Kellys Slough National Wildlife Refuge
A serene wildlife refuge near Grand Forks, offering abundant birdlife, stunning sunsets, and a peaceful escape with very few visitors.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Trumpeter Swans are often visible
Kellys Slough National Wildlife Refuge
Best Time
Trumpeter Swans are often visible
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene wildlife refuge near Grand Forks, offering abundant birdlife, stunning sunsets, and a peaceful escape with very few visitors.
"It’s a calm, pleasant and relaxing place where you can find a wide variety of birds... You can truly feel the nature."
Pack Binoculars! 🔭
Essential for spotting distant waterfowl and other bird species. Enhance your wildlife viewing experience.
Bring Your Camera 📸
The stunning sunsets and diverse birdlife offer incredible photography opportunities. Capture the beauty!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Trumpeter Swan Spectacle
Fields along I-29 (seasonal)
Witness majestic Trumpeter Swans resting in fields near Drayton, ND during spring. A truly breathtaking sight for bird enthusiasts.
Sunset Serenity
Throughout the refuge
Experience vibrant, colorful sunsets painting the sky. A perfect, tranquil end to a day immersed in nature.
Abundant Birdlife
Various habitats within the refuge
Spot a wide variety of birds, including ducks, geese, pheasants, avocets, hawks, and more, in their natural habitat.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Serenity
Best for Birdwatchers & Photographers
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bemidji Birder Here. For my aspiring Birders that want to know where to find rare birds in the Grand Forks Area, I'll leave instructions in the 'Comments': Trumpeter Swans (Cygnus buccinator), Kellys Slough ND
Pack Binoculars! 🔭
Essential for spotting distant waterfowl and other bird species. Enhance your wildlife viewing experience.
Bring Your Camera 📸
The stunning sunsets and diverse birdlife offer incredible photography opportunities. Capture the beauty!
Best place to take my girlfriend stargazing.
Check Swan Migration 🦢
Trumpeter Swans are typically seen in spring along I-29 fields near Drayton. Plan your visit accordingly.
Enjoy the Quiet 🤫
This refuge is known for its serenity. Listen to the sounds of nature without human interruption.
Tips
from all over the internet
Pack Binoculars! 🔭
Essential for spotting distant waterfowl and other bird species. Enhance your wildlife viewing experience.
Bring Your Camera 📸
The stunning sunsets and diverse birdlife offer incredible photography opportunities. Capture the beauty!
Check Swan Migration 🦢
Trumpeter Swans are typically seen in spring along I-29 fields near Drayton. Plan your visit accordingly.
Enjoy the Quiet 🤫
This refuge is known for its serenity. Listen to the sounds of nature without human interruption.
Restroom Available 🚻
Convenient restroom facilities are on-site for your comfort during your visit.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Kellys Slough National Wildlife Refuge for its exceptional tranquility and the abundance of wildlife, particularly birds. The stunning sunsets and the rare experience of having such a peaceful natural space almost entirely to oneself are major highlights. It's a perfect escape for nature lovers and photographers seeking serenity.
"I loved this place.I feel this is one the beautiful places to visit. It’s just a 10 miles drive from Grand Forks city. You could rarely see visitors here.The sunset here is amazing you can see the beauty of the sky with different colors. It’s a calm, pleasant and relaxing place where you can find a wide variety of birds like pheasants, avocet, gheese etc.,chirping and flying around. You can truly feel the nature. The viewing scenes of nature at this place will surely attract the people with photography interests.It also has restroom facility."
Vaishnavi Naidu
"If you never seen a slough before...this would be the one to see. It's one of the nicest you will see."
Jackie K
"Ducks, hawks and lots of birds flying around. Beautiful day outside today to hang out and watch"
Dale Twedell
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Kellys Slough National Wildlife Refuge is conveniently located about a 10-mile drive from Grand Forks city. Simply head north from Grand Forks, and you'll find it easily accessible.
Yes, it's a straightforward drive from Grand Forks. The refuge is well-marked, making it simple to navigate to.
Driving is the most practical way to reach Kellys Slough National Wildlife Refuge, allowing you to explore the surrounding areas and fields where Trumpeter Swans might be spotted.
Public transportation options are limited for reaching Kellys Slough National Wildlife Refuge. It's best to have your own vehicle for easy access.
While the refuge is generally accessible year-round, weather conditions can affect road access, especially during winter months. Always check local conditions before visiting.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Kellys Slough National Wildlife Refuge typically offers free admission, making it an accessible destination for everyone looking to enjoy nature.
As a wildlife refuge, Kellys Slough is generally open from dawn to dusk, allowing visitors to enjoy the natural beauty throughout the day.
