Turtle Mountain State Recreation Area
Rising like a forested island from the vast North Dakota prairie, the Turtle Mountains are a geological and ecological anomaly—a hilly, lake-dotted, densely wooded landscape that feels more like northern Minnesota or Manitoba than the Great Plains. Turtle Mountain State Recreation Area, nestled within this unique region near the Canadian border, offers 12 miles of multi-use trails, pristine lakes stocked with rainbow trout, and wildlife ranging from moose and black bears to bald eagles and golden eagles.
This is North Dakota’s hidden wilderness—a place where most visitors are local, trails are uncrowded, and the stargazing is world-class.
Table of Contents
A Prairie Island: Landscape and Geology
The Turtle Mountains owe their existence to the same glacial forces that shaped the northern Great Plains. During the last Ice Age, glaciers deposited thick layers of sediment that now form rolling hills rising 700 feet above the surrounding prairie. The result is a densely forested highland dotted with thousands of small lakes, potholes, and wetlands—an ecosystem that resembles northern boreal forest more than anything else in North Dakota. Aspen, birch, and bur oak dominate the canopy, providing a striking contrast to the open grasslands below.
Trails and Recreation
The recreation area features 12 miles of designated multi-use trails that accommodate hikers, mountain bikers, horseback riders, and in winter, snowshoers. ATVs, UTVs, and dirt bikes are also permitted on designated routes. The trails wind through hilly terrain, open meadows, and dense hardwood forest. Within the broader Turtle Mountain State Forest, an additional 18 miles of non-motorized trails and 10 miles of ATV trails are available.
Lakes and Fishing
Lake Metigoshe, which straddles the international border, is the region’s premier lake for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. Strawberry Lake is annually stocked with rainbow trout and enforces a no-motor policy, creating a serene fishing experience. Hahn’s Bay Recreation Area provides a boat ramp and day-use access to Lake Metigoshe.
Wildlife
The Turtle Mountains support an unusually diverse wildlife population for North Dakota. White-tailed deer, moose, coyotes, and black bears inhabit the forest, while bald eagles, golden eagles, great blue herons, loons, and ruffed grouse reward patient birdwatchers. The region historically supported a robust moose population, though numbers have declined in recent decades.
History: Ojibwe Homeland
The Turtle Mountains are the traditional territory of the Plains Ojibwe and part of the Métis homeland. The Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Reservation was established in 1882. European settlers arrived in the 1880s, drawn by the abundant timber. Concerns about extensive logging led to the establishment of the Turtle Mountain Forest Reserve in 1906—one of the earliest conservation actions in North Dakota.
Essential Visitor Information
- Location: Rolette County, North Dakota, approximately 15 miles north of Bottineau.
- Camping: Primitive campgrounds are available at Hahn’s Bay, Strawberry Lake, and Twisted Oaks (equestrian). Modern camping facilities are at nearby Lake Metigoshe State Park.
- Season: Trails are accessible spring through fall for hiking and biking, and winter for snowshoeing. Lake access is seasonal.
FAQ: Turtle Mountain State Recreation Area
Are there moose in the Turtle Mountains?
Can you fish at Strawberry Lake?
Are ATVs allowed in Turtle Mountain State Recreation Area?
