North Dakota is abundant with lakes and ponds all across the state, but none are quite like this one. Chase Lake National Wildlife Refuge is special for one interesting reason, and you can see it yourself for free. This won’t be a usual lake visit, but it’ll certainly be one you remember for a lifetime. Check it out! Of all the lakes in North Dakota, Chase Lake in North Dakota is easily one of the most beautiful and unique – come see why.

Head out to Woodworth, North Dakota and stop by one of the coolest national wildlife refuges in North Dakota, Chase Lake.
USFS Mountain-Prairie/Wikimedia Commons
Not only is it outrageously beautiful - it's also outrageously important, especially if you happen to be wildlife.
Chase Lake National Wildlife Refuge is one of the oldest wildlife refuges in the entire country.
Brandon Jones/USFWS/Flickr
The land was put under protection in 1908, establishing it as a safe haven for wildlife and migrating birds.
The reason it is so special and has been protected for so long is because it has more breeding pairs of white pelicans than any other place in the United States.
USFS Mountain-Prairie/Wikimedia Commons
Thousands of pelicans use this lake for breeding grounds to nest and raise their young every year. It's an incredibly vital part of their species' survival, and we are honestly pretty proud to have them here.
White pelicans are one of the largest types of pelicans in the world with their 10-foot wingspans.
Rick Bohn/USFWS/Flickr
As many as 30,000 of them come the lake annually. They're huge... but they're beautiful, and watching them is an experience you'll never forget.

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During winter, like many other birds, they head south.
Trent Jonas/OnlyInYourState
Pelicans banded and tracked at Chase Lake have been found as far south as Florida before. For the rest of the year they return to their home grounds at this wildlife refuge - and it's a sight to behold. Who knew North Dakota was home to pelicans? Well, now you do.
Once the prairie crocuses start to bloom in the gorgeous, grassy hills around the lake, you can expect the pelicans to be making their return.
Rick Bohn/USFWS Mountain-Prairie/Flickr
Year in and year out, they arrive and do what they've done for centuries.
The lake is home to hundreds of other birds as well, such as geese, ducks, herons, ibises, hawks, and grebes.
jared lloyd/Getty Images
There are also deer, coyotes, weasels, and other animals in the area. Wildlife is abundant and fun to watch!

Take a look at these egrets at Chase Lake in this YouTube video from Kim Brewis:

When visiting the refuge, you can take on the hiking trails and enjoy the natural beauty as well as the thousands of pelicans.
Char Binstock/USWFS/Flickr
And the best part is that there are no entrance fees into Chase Lake NWR! You'll definitely want to visit in the spring when the pelicans are flying in by the thousands, as the sight is truly unforgettable.

Chase Lake National Wildlife Refuge is located about halfway between Woodworth and Medina, North Dakota, and to the west a bit. For information on visiting the refuge and all it has to offer, visit the official FWS.gov website for Chase Lake in North Dakota. You’ll definitely want to be sure to bring a good pair of binoculars!

Did you know North Dakota has more wildlife refuges than any other state? We also have quite a few beautiful recreation areas and state parks. Here are some totally underappreciated state parks in North Dakota to explore if you enjoyed this one.

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More to Explore

Chase Lake

Tori Jane | January 09, 2023
  1. What are the largest lakes in North Dakota?  

Amazingly, there are more than 400 lakes in North Dakota that are worthy of visiting (and admiration). Among the largest of these lakes in ND are lakes like:  

 

2. What are some of the most beautiful places in North Dakota?  

Of course, the lakes aren’t the only draw to North Dakota. This amazing little state is, for some reason, the least-visited state in the United States, and that’s just not right. Some of the most beautiful places in North Dakota are awe-inspiring spots such as:  

 

3. Where are the most scenic places in ND? 

Naturally, the list of scenic places in ND doesn’t end with the above. There are many more, including:  

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