Nestled in the scenic Turtle Mountains along the U.S./Canadian border, Lake Metigoshe is one of the most popular year-round vacation spots in North Dakota. The small lakes within the park provide excellent opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and birding. Visitors can enjoy over 13 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails along with a three-mile self-guided interpretive hiking trail. The unique woodlands and wetlands of Lake Metigoshe State Park provide habitat for a wide variety of plant, animal, and bird species seldom seen elsewhere in North Dakota. Plant and bird checklists are available at the park office.
During the winter, visitors can spend their day cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, riding a fat tire bike, and ice fishing. A portion of the Peace Garden Snowmobile Trail is also found within the park.
The park is home to the Lake Metigoshe Outdoor Learning Center, which offers hands-on programming related to history, nature, and recreation. With a multitude of year-round facilities, Lake Metigoshe is an ideal location for special events.
Slemmen Lodge
Price: $135-150 per night (two-night minimum stay required)
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Situated along the United States and Canadian border, this cabin makes a great getaway for larger groups. Slemmen sleeps eight with a queen bedroom and three queen futons in the living area. The cabin includes a gas fireplace, WiFi, full kitchen and 3/4 bathroom. This secluded cabin is located in the northern part of the park. Stepping off the front porch, you will find a number of trails maintained year round.
Kingfisher Cabin
Price: $100-115 per night (two-night minimum stay required)
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Nestled in the trees near the modern campgrounds, the Kingfisher Cabin can be reserved for stays October 1 through March 30. This cabin accommodates up to four people with two bedrooms, each with a bunk bed (twin top, full bottom). The Kingfisher has a full kitchen, AC, heat and 3/4 bathroom.
White Pelican
Price: $100-115 per night (two-night minimum stay required)
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White Pelican cabin is located along Hemerick Trail in the wooded Turtle Mountains. The White Pelican comfortably sleeps six with two bedrooms (one queen bed and two singles) and queen futon in the living area and includes a full kitchen and 3/4 bathroom. The cabin is also equipped with WiFi. Enjoy the deck and private grass area in the summer or cuddle up with a good book in the winter by the gas fireplace.
Loon Lodge
Price: $100-115 per night (two-night minimum stay required)
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The Loon Lodge is located just north of the Kings Highway trail system located in the Turtle Mountains. This cozy cabin sleeps four with two bedrooms, one with a bunk bed and another with a queen bed. This cabin comes with a gas fireplace, WiFi, full kitchen and 3/4 bathroom.
Blue Heron Yurt
Price: $70-85 per night (two-night minimum stay required)
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The Blue Heron Yurt sits on the edge of School Section Lake and offers beautiful views of this quiet lake. The Hemerick Point trail system runs right to the Yurt. This yurt sleeps four and has a bunk bed and a pullout futon. A gas fireplace, kitchen table and a small refrigerator are located inside the Blue Heron. A vault toilet is located on site and shower facilities are located in the main campground during the summer season.
Cormorant
Price: $70-85 per night (two-night minimum stay required)
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Located in the wooded Turtle Mountains, the Cormorant Cabin offers stunning views of School Section Lake. This quiet cabin sleeps four. It has one bedroom with a queen size bed and one full futon and one twin futon in the living room. A vault toilet is located on site and shower facilities are located in the main campground during the summer season.
Osprey Cabin
Price: $70-85 per night (two-night minimum stay required)
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The Osprey Cabin is perfect for the adventurous type. This primitive backcountry cabin is located along the east shore of Lake Eramosh. The cabin is only accessible by a 2-mile hike or a 1.5-mile canoe/kayak ride and short portage. This cozy cabin sleeps four with two full beds and two twins set up bunk bed style. The cabin includes wood, a wood burning stove, and solar lights. A vault toilet is available onsite but water has to be packed in.
Group Dorms
Price: $6 per person/night ($150 minimum)
Call to reserve: (701) 263-4651
The group dorms are a great option for large groups coming to Lake Metigoshe State Park. The park has two dorms that each sleep 60 people each. The dorms are located next to a shower and restroom facilities and the kitchen/dining hall.
- Guests are expected to do general cleaning before vacating, including sweeping, wiping down surfaces and collecting and bagging trash.
- Check-in is after 4 pm, check-out is at noon.
- Smoking is not allowed in any cabins or yurts.
- Game or fish cleaning in or around cabins or yurts is not allowed. Please contact park staff for other arrangements.
- Pets are not allowed in cabins or yurts.
- Bedding and towels are not provided.
- Find answers to other common questions about reservations here.
Campsite Type
84 Modern Campsites
(electricity & water)
Price: $25-30 per night
39 Primitive Campsites
Price: $15 per night
3 Modern Group Campsites
(electricity, water and the ability to put multiple units on one site)
Price: $25-30 per night, per unit
Campground Maps
Full Park Map
- Campsites can be booked 95 days in advance from the date you wish to stay.
