The Can’t-Miss North Dakota Hike for Every Nature Lover’s Bucket List

If someone were to ask you, very abruptly, what your favorite region of North Dakota is (you know, the likeliest of scenarios), what would your answer be? For many folks, it would probably be the more obvious places like Theodore Roosevelt National Park (or any of the amazing places within it), but this is a little too obvious for others. Some of us, myself included, enjoy the challenge of finding lesser-known spots to explore and fall in love with. And that's where today's hiking trail comes in: the Wetlands Observation Trail in Underwood is nothing short of a strange and beautiful adventure.

The Wetlands Observation Trail is a short, simple, one-and-a-half-mile loop trail with some truly awesome views of the Missouri River that are sure to amaze you. It's known among lovers of wildlife watching for the diverse number of critter species that call it home at various points throughout the year; among hikers, though, it's still a hidden North Dakota gem worthy of a day trip to experience.

First, you'll meander through some fascinating fish hatchery ponds. From there, you'll be led to a gorgeous wetland area where you can learn about the local flora and fauna and how this particular region works. The landscape changes from theme to theme, but its beauty is consistent.

The trail is open all year round, though, in my opinion, the best times to hike are in the summer and the fall. In the summer, be sure to bring bug spray—it IS a wetland hike, after all, and bugs are a given (particularly ticks). Wear shoes you don't mind getting muddy in the spring, thanks to the snow and ice melt left over from winter. In the fall, bring a camera - the foliage is intensely beautiful.

One of my favorite things about this hike is that much of it is paved, making it particularly easy for small children to enjoy; it's a great family-friendly trail where you and the kids can learn a thing or two about the amazing world that is North Dakota. Living in North Dakota is magical, and this trail is one of 10,000 reasons why.

The Missouri River is an attraction in and of itself, and this trail offers some pretty unique perspectives and views that you might not have experienced before. The water is clean and clear, and it's obvious why North Dakotans favor it above most of our other rivers and tributaries. The fishing is great, and the landscape is lovely - it's a solid choice all around.

Once you've completed the Wetlands Observation Trail (which should take about a half-hour if you decide not to make any stops, but what's the fun in that?), you can check out the nearby town of Underwood or any number of the adorable small towns in North Dakota that make for great day trips on their own.

For more information about this awesome hiking trail in North Dakota, check out the official AllTrails listing for the Wetlands Observation Trail. If you're a hiking fan and looking for the perfect sidekick, check out AllTrails Plus - it's affordable and incredibly helpful, at least in my experience. If you can't get enough of the great outdoors, you'll definitely want to check out all the best hiking trails in North Dakota. What's your favorite hiking trail in the Peace Garden State? Let me know!