3 North Dakota Nature Centers That Make Excellent Family Day Trip Destinations

North Dakota has a reputation for being quiet and tranquil. We’re one of the least-visited states in the entire country and we’re pretty sure that’s unfair. After all, everyone who lives here knows that it’s an amazing place to be, especially if you’re a fan of the great outdoors.

North Dakota is home to more than 560 refuges and 38 wetland management districts. Today, we’ll check out three of them that are worthy of a fun-filled and educational family day trip. These best day trips in North Dakota serve a few purposes: (1) to get the family out of the house; (2) to teach an appreciation for the world around us; and (3) to show us a thing or two about the world. So, what are you waiting for? Read on about our three favorite refuges in North Dakota – we’re sure your kids will thank you and that you’ll enjoy the outing as well.

USFWS Mountain-Prairie/Flickr

North Dakota 200, ND-200, Dunn Center, ND, USA

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services Headquarters/Flickr

The Lake Ilo National Wildlife Refuge was established by FDR in 1939 thanks to its place in the ecosystem as a very important part of many migrating birds' seasonal breeding. It's a wonderful place to connect with nature and learn what it takes to conserve entire species! Although it's one of many nature centers in North Dakota, we think it's a must-do for everyone seeking a memorable way to spend the day. When you go, you'll get to enjoy fishing, hiking, presentations, and more - all in the name of education.

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58530, Center, ND 58530, USA

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One of the state's hidden gems and best family-friendly day trips in North Dakota is the Cross Ranch Nature Preserve. This day trip in North Dakota can be found adjacent to Cross Ranch State Park. It's one of our favorite things to do in North Dakota, and for good reason: it's as much fun as it is educational. It's located along the only free-flowing section of the Missouri River in the entire state, and countless critters call it home, including bison, sturgeon, bald eagles, cranes, and more!

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Audubon National Wildlife Refuge Complex, 3275 11th St NW, Coleharbor, ND 58531, USA

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Finally, we recommend heading to the Audubon National Wildlife Refuge to see why it's considered a fun day trip in North Dakota. It's huge, at more than 14,000 acres, and like the other preserves in this list and all over the state, it's home to many kinds of native and migrating species. Folks who enjoy birdwatching will love it here. In fact, we guarantee you'll want to experience this best day trip in North Dakota again and again.

Of the more than 500 refuges and preserves all over the state, we think you’ll love these three as they tend to be among the best day trips in North Dakota, especially with kids. But no worries – you don’t need to be young to enjoy these parks; just being young at heart will do!

Have you been to any of these nature centers in North Dakota? If so, let us know in the following comments section. For more day outing suggestions, I suggest checking out some of the North Dakota road trips we’ve put together. And, if you’d like to take your time exploring the stops along these various excursions, take a look at Vrbo for vacation rentals along the route.