- Reservations can be made online or by calling 800-807-4723.
- Check-in is at 4:00 pm on the first day of the reservation and checkout is at 3:00 pm on the last day of the reservation.
- Pets are welcome but must stay on a leash. Most parks have off-leash areas or dog parks for your four-legged friends.
- Find answers to other common questions about reservations here.
The Outdoor Learning Center program is available at Lake Metigoshe State Park. This program offers ecology, conservation, cultural and recreational programming in an outdoor setting.
Field Trip & Program Opportunities
Lake Metigoshe State Park provides a natural classroom to study the outdoor environment. They offer a wide range of ecosystems, including forests, wetlands, prairies, rivers, and lakes, allowing participants to experience such places with knowledgeable interpretive naturalists.
Programs offer interactive learning. Navigate a course by using a compass, grasp anatomy and physiology by dressing up like a bird, step back in time by making your own butter or even taste some wild edibles! The naturalists at the learning center will work with you to make your individual arrangements.
Scheduling Information
- The length of programs is 1 to 2 hours and depends on the size and age of the group. Group size may be limited to maximum participation due to the availability of equipment.
- Reservations are required. Book early, especially for arrangements in the spring and summer season.
- OLC programs are designed to handle groups of various sizes. Chaperones are required but are not charged as participants. The suggested chaperone to student ratio is 1:12.
- Rental of housing facilities and camping may be available. Contact the learning center for rental and reservation information.
- All participants should dress appropriately for changing weather conditions. Layers are suggested. Groups are encouraged to bring their own meals. Meal arrangements can be made for additional fees.
- Indoor facilities may be used for portions of the program during poor weather conditions.
- Suggested items to bring to the learning center include drinking water, bug spray, sunscreen, rain gear, lip balm, and appropriate shoes for hiking.
- Other recreational opportunities that are available onsite may include volleyball, playground equipment, fishing, hiking trails, horseshoes, geocaching, biking, and many more!
Fees/Rates
Rates are $5 per participant, per program. There is a $50 minimum for groups with 10 or fewer participants. Rates include state park entrance fees for up to one bus and two vehicles. Changes and or cancellations require two weeks' notice or fees may apply.
Program Offerings
- Archery: Establish eye dominance, learn about archery equipment and make string bows prior to picking up bows and arrows to practice shooting form and shot execution. Participants may shoot at targets, 3D targets, or a combination. A fun choice for participants 8 years of age and older. All participants are subject to liability waivers. Equipment provided.
- Ecology Games: Understand basic ecologic concepts in a fun, fast-paced, and creative outdoor setting that emphasizes concepts such as predator-prey, web of life, limiting factors, and human responsibility. A great choice for all age levels!
- Freshwater Ecology: Grab a dip net and put on waders! Participants will investigate water quality, catch and identify critters while exploring a wetland. Equipment provided. It’s highly recommended participants bring an extra set of clothes as some really get into this activity!
- Geocaching: Learn how geocaching got started and use a Global Positioning System (GPS) to take part in this high-tech treasure hunt by finding a few caches right here at Lake Metigoshe State Park! Equipment provided.
- Kayaking: Acquire basic skills and learn water safety prior to getting out onto School Section Lake to explore the park from the water. All participants are subject to liability waivers. Equipment is provided.
- Night Hike: Experience what adaptations are needed for nocturnal animals to survive after dark by further exploring your very own senses. The hike starts at sunset and concludes after dark! A popular choice for residential groups of all ages.
Full program list and details available here.
Kitchen/Dining Hall
Kitchen/dining hall seats 140 people and has a fully equipped kitchen and WiFi. It is available year round and can be booked by calling the park at (701) 263-4651.
Kitchen/dining hall. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $250/day
Picnic Shelters
Lake Metigoshe has two small picnic shelters (Birch and Oak) and one medium shelter (Aspen) available for use. The small shelters each seat 48 people and the medium shelter seats 100 people. To book the picnic shelters please call the park at (701) 263-4651.
Birch & Oak Shelter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $25/day
Aspen Shelter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $50/day
If renting equipment for a larger group, contact the park ahead of time to ensure equipment is available.
Aqua Lily Pads
Aqua pad rentals are available for $20/hour or $80/day.
Canoe Rentals
Canoe rentals are available for $32/half day or $50/full day. Paddles and life vests are
included in rental fee. 7 canoes are available for rent.
Cross Country Skis
Cross-country ski rentals are available for $15/day. The park has 34 pairs of cross-country skis available for rent.
Kayaks
Kayak rentals are available for $32/half day or $50/full day. Paddles and life vests are
included in rental fee. Eight single and four double kayaks are available for rent.
Kicksleds
Kicksled rentals are available for $15/day. 4 kicksleds are available for rent.
