Central ND News

North Dakota offers a variety of water recreation options across its many lakes and rivers, providing opportunities for fishing, boating, paddling, and wildlife viewing. Lake Sakakawea is notable for its large size and extensive shoreline, making it a popular destination for sailing, boating, houseboating, and fishing tournaments like the Governor’s Walleye Cup. The lake features three state parks—Lake Sakakawea State Park, Fort Stevenson State Park, and Lewis & Clark State Park—that provide access to boating, kayaking, fishing, swim beaches, marinas, and campgrounds. Recent improvements include new accessible ramps at Hazen Bay and Beulah Bay Campgrounds.

Devils Lake is recognized nationally as a leading fishery for walleye, perch, and northern pike throughout the year. In addition to fishing opportunities such as ice fishing in winter months, Grahams Island State Park provides facilities for boating and hiking. The nearby White Horse Hill National Game Preserve supports diverse wildlife including bison and elk. Accessibility enhancements have been made with the Merle Baisch Memorial Wheelchair Ramp.

The Missouri River runs through central North Dakota and is used by boaters and kayakers. Anglers target walleye and catfish along its banks or from boats. Cross Ranch State Park along the river is noted for birdwatching opportunities. An accessible launch at Kniefel Boat Landing in Bismarck is scheduled to be completed in 2025.

The Red River flows north into Canada and attracts anglers seeking channel catfish as well as canoeists and kayakers. Cities like Fargo and Grand Forks use the river as a focal point for community events; Grand Forks’ Greenway recreation area links outdoor activities with city amenities.

Lake Metigoshe State Park near the Canadian border is known for canoeing, fishing, hiking trails in the Turtle Mountains region, and year-round recreational opportunities due to its terrain.

Jamestown Reservoir outside Jamestown offers seven boat launches and two swimming beaches within its 2,492 acres of water. It also features trails connecting to biking paths and wildlife viewing areas.

For slower-paced activities, the Sheyenne River Water Trail passes through valleys suited to kayaking or canoeing while the Pembina River is favored for tubing during summer months near Pembina Gorge State Recreation Area—which will soon become North Dakota’s 14th state park.

Information about water recreation services can be found at NDTourism.com/water-recreation (https://www.ndtourism.com/water-recreation), with additional trip planning resources available at NDTourism.com (https://www.ndtourism.com/).