Lake Metigoshe is one of the top locations in the North Central region of North Dakota for water activities. Often referred to as the “Jewel of the Turtle Mountains,” this 1,500-acre lake bordering Manitoba, Canada, is a popular vacation spot for lake lovers. Formed by the last Wisconsin glacier over 10,000 years ago, Lake Metigoshe is surrounded by smaller lakes. It takes its name from the Chippewa word “Metigoshe Washegum,” meaning ‘clear lake surrounded by many oaks.’ The lake hosts about 900 cottages and homes along its 28 miles of shoreline.
Lucky lake dwellers take advantage of the expansive water to enjoy sailing, waterskiing, tubing, wakeboarding, and pontooning. The irregular shoreline creates numerous coves, bays, and inlets perfect for canoeing and kayaking. Although no full-service marina exists, a small marine service business sells supplies and handles boat repairs. Many homes are perched on bluffs above the water, safe from occasional flooding due to high annual rainfall and inundations from surrounding lakes and streams. The Lake Metigoshe Improvement Association keeps residents informed about water levels and quality and sponsors community events throughout the year, including performances by a local waterski club.
Lake Metigoshe is naturally divided into two basins, connected at The Narrows. Lake Metigoshe State Park encompasses much of the eastern shoreline of the north basin and stretches to the international border, where it meets Turtle Mountain Provincial Park in Canada. The state park features a swimming beach, tent and RV camping, showers, an RV dump site, a playground, picnic areas, shelters, rental cabins, and a yurt. A group camping area offers a kitchen, dining hall, and dormitory. The Lake Metigoshe Outdoor Learning Center provides summer conservation, ecology, and recreational instruction. Two additional picnic areas are also available.
Numerous walking and mountain bike paths, such as the National Recreation Trail and the Old Oak Trail, are available in the park. In winter, snowshoes and skis are available for cross-country skiing. Wildlife like white-tail deer, muskrat, beaver, squirrel, mink, and occasionally moose are common, along with many waterfowl. Most smaller lakes in the park allow kayaking but not motorized boats. A boat launch, at least two other ramps, and a fishing pier are available around the lake.
Fishing at Lake Metigoshe is excellent, with northern pike, walleye, bluegill, crappie, and yellow perch being the main catch. Ice fishing is popular, and the lake’s islands and irregular shoreline provide varied fish habitats. Snowmobiling is also a significant activity, with trails connecting to the International Peace Gardens and over 250 miles of trails in the Turtle Mountain area. The Turtle Mountain Scenic Byway offers a 50-mile tour of the scenic area. Near Bottineau, a local ski area provides downhill skiing, snowboarding, and sledding.
For luxurious accommodations, a modern hotel and at least one resort offer lodgings directly on the water, alongside private vacation home rentals and guest houses. Bottineau, about 12 miles south, provides services and shopping, while lakeshore convenience stores cater to quick needs.
The nearby International Peace Garden is a must-visit, showcasing unique garden features, a conservatory, a restaurant, the Game Warden Museum, a 9-11 Memorial, a Bell Tower, and a Sunken Garden. Visitors should carry proper identification due to border regulations.
Real estate around Lake Metigoshe includes occasional building lots. The lake fosters a tight-knit community where many families have lived for generations. It’s a great place to make memories and enjoy various water-based activities, making it a popular destination year-round.