Float on the water in a canoe or kayak. Visitors can bring their own watercraft or rent it locally.
Rice Lake | 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.
Nelson Carlson Lake | 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.
Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge | 50 Minutes from Minot
Mouse River Park Canoe Trail | 10 Miles or 16.1 Kilometers
Located at the northern end of the 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.
Beaver Lodge Canoe Trail | 6 Miles or 9.7 Kilometers
Near the Outlet Fishing Area, 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. For more information on trails within the Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge please view the trail guide.
J. Clark Salyer National Wildlife Refuge | 1 Hour from Minot
Souris River Canoe Trail | 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.
