Overview
Kenmare is a city in the Lakes and Gardens region of North Dakota.
3 sights · 2 things to do · 4 places to eat · 2 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Kenmare
Des Lacs National Wildlife Refuge
Located along Des Lacs Lake, it extends from the Canada–United States border to the Kenmare area. The refuge was established in 1935 and includes 19,500 acres. The refuge is considered to be one of the most important bir…
Danish Mill
The only Danish Mill in the United States. Built in 1902 by Christian C. Jensen on his homestead. Moved to Kenmare location in 1959.
Lake County Historical Museum
Bike the Border
Annual bicycle event held in late June.
Goosefest
An 8-day annual hunting festival held in late October, which occurs during the peak migration of snow geese.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: May–Sep. Summer highs reach about 84°F; winter lows dip to about 4°F. Cold months (Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov, Dec) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Jun and May. (climate data from nearby Minot)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- MOT Minot International Airport, Minot — 47 mi away. Directions
- XWA Williston Basin International Airport, Williston — 82 mi away. Directions
Kenmare is about 50 miles northwest of Minot on US 52, and about 30 miles south of the Canadian border. ND 5 and ND 8 also provide access to the area, intersecting US 52 in nearby Bowbells.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Des Lacs National Wildlife Refuge, Danish Mill, Lake County Historical Museum
- Lunch Dave's Steakhouse Bar & Grill
- Afternoon Bike the Border, Goosefest
- Dinner Gathering Grounds
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Get in
Kenmare is about 50 miles northwest of Minot on US 52, and about 30 miles south of the Canadian border. ND 5 and ND 8 also provide access to the area, intersecting US 52 in nearby Bowbells.
Get around
This is a rural area so you will need a private car.
See
See Des Lacs National Wildlife Refuge
Located along Des Lacs Lake, it extends from the Canada–United States border to the Kenmare area. The refuge was established in 1935 and includes 19,500 acres. The refuge is considered to be one of the most important bird sanctuaries in the U.S., with tens of thousands of birds using the refuge for migration and breeding. The refuge is also home to elk, moose, bison and pronghorn. Take the 13-mile Des Lacs National Wildlife Refuge Scenic Backway from US 52 to Ward CR 1.
See Danish Mill
The only Danish Mill in the United States. Built in 1902 by Christian C. Jensen on his homestead. Moved to Kenmare location in 1959.
Do
Sleep
Stay Quilt Inn
Stay San Way Ve Motel
Eat & drink
Eat Dave's Steakhouse Bar & Grill
Nearby
Stanley
City / town · 4 listings · 29 mi away
Burlington
City / town · 5 listings · 41 mi away
Antler
City / town · 3 listings · 42 mi away
Tioga
City / town · 4 listings · 44 mi away
Minot
City / town · 33 listings · 47 mi away
New Town
City / town · 13 listings · 51 mi away
Crosby
City / town · 8 listings · 58 mi away
Douglas
City / town · 6 listings · 62 mi away
My experience
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