Posted in North Dakota Summer May 27, 2023 by

Here Are 10 North Dakota Swimming Spots That Will Make Your Summer Epic

It’s getting warmer and summer is right around the corner. One of my favorite summer activities is heading to a nearby lake and jumping in. Swimming is the perfect thing to do on a hot day to have some fun in the sun, and North Dakota has many great places for swimming. Listed below are 10 of the best rivers and lakes in North Dakota that belong on your summer bucket list.

1. Lake Metigoshe
NDPRD/Flickr




The breathtaking Lake Metigoshe near Bottineau offers shoreside access to the water for swimming, as well as the ability to canoe or kayak across the lake. The serene atmosphere is the perfect peaceful place for enjoying the summer sun.
Lake Metigoshe, Roland, ND 58318, USA
2. Lake Sakakawea
NDPRD/Flickr
With more shoreline than California, this place should be a top summer destination for anyone, anywhere. Everything that can be done in the water can be done here, and swimming is right there at the top. With plenty of beaches and opportunities, you cannot pass this place up this season.
Lake Sakakawea, North Dakota, USA
3. Beaver Lake
NDPRD/Flickr
Beaver Lake State Park, near Wishek, surrounds the scenic Beaver Lake. The park has a swimming beach and opportunities for water sports like water skiing. Make a splash on your summer adventures by visiting Beaver Lake. You'll be so glad you did.
Beaver Lake, Red Lake, ND 58495, USA
4. Devils Lake
flickr/Beatnik Photos
North Dakota's largest natural lake is pretty much perfect for anything. Swimming, boating, fishing, jet skiing, water skiing, canoeing, and kayaking are among the lake's most popular activities. There's plenty of lake access around including swimming beaches. Why spend your summer days inside when you can cool off and soak up some sun at Devils Lake?
Devils Lake, ND 58301, USA
5. Missouri River
Roderick Eime/Flickr




So, it isn't exactly a swimming hole per se, but it does have a ton of spots with swimming access, as well as other water sports. And, quite frankly, it's beautiful and should be on everyone's North Dakota bucket list. Lots of opportunities for waterside fun can be found around the Bismarck-Mandan area.
Missouri River, United States
6. Lake Renwick
NDPRD/Flickr
Out near Cavalier, this lake is the optimal spot for a relaxing, warm afternoon. The surrounding area is dazzling year-round and that, plus the pristine waters, will get you out of your daily grind and into nature without a care in the world.
Lake Renwick, Akra, ND 58220, USA
7. Lake Tschida
Ryan Kramer/Flickr
Also known as the Heart Butte Reservoir, this gorgeous location in between Dickinson and Bismarck, and to the south, is amazing for swimming. This is also definitely a place you might just love enough that you have to stay more than a day, and there are plenty of campsites to allow you to do so. Swim all day in the cool waters here and you'll make some unforgettable summer memories.
Lake Tschida, West Grant, ND, USA
8. Spring Lake Park
Tripadvisor/Sharla B
If you're around Williston and need a place to go on your day off to cool down and soak up some sunshine, Spring Lake Park is just right for you. With its gorgeous waters and pleasant beaches, this place is very fitting for all things summer.
9. Lake Ashtabula
Google maps
Visiting Valley City anytime soon? Here's a spot nearby you should stop at with a cooler full of refreshments, some sunscreen, and a swimsuit. Lake Ashtabula can be enjoyed by all, whether they're on or in the water.
Lake Ashtabula, North Dakota, USA
10. New Johns Lake
Google maps




Northeast of Bismarck, New Johns Lake is an excellent place to stop by and take a dip in the cool water when it's too hot to do anything else in the middle of summer. Nothing's more refreshing in the heat than a nice swim in a nearby lake and this place is perfect for it.
9302 461st Ave NE, Regan, ND 58477, USA

Where in North Dakota is your favorite place to swim during the summer months? Let us know in the comments. Also, if you’ve ever swam in any of the North Dakota lakes listed above, please share your experience(s) with us in the comments.

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The OIYS Visitor Center

lakes in north dakota

May 17, 2022
Jennifer Young

What are some of the largest North Dakota swimming holes?

 

There are several bodies of water in North Dakota that have become popular swimming holes over the years, including numerous lakes. One lake in particular that locals and visitors from afar enjoy taking a swim in is Lake Sakakawea, which is located near Pick City. In addition to being one of the best North Dakota swimming holes, Lake Sakakawea is also one of the largest man-made lakes because it's located within six counties: Dunn, McKenzie, McLean, Mercer, Mountrail, and Williams. Lake Sakakawea is also one of the largest reservoirs in the U.S.

For anyone looking to cool off this summer, nothing beats a swim in one of the many North Dakota swimming holes, especially Lake Sakakawea. There's no denying that this sprawling lake belongs on everyone's summer bucket list.

What's one of the lesser-known swimming holes in North Dakota that's perfect for a day trip?

 

When it comes to swimming holes in North Dakota, many are much more popular gathering spots than others. One of the state's lesser-known swimming holes is Beaver Lake. Beaver Lake is located in Wishek and is a great spot for North Dakota swimming. This lake's water is clear, clean, and beautiful, which certainly makes it a great place for cooling off during the summer months. Beaver Lake is also part of a state park, making it a wonderful place to include on a family day trip. In addition to swimming in Beaver Lake, boating, fishing, and water skiing are other activities enjoyed by many. Don't forget to include a visit to Beaver Lake this summer. You'll love it!