If there's anything we can all agree on, it's that North Dakota is a wonderful state for those of us who enjoy the great outdoors. It's incredibly scenic and filled to the brim with all sorts of breathtaking sights to see and activities to partake in. One of those activities is kayaking; North Dakota is home to 35 wonderful lakes, each with its own unique draws. Sure, you could kayak on the more popular destination lakes like Lake Sakakawea or Lake Oahe, but why do that when you know there will likely be crowds? What if you want a more low-key, lesser-visited destination for your kayaking pleasure? Well, you're in luck, because when it comes to kayaking in North Dakota, Lake Audubon might just be the best one of all.
Coming in at an impressive 16,612 acres in size, Lake Audubon boasts nearly 153 miles of shoreline.
It's as deep as 60 feet in some places, but the water is so clear and pristine that oftentimes you'll have no problems seeing the bottom.
There are all kinds of fun things one can do on Lake Audobon, but one of our top favorites is kayaking and paddling.
One is able to bring their own kayak (there are no rentals available unless there is a special event going on) and embark on a nice, quiet journey across the water.
The lake is remarkably calm and tranquil; you'll be able to admire numerous species of wild birds that call the area home, as well as several types of fish living in the waters.
If you're looking for a whitewater kayaking adventure in North Dakota... this one isn't it. This lake is perfect for kayakers who enjoy nice, quiet solitude and time to themselves - just them, the water, and their trusty kayak.
Do remember that a portion of the lake is designated as part of the Audubon National Wildlife Refuge, and those portions of the lake are off-limits to boating, fishing, and kayaking.
Having respect for the wildlife refuge is imperative, as it does a great deal of work protecting and defending literally hundreds of species of critters. There is, however, ice fishing allowed on the refuge when the lake freezes over; make sure to check the official website for information on that during the winter months. A frozen lake isn't exactly ideal for kayaking, but hey - ice fishing is pretty interesting sometimes, too!
Once you've had your fill of paddling around the lake, we recommend a visit to the refuge.
There's a special magic about watching wildlife in a safe, protected environment optimized for their health and well-being. As if the soul-soothingly quiet kayaking wasn't enough, the beauty of the surrounding natural world is sure to nourish your spirits.
You'll also love the incredibly lush, green wetlands and prairie surrounding the lake; the region is quite photogenic and if you've ever visited (or plan to in the future), we'd love to see your photos!
So, what are your favorite lesser-known lakes for kayaking in North Dakota? Tell us about them in the comments. If you'd like to know more about the Audubon National Wildlife Refuge, take a look at this previous article. For maps and more information, be sure to check out the official website, too.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Get the latest updates and news
Thank you for subscribing!