Pontoon
Pontoon boat rentals are available for $400-450/day and seat 10. Life jackets are included with rental fee.
Skishoes
Skishoe rentals are available for $15/day. 12 pairs of skishoes are available for rent.
Snowshoes
Snowshoe rentals are available for $15/day. 35 pairs of snowshoes are available for rent.
Stand-Up Paddleboard Rentals
Stand-up paddleboard rentals are available for $8/hour or $50/day. Two stand--up paddleboards are available. Paddles and life vests are included in the rental fee.
- Boat ramp
- Dog park
- Fishing docks (4)
- Electrical hookups
- Outdoor Learning Center
- Geocaches
- Picnic shelters
- Playgrounds (2)
- Sewage dump station
- Showers and flush toilets
- Sledding hill
- Swim beach
- Warming house
Nestled in the scenic Turtle Mountains on the shores of Lake Metigoshe, Lake Metigoshe State Park was constructed by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) in the 1930s and is one of the most popular year-round vacation spots in North Dakota.
Old Oak Nature Trail
Distance: 3 miles
Open to: hiking
This is North Dakota's first National Recreation Trail. Built by the Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) in 1974, it was dedicated by Governor Arthur Link in 1976. This self-guided interpretive trail is approximately three miles in length and takes about two hours to hike. Interpretive brochures are available at the trailhead or at the park office.
East Side Multi-Use Trails
Distance: 8 miles
Open to: hiking, biking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing
These trails are open to hiking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Keep an eye out for a variety of wildlife and vegetation. You might see Moose, White Tail Deer, a Pine Martin or Ruffed Grouse. Our trails run through forested, grass and wetland areas creating many unique viewing opportunities.
Loop | Distance to Loop from Warming House Trailhead | Loop Distance | Round Trip |
Antelope (formerly Bobcat) | 0.9 miles | 0.7 miles | 2.5 miles |
Beaver Loop | 1.16 miles | 1.93 miles | 4.25 miles |
Coyote | 2.25 miles | 1.45 miles | 5.95 miles |
Deer | 2.75 miles | 2.55 miles | 8.05 miles |
Kings Highway Trail | Additional trail and access point | ||
West Side Multi-Use Trails
Distance: 4 miles
Open to: hiking, biking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing
These trails are open to hiking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Keep an eye out for a variety of wildlife and vegetation. You might see Moose, White Tail Deer, a Pine Martin or Ruffed Grouse. Our trails run through forested, grass and wetland areas creating many unique viewing opportunities.
Loop | Distance to Loop from Warming House Trailhead | Loop Distance | Round Trip |
Cub | 1.2 miles | 0.35 miles | 2.75 miles |
Tenderfoot | 1.27 miles | 0.77 miles | 3.31 miles |
Scout | 1.34 miles | 0.67 miles | 3.35 miles |
Eagle | 1.67 miles | 1.22 miles | 4.56 miles |
Hemerick Point Trail | Connects to loops from Warming House Trailhead | ||
Peace Garden Snowmobile Trail
Distance: 3.7 miles
Open to: Snowmobiling
A portion of the Peace Garden Snowmobile Trail is found within Lake Metigoshe State Park. This 3.7-mile section runs from the west side of the park, coming in from Lake Metigoshe, to the northeast park boundary and continues on to the International Peace Garden. Snowmobiles are to be registered and licensed according to ND state law and are only allowed on the snowmobile trail and designated roads within the park.
Trail Map:
- A PDF Map of the summer trails is available here.
- A PDF Map of the winter trails is available here.
- All North Dakota State Park and Recreation Area trail information is available on the OuterSpatial App.
- Paper park maps are also available at the park.
Upcoming Events
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Wild Outdoor Women (WOW) - Winter
Friday, February 7, 2025 at 07:00 pm - Sunday, February 9, 2025 at 12:30 pm
Categories: Lake Metigoshe State ParkThis event is primarily for ladies over the age of 16 who wish to learn or improve on skills associated with several outdoor recreational activities to include activities such as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, darkhouse spearfishing and more!
Ojibway Showshoe Lacing Workshop
Saturday, March 1, 2025 at 09:00 am - 05:00 pm
Categories: Lake Metigoshe State ParkDon't miss this unique hands-on workshop at Lake Metigoshe State Park! Instructors Lynda Knutsen and Jackie Jacobson will teach the lacing pattern and participants will work at their own pace to lace their own Ojibway snowshoes.
Fishing Rod Building Workshop
Friday, April 4, 2025 at 06:00 pm - Sunday, April 6, 2025 at 08:00 am
Categories: Lake Metigoshe State ParkBuild your own custom fishing rod with step-by-step instruction by Chuck DeRemer. This opportunity is for anyone at least 14 years of age, 12 if registering with a parent/guardian.
Contact
