(Last Updated On: March 30, 2023)
The lake through the trees at Lake Metigoshe State Park

The lake through the trees at Lake Metigoshe State Park. Photo: Park Facebook Page

This beautiful North Dakota state park lies along Lake Metigoshe surrounded by the hills and woodlands within the Turtle Mountains. Located only 15 miles north of Bottineau, this area winds along the border between the United States and Canada.

Guests enjoy visiting Lake Metigoshe State Park for rest, relaxation, adventure, and opportunities to swim, camp, kayak, fish, bird watch, hike, mountain bike, cross-country ski, snowshoe, and picnic.

Activities

Visit for a day or spend a few nights inside this serene state park. While youโ€™re here, have a picnic, search for one of the many hidden geocaches, get a closer look at the surrounding landscape by exploring one of the nature trails, and spend some time in or around the lake.

Be sure to take time to check out the Lake Metigoshe Outdoor Learning Center. Here you will get a chance to learn more about the areaโ€™s flora, fauna, history and more through interactive displays and hands-on activities.

And, if youโ€™re thinking about a visit during the winter, youโ€™ll be happy to learn that the park offers opportunities for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, sledding, and ice fishing. Cross-country ski and snowshoe rentals are also available.

Here are some of the many activities that you can do during your visit to Lake Metigoshe State Park:

Boating at Lake Metigoshe State Park

Lake Metigoshe State Park provides access to 3 lakes that are ideal for boating. You can bring your own vessel or rent a canoe or kayak (single or double) inside the park and enjoy the day on Lake Metigoshe or exploring the water trail on School Section Lake. Or discover Eramosh Lake which lies between the US and Canada.

Swimming at Lake Metigoshe State Park

Spend a relaxing day swimming, floating, or just lounging in the beach area along Lake Metigoshe. This serene area is close to the primitive campground.

For your safety, be aware that swimming is at your own risk, there are no lifeguards on duty.

Hiking at Lake Metigoshe State Park

Lake Metigoshe State Park features 14 miles of multi-use trails for hiking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. These trails wind through the woodlands, wetlands, and along the picturesque Turtle Mountains offering spectacular views of the native flora and fauna.

One of the parkโ€™s more popular trails is the Old Oak Nature Trail, a 3 mile trail interpretive trail. This pathway, originally created by the Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) in 1974, was North Dakotaโ€™s first National Recreation Trail.

Fishing at Lake Metigoshe State Park

Fishing is popular year round in Lake Metigoshe State Park. The 1,500 acre lake contains a variety of fish including bass, pike, crappie, bluegill, walleye, sunfish, and perch. With the right gear and a North Dakota fishing license you may fish from boat, shore, or one of the 4 fishing docks along Lake Metigoshe.

Birding at Lake Metigoshe State Park

Lake Metigoshe State Parkโ€™s woodlands and wetlands offer guests prime opportunities for birdwatching. These habitats protect a variety of birds and more than 174 species have been observed within this area.

Bring your binoculars and pick up a bird checklist inside the park office. You may get a glimpse of a Bufflehead Duck, Common Loon, Red-tailed Hawk, American Wigeon, Gold-winged Warbler, Northern Shoveler, Green-winged Teal, Red-necked Grebe, Northern Water-Thrush, Common Tern, Red-eyed Vireo, Swamp Sparrow, or an Eastern Phoebe.

Nature and Wildlife at Lake Metigoshe State Park

Turtles, birds, beaver, woodchucks, chipmunks, squirrels, white-tailed deer, and moose may be seen throughout the woodlands and wetlands inside Lake Metigoshe State Park. These areas feature a variety of plants, animals, birds, and other wildlife native to North Dakota.

Pets

Pets are allowed inside Lake Metigoshe State Park but must be kept on a leash and out of park buildings (including cabins) and the swimming area. A separate dog park area, located near the North Hill Campground, is available for dogs to run and play without leashes.

Camping

Beautiful Lake Metigoshe State Park has 85 modern campsites (with electric and water hookups), 39 primitive sites, 3 group campsites, 2 primitive camping cabins, a yurt, group dorms, and 4 modern cabins, all nestled within the woodlands not far from the lake.

Each campsite, rustic camping cabin, and the yurt have a picnic table and fire ring. Restrooms, showers, a playground, picnic shelters, and a dump station are also located within the campground area.

For a more home away from home overnight stay, check out the Slemmen Lodge, Kingfisher Cabin, White Pelican Cabin, or Loon Lodge. Each of these cabins have bedrooms, a private bathroom, full kitchen, heat, WiFi, and picturesque views of the surrounding landscape.

Park Location

Lake Metigoshe State Park
2514 2nd St E
Bottineau, ND 58318
Phone: 701.263.4651

Park Website
Reservations

Map

Video

Here is a short YouTube video showcasing several attractions at Lake Metigoshe State Park: