Going on a birdwatching trip is one of the best activities you can enjoy on a weekend or a holiday. Breathing some fresh air, going for a hike, and finding some of the beautiful species of birds that live in the region is a wonderful way to relax and recharge your batteries. Here are three of the most wonderful birding destinations you can reach in less than one hour by car from downtown Dickinson, ND.
1. Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Providing habitat to golden eagles, great-horned owls, black-capped chickadees, wild turkeys, white-throated sparrows, and sandhill cranes, Theodore Roosevelt National Park is one of the go-to destinations among birders and nature lovers from the region. Getting to this national park takes about 35 minutes by car from the Dickinson city center, driving west along route I-94.
Established in the late 1970s, Theodore Roosevelt National Park has become one of the most popular nature reserves among North Dakota residents, spanning an area of over 70,000 acres and welcoming more than 750,000 visitors each year. Besides birding and wildlife watching, this national park is also a well-known spot for hiking, camping, fishing, and seasonal hunting.
2. Lake Ilo National Wildlife Refuge
Encompassing an area of over 4,000 acres and located about 40 miles north of downtown Dickinson, Lake Ilo National Wildlife Refuge is a great spot for birding and wildlife photography. This nature reserve provides habitat to large populations of sandpipers, American avocets, tree swallows, marsh wrens, black-crowned night herons, savannah sparrows, meadowlarks, and other local and migratory species.
Driving from Dickinson to Lake Ilo National Wildlife Refuge takes just 40 minutes via route ND-22. Although wildlife watching is the most popular activity in this nature reserve, the place is also known for boasting one of the largest assemblages of Paleo-Indian artifacts in the entire country, making it a wonderful destination not only to enjoy some time in nature but also to learn about the precolonial history of the region.
3. Little Missouri National Grassland
Part of the Dakota Prairie Grasslands complex, Little Missouri National Grassland encompasses an area of over one million acres and is home to several different species of birds including prairie falcons, rock wrens, and yellow-breasted chats. This nature reserve is located about 50 miles northwest of Dickinson and can be reached in less than one hour by car via route I-94 and Franks Creek Road.
With its luxurious exterior design, versatile and comfortable cabin, and plenty of room for passengers and cargo, the 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe Premier is a fantastic vehicle to explore these and other nature reserves in North Dakota. Stop by Sax Motor today, take this premium SUV on a test drive, and experience our unmatched customer service.
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