Lakes & Rivers in North Dakota

You’ll find several lakes and rivers between the rich pastures and rolling hills around North Dakota. Whether you want to spend the day fishing, boating, or enjoying a picnic, you can head out to one of several recreational areas and parks around Fargo, Bismarck, and Minot to enjoy some fresh air and scenic views. Lake Sakakawea is one of the most popular water destinations between Minot and Bismarck and is also the largest man-made lake in North Dakota. It’s a popular destination for sailing, boating, and fishing during the warmer months.

Other popular lakes around the region include Devils Lake, Stump Lake and Lake Oahe. You can head to any of these destinations for some summer fun on the water, pontooning, and motorboat rides. From the Missouri River sandbar to the fishing hotspots around Devils Lake, you’ll find plenty of reasons to enjoy the great outdoors when traveling through North Dakota.

Lake Sakakawea

North Dakota is a land rich in open pastures, rolling hills, and plenty of excellent outdoor recreation. Make your way west on your next visit and check out Lake Sakakawea. Found along Highway 83 between Minot and Bismarck, Lake Sakakawea is part of Garrison Dam. With a surface area of 307,000 acres, and stretching 178 miles, Lake Sakakawea is certainly a sight to behold – the largest man-made lake in all of North Dakota. In all, there are 1,340 miles of shoreline for you to explore at Lake Sakakawea. You'll find a wide range of boating, fishing, hunting, and sailing options at Lake Sakakawea.