Get Out & Play: Trails in the Minot Area

A bit of fresh air can do wonders for your body and mind. Minot is home to many trails and walking paths to get get your body moving, and the surrounding area offers even more opportunities to stretch your legs. Hit the trails and take in the gorgeous scenery and wildlife Minot has to offer!

Trails in Minot

Bison Plant Trail  – Head out on this 2.3-mile loop trail, located just 10 minutes south of Minot. This is a popular trail for hiking, mountain biking, and running, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of the day. The trail passes by the Souris River and is considered an easy route, taking an average of 40 minutes to complete. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash. It may be muddy, so plan accordingly!

Bison Trail

Roosevelt Park Explore the 0.8-mile loop trail at Minot’s largest park, located right next to the Roosevelt Park Zoo. This trail is great for birding, running, and walking and there are benches and picnic tables along the route for resting. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash. For accessibility, there are at least 2 designated accessible spaces in the paved parking lot off Central Avenue East at the start of the trail (northwest end). The most accessible portion of the trail is the southern portion with 4-foot-wide asphalt and cement paving.

Roosevelt Park Trail

Oak Park Enjoy this 1.4-mile loop trail in one of Minot’s most popular parks. Oak Park features neatly groomed trails that run the course of the park, perfect for road biking, running, and walking. There are also more remote trails to explore through the lush woodland area. There are benches and picnic tables along the route for resting and plenty of shade, plus leashed dogs are welcome! For accessibility, there are designated accessible spaces that are van-accessible with striped access aisles. The trail surface is asphalt or cement, and typically at least 5 feet wide. This trail will likely be navigable for most trailgoers using wheelchairs/mobility equipment or stroller.

Oak Park Trail

Woodland Trail – This 1.4-mile trail is pet-friendly and a fun shaded walk for the whole family. Nice wide trails allow for safe and easy walking even with the little ones in your group. Experience the Souris River’s ecosystem up close with foot access to a fishing pier on the Souris River that can’t otherwise be reached.  The trail is just off the 83 bypass.

Woodland Trail Sky Image

Optimist Soccer Complex – This short but sweet .75-mile walking path is located on North Hill and loops around the soccer complex. Bring a soccer ball with you and work on your fancy footwork!

Optimist Complex Trail

Minot Outdoor Recreation Area – This beautiful area has 1.75 miles of trails for biking, hiking, and birding. The trails also feature signage that shows off different types of plants and animals in the area. For accessibility, there are both concrete and aggregate trails for people of all ages and abilities. With wide-open views, this is a lovely spot to catch a sunset or sunrise. The recreation area is west of Minot, located off County Road 15.

Outdoor Recreation Area Trail

Trails Near Minot

Des Lacs National Wildlife Refuge – There are many trails to explore here, offering a new adventure on every visit! Trails wind through a variety of habitats, including grasslands, wetlands, and forests. Enjoy the shorter 1.25-mile trail, or take the longer 7.5-mile hike.

Des Lacs Trail

Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge Discover five nature trails of different lengths to hike and view the diverse wildlife population! Trek the rolling prairies, stroll along river banks, and take in breathtaking views. Just a short drive from Minot, this scenic area has over 35,000 acres to explore! From fishing by the river to birding and spotting wildlife, there’s always an adventure to be had.

Upper Souris NWR Trail

MAKE YOUR WALK INTERACTIVE!

  • Go on a scavenger hunt
  • Collect pine cones to make homemade birdfeeders
  • Draw a bird you spot and learn about them
  • Puddle jump (bring dry socks!)
  • Geocache
  • Do an alphabet hike
  • Birdwatch – See any bald eagles?

 

Explore thousands of acres of wetlands, prairie, and woodlands where you can spot over 300 different species of birds in the Minot area. Bring binoculars! There’s lots to learn about birding in North Dakota – check it out!

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