Central ND News

Williston, N.D. – The Williams County Parks Department has announced the reopening of Kota Ray Dam for Memorial Day weekend. This follows its closure since last spring as part of the ongoing implementation of the Williams County Parks Master Plan.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for May 22 at 4 pm to mark the reopening. New features at Kota Ray Dam include a youth pedal park, reconfigured campsites, and modern comfort stations. Additionally, a new lakeside lawn-chair amphitheater will host events later in the summer. Online reservations for these campsites will become available on May 19, 2025, starting at 8:30 am, covering dates from May 23 to October 31, 2025.

Meanwhile, construction work at Blacktail Dam is set to begin in mid-May and continue through 2026. Planned upgrades include walking trails, upgraded comfort stations, and group campsites. Despite ongoing construction, the park will remain partially open for camping and recreation. Access to the boat ramp will be maintained with potential route changes indicated by on-site signage. Some facilities like the playground and fish cleaning station will not be available during this period; however, the Par 3 golf course will remain fully operational. Ten electric campsites in the beach area and primitive campsites on the north side of the park and near its entrance will be accessible.

Reservations for both Blacktail Dam and Kota Ray Dam can be made online starting May 19, 2025.

For further details about Williams County Parks and their Master Plan Implementation, visit their website.