No advance booking is required for Kellys Slough National Wildlife Refuge, as there is no entrance fee. You can visit spontaneously.
Generally, no special permits are required for general visitation to Kellys Slough National Wildlife Refuge. Enjoy the natural surroundings freely.
While the refuge is open from dawn to dusk, overnight stays or visits after dark are typically not permitted to protect wildlife and ensure safety.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Kellys Slough is a haven for diverse wildlife, including waterfowl, shorebirds, pheasants, avocets, and hawks. In spring, you might even spot Trumpeter Swans.
Absolutely! Birdwatchers rave about Kellys Slough for its wide variety of species and the peaceful environment to observe them in.
While specific marked trails might be limited, the refuge offers open areas for walking and exploring its natural landscapes. Enjoy the freedom to roam.
Yes, the stunning sunsets and abundant birdlife make Kellys Slough a prime spot for nature photography. The serene atmosphere enhances the experience.
Yes, there is a restroom facility available at Kellys Slough National Wildlife Refuge for visitor convenience.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Kellys Slough National Wildlife Refuge does not have on-site food services or restaurants. It's recommended to bring your own snacks and drinks.
Picnicking is a great way to enjoy the peaceful surroundings of Kellys Slough. Remember to pack out all your trash to keep the refuge clean.
The nearest dining options will be in Grand Forks, which is a short drive away. You'll find a variety of restaurants there.
Open fires or barbecuing are generally not permitted within wildlife refuges like Kellys Slough to ensure safety and preserve the natural environment.
It's wise to bring plenty of water and any snacks or meals you plan to consume, as amenities are scarce at the refuge itself.
📸 📸 Photography
Late afternoons for golden hour light and stunning sunsets are ideal. Spring is also great for capturing migrating birds like Trumpeter Swans.
Nature photography, especially bird photography and landscape shots capturing the serene slough environment and vibrant sunsets, is very popular.
For personal photography, no special permit is usually required. However, commercial photography or large-scale shoots might need prior authorization.
A telephoto lens is highly recommended for capturing birds and other wildlife from a distance. Binoculars are also great for spotting subjects.
Respect wildlife and their habitats. Avoid disturbing animals or damaging vegetation. Stay on designated paths where available.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Encourage your children to listen for different bird calls and try to spot as many species as possible. Bring along a simple bird identification guide or even just paper and crayons for them to draw what they see. The peaceful environment is perfect for a family picnic, making it a memorable and educational outing.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Wildlife photography is also a major draw. With a variety of birds like waterfowl, pheasants, and hawks, you'll have plenty of subjects. The quiet, uncrowded environment allows for patient observation and capturing natural behaviors. Don't forget your telephoto lens and plenty of memory cards!
🧘♀️ Solo Travelers Seeking Peace
This is the perfect spot to bring a book, a journal, or simply sit and meditate. The serene environment fosters a sense of calm and allows for deep relaxation. It's a place where you can truly escape the everyday and find solace in the natural world.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Birdwatching Paradise
For those specifically seeking out Trumpeter Swans, the spring migration period is particularly exciting. As noted by local birders, these magnificent birds often rest in the fields along I-29, with the Drayton, North Dakota area being a prime spot for sightings.
Remember to bring your binoculars and a field guide to enhance your birdwatching adventure. The tranquility of Kellys Slough allows for peaceful observation, making it an ideal location for both novice and experienced birders to connect with nature.
Photography Opportunities
Beyond the stunning vistas, the refuge is teeming with wildlife, providing ample subjects for nature photographers. Capturing images of ducks, geese, pheasants, avocets, and hawks in their natural habitat offers a unique challenge and reward. The lack of crowds means you can often set up your shot without disturbance, allowing for more patient and intimate wildlife photography sessions. The open nature of the refuge also provides excellent opportunities for capturing birds in flight against expansive backdrops.
For the best photographic results, consider visiting during the 'golden hours' – shortly after sunrise and before sunset. This is when the light is softest and most flattering, enhancing the natural colors and textures of the landscape and its inhabitants. The quiet atmosphere ensures that your presence is less likely to startle wildlife, leading to more natural and compelling photographs.
Experiencing Tranquility
This tranquility makes Kellys Slough an ideal spot for those seeking a mental reset or a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Whether you're looking for a quiet place to read, meditate, or simply enjoy the solitude, the refuge provides the perfect backdrop. The absence of human activity allows the natural sounds and sights to take center stage, fostering a deep connection with the environment.
It's this serene atmosphere that draws many visitors back. The chance to experience nature in its purest form, undisturbed and unhurried, is a significant draw. The refuge truly lives up to its promise of offering a calm, pleasant, and relaxing experience for all who visit.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit