This One Destination Has The Absolute Bluest Water In North Dakota
North Dakota is full of stunning lakes, rivers, and ponds that are beautiful in their own unique ways, but this spot definitely is on top when it comes to having the most pristine, deep blue water. It’s a little out of the way for most people but highly worth a visit if you can go just to experience the natural beauty it has. I mean, just look at this:
It's known as Lake Metigoshe and is one of the top lakes in North Dakota. The name actually comes from what the original Chippewa residents called it, a phrase that means "clear water lake surrounded by oaks." You can see why they'd call it that - the water is GORGEOUS!
It's part of the Lake Metigoshe State Park, which also is comprised of marshlands and smaller ponds and creeks that derive from the lake. Many people enjoy it by spending a day out on the water, whether it be in a canoe, kayak, or even on water skies. There is an actual water skiing club that performs on the lake in the summertime, and you can watch or try it out for yourself!
Though the water is a striking and crystal clear blue up close, due to the calm nature of the lake, from a distance you can usually see a perfectly mirrored sky. This allows for some stunning photos, especially during the sunset.
Other than boating and just gazing in awe, Lake Metigoshe is loved by many as a prime spot for fishing northern pike and walleye. Even in the winter the lake is still busy, offering skating, cross country skiing, snowmobiling, and ice fishing. It transforms into a winter wonderland.
Lake Metigoshe is by far one of North Dakota’s best natural hidden gems that many people have never even heard of. It can be found 14 miles northeast of Bottineau, ND. More information can be found at the North Dakota Parks & Recreation Department site.
This lake was number one on Best Places To Swim In North Dakota. Check out which other places made the list. Catch the chance to make a splash before the summer is completely over!
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Leah moved to North Dakota when she was 12 years old and has traveled from the Red River Valley to the badlands and many places in between. She loves small-town life and currently enjoys living on a small farm in the ND prairie. She's always had a passion for writing and has participated in novel writing challenges such as NaNoWriMo multiple times. Her favorite part about this job is recognizing small businesses that deserve a boost and seeing the positive affect her articles can have on their traffic, especially in rural areas that might have otherwise gone overlooked.