Chris Schilken, Commissioner | North Dakota Department Of Commerce
Chris Schilken, Commissioner | North Dakota Department Of Commerce
North Dakota offers a range of water recreation opportunities across its many lakes and rivers. Lake Sakakawea, which stretches more than 180 miles, is known for its extensive shoreline and is popular for sailing, boating, houseboating, and paddling. Anglers often travel to the lake for tournaments such as the Governor’s Walleye Cup. The area includes three state parks—Lake Sakakawea State Park, Fort Stevenson State Park, and Lewis & Clark State Park—which provide access for various activities including boating, kayaking, fishing, swimming, and camping. Recent improvements have made these areas more accessible to visitors with disabilities through new ramps at Hazen Bay and Beulah Bay Campgrounds.
Devils Lake is recognized nationally for its fishing opportunities throughout the year. It supports populations of walleye, perch, and northern pike in summer as well as ice fishing in winter. Grahams Island State Park offers additional outdoor activities such as boating and hiking. Nearby White Horse Hill National Game Preserve provides habitats for wildlife like bison and elk. Accessibility at Devils Lake has also been improved with the Merle Baisch Memorial Wheelchair Ramp.
The Missouri River runs through central North Dakota and is used by boaters, kayakers, anglers seeking walleye and catfish, and birdwatchers who visit sites like Cross Ranch State Park. An accessible launch at Kniefel Boat Landing in Bismarck is planned for completion in 2025 to increase access.
The Red River flows north into Canada and attracts anglers looking for channel catfish while providing canoeing and kayaking opportunities. Cities along its banks such as Fargo and Grand Forks use the river as a community space featuring parks and trails; Grand Forks’ Greenway recreation area connects outdoor activity with city amenities.
Lake Metigoshe State Park on the U.S.–Canada border offers canoeing, fishing, hiking trails in the Turtle Mountains region, and year-round recreational options due to its terrain.
Near Jamestown lies the Jamestown Reservoir which includes seven boat launches, two swimming beaches, surrounding biking/walking trails, and wildlife viewing areas.
The Sheyenne River Water Trail provides scenic routes for kayakers through valleys and prairies while the Pembina River features tubing opportunities near Pembina Gorge State Recreation Area.
For more information on water recreation options or trip planning resources in North Dakota see https://www.ndtourism.com/water-recreation or https://www.ndtourism.com/.
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