Visitors can bring their own watercraft or rent it locally from Minot Parks.
30 Minutes from Minot
Just a short drive outside of Minot you’ll find Rice Lake, a popular destination for locals looking for fun on the water. Visitors can enjoy a relaxed day at the swim beach and bring their own kayak or canoe to adventure on the open water.
40 Minutes from Minot
Nelson Carlson Lake is a great place to relax and rewind! The area includes picnic spots, fire pits and options for camping. Bring your own kayak or canoe to take on the water.
50 Minutes from Minot
10 Miles or 16.1 Kilometers
Located at the northern end of the Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge, the Mouse River trail extends 10 miles round trip. The only access to the water is at the beginning of the route or at Swenson Bridge near County Road 3.
Visitors may bring their own water craft as rental equipment is not available.
50 Minutes from Minot
6 Miles or 9.7 Kilometers
Near the Outlet Fishing Area of the Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge, visitors can launch a kayak or canoe on this 6-mile round trip. The trail does include ponds, cattails and other natural characteristics to paddle through.
Visitors may bring their own water craft as rental equipment is not available.
1 Hour from Minot
13 Miles or 20.9 Kilometers
Within J. Clark Salyer Wildlife Refuge flows the Souris River which supports a wide variety of wildlife. The Souris River Canoe Trail begins at Johnson Bridge and visitors have the option to stop at Thompson Well for a 5.5 mile or 8.9-kilometer canoe trail. They may also continue to Dam 1, completing the full 13 mile or 20.9-kilometer canoe trip. Numbered markers along the river help track the journey.
We recommend bringing your own kayak or canoe as rental equipment is not available.