Discover kayaking in the Minot area and explore the Souris River at your own pace. With easy access points and calm waters, kayaking is a popular outdoor activity for visitors and locals alike looking to enjoy Minot’s natural scenery.
Visitors can bring their own kayaks or rent it locally from Minot Parks.
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 unwind! The area includes picnic spots, fire pits, and options for camping. Bring your own kayak or canoe to take on the water.
Mouse River Park Canoe Trail
50 Minutes From Minot
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 watercraft as rental equipment is not available.
Beaver Lodge Canoe Trail
50 Minutes From Minot
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 watercraft as rental equipment is not available.
Souris River Canoe Trail
1 Hour From Minot
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. You 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.
Visitors may bring their own water craft as rental equipment is not available.