Des Lacs National Wildlife Refuge Scenic Backway
(19 miles)
The Des Lacs National Wildlife Refuge Backway, found in the northwest corner of North Dakota, provides excellent opportunities to view the rolling hills and wooded draws of the Des Lacs Valley. The most striking experience this Backway offers is the excellent wildlife viewing opportunities found at the refuge. Over 250 species of birds have been seen here and include waterfowl, raptors and many other migratory birds. Deer, moose, and other wildlife are also seen along this route.
Location
From US Highway 52, 6 miles south of Kenmare to the north end of the refuge where it terminates at the intersection of Ward County Road 1.
Top points of interest
- Historic Danish Mill at Kenmare - The Danish Mill was built in 1902 on a homestead, 11 miles north of Kenmare. It was used by area farmers for grinding grains into flour. In 1959 the Mill was moved into the City of Kenmare and its restoration completed in 1961. In 1965 the mill was moved to the Park on the Square and given a face lift in 1996. The Park on the Square has beautiful trees, flowers, and benches to enjoy a summer day. The Danish Mill is located in the center of this park, which the city of Kenmare was built around.
- Des Lacs National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center – The Visitor Center at Des Lacs National Wildlife Refuge Headquarters features displays of local history and native wildlife. E.H. Gross photos and mounts of wildlife common to the area are some of the displays.
- Munch’s Coulee National Recreational Trail – From this trail, excellent bird watching opportunities abound. The trail climbs up the side of the draw to the upland prairie. The upland portion is one of the best places on the refuge to view native wildflowers as well as upland birds. The upland portion of the trail as it returns to the parking area allows visitors a spectacular view of Lower Des Lacs Lake and marsh as well the route of the Scenic Backway. The bottom portion of the trail is hard surfaced and is universally accessible. Four benches provide resting areas along the entire trail route.
- Five species of nesting grebes can be seen from the Scenic Backway. Spectacular courtship displays by Western grebes are easily viewed and nests of eared and horned grebes are common. The more solitary nesting pied-billed and red-necked grebes can also be found with patience and binoculars.
