is the most effective way to confirm that a car that is standing out to you is a good fit and the right choice. If you like the way it feels to drive the prospective car, you may be ready to close the deal and drive off with your new vehicle. Ask To See the Car's Specs and Records The final step in checking out a potential car is to look over any records that are available. Speak with your retailer and ask about any service records they have on file for your potential car. You may also want to ask about the make and model's specs to learn about important metrics like expected fuel efficiency. The more information you have about your used car the better positioned you are to make a good decision, and the more likely you are to be happy with the car you buy. Buy Used Cars in Grand Forks at Rydell Outlet If you're looking to buy a used car, then Rydell Outlet Center is here for you. Our extensive selection of used cars ensures there is an excellent vehicle for you just waiting for you to find it. If you're ready to make a purchase, contact us online or by phone at 701-757-6140, and we'll help you get behind the wheel of your perfect match.

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. more Arrowwood National Wildlife Refuge Image via Unsplash by stay_in_touch 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 Image via Unsplash by maccorzo 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 Image via Unsplash by dulceylima 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 Image via Unsplash by krishnadigitalcolorphotostudio 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 jfelise Tewaukon 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.

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