The Small Town Lake In North Dakota That’s An Idyllic Summer Day Trip

Hidden away about 24 miles west of I-29 in North Dakota is the small town of Hatton. It was founded back in 1882, and today, it's home to just a handful of residents (714 as of the 2020 census). Nevertheless, it's still hiding a delightful little secret: It's home to one of the best lakes in North Dakota, and today I'd like to take a few moments to really appreciate it. Welcome to Hatton, home of Golden Lake (and Golden Lake Acres)!

Hatton is a beautiful little place with a big sense of community.

Should you wish to meander around town and see all the sights there are to see, I definitely have a few recommendations: For example, the Hatton-Eilson Museum is a must do.

One thing's for sure: It's not an overly busy place, but it's not a bore, either.

Once you've had your fill of town, it's time for the real meat and potatoes of your visit: beautiful Golden Lake.

Golden Lake isn't huge, but it's not tiny, either. In my opinion, it's just right.

It comes in at just over 36 square miles in size, with lots of opportunities for boating, fishing, and camping. It's not nearly as popular as some of the larger lakes in the state, but that's part of what makes it so charming.

Here, you'll also find a seasonal resort known as Golden Lake Acres.

It's got all the goods: a private beach, a playground, a boat launch, good eats and drinks, and so much more. It is indeed popular among fishermen, and here, you'll be able to catch many different species of fish like largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, and more.

Fun fact: At its deepest, Golden Lake is just 14 feet in depth.

On average, it's just about eight feet deep. It's no place for diving, but if you want to laze the day away on a kayak you most certainly can. It's also a favorite among locals who want to cool off with a good swim.

So, is Hatton worth visiting? I'd say yes.

Keep in mind that you can stay at Golden Lake Acres if you'd like - it's a wonderful little place to relax on an absolutely gorgeous lake.

For more information about Golden Lake Acres, check out the resort's Facebook page for the most up-to-date information. If you find you can't get enough of the amazing lakes of North Dakota, you might want to check out our comprehensive list of the best swimming lakes in ND.