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Live · updated todayTypical peak look

Long Lake Refugewildflowers

Out of season: the next wildflowers season is in 2027.

Right now in Long Lake Refuge · September

  • Best waterfowl and shorebird viewing · Sep–Oct

185days to the next wildflowers seasonApr 1–Aug 31, Flowering period, April through August, per the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Local timing
Apr 1–Aug 31
Flowering period, April through August, per the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. General timing for this place: not a peak date, and not a forecast.

Next 7 days

  • Windy · winds up to 20 mphToday
  • Rain likely · up to 90% chanceToday, Tonight

National Weather Service forecast, issued Mon 11:46 AM (Eastern). Frost: a low of 36°F or less; wind: 20 mph or more; rain: 60% chance or more.

Long Lake National Wildlife Refuge through the year

  • Flowering periodApr–Aug
  • Sharp-tailed grouse dance on their leksApr–May
  • Best waterfowl and shorebird viewingNowSep–Oct

Best spots around Long Lake National Wildlife Refuge

  • Butte overlook and Paul Van Ningen MemorialAbove Lake Unit 1, with a panoramic view over the west end of the refuge
  • Unit 2 walking trailOne-mile two-track between Lake Unit 2 and the Unit 2 Marsh, east of the 1930s stone residence

How we know

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Long Lake National Wildlife Refuge: Wildlife Watching (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Long Lake National Wildlife Refuge: Visit Us (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · National Weather Service forecast and alerts (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28)

All our sources and how we use them →

Questions people ask

When is peak wildflowers in Long Lake National Wildlife Refuge in 2027?

Flowering period, April through August, per the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: Apr 1–Aug 31. That's general timing for this place, not a peak date or a forecast.

Is it blooming in Long Lake National Wildlife Refuge right now?

Not now: the wildflowers season is over for this year. The next one starts in about 185 days (Apr 1–Aug 31, Flowering period, April through August, per the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service).

When do the wildflowers bloom?

The flowering period runs April through August. Lavender-blue pasque flowers open on the hillsides in spring, sometimes in snow; summer brings narrow-leaved puccoon, western wallflower, scarlet mallow, purple prairie coneflower and wild prairie rose, North Dakota's state flower.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Long Lake National Wildlife Refuge: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)

Can I pick the flowers?

No. Walking the refuge to see wildlife and plants is allowed, but collecting is prohibited.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Long Lake National Wildlife Refuge: Wildlife Watching ↗ (opens in a new tab)

Anything to watch out for?

Wood ticks in the grasslands from spring to mid-summer. Bring water, a hat, sunscreen and insect repellent.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Long Lake National Wildlife Refuge: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)

Where are the best spots in Long Lake National Wildlife Refuge?

Butte overlook and Paul Van Ningen Memorial: above Lake Unit 1, with a panoramic view over the west end of the refuge; Unit 2 walking trail: one-mile two-track between Lake Unit 2 and the Unit 2 Marsh, east of the 1930s stone residence.

What is Long Lake National Wildlife Refuge like through the year?

Flowering period (Apr–Aug), Sharp-tailed grouse dance on their leks (Apr–May) and Best waterfowl and shorebird viewing (Sep–Oct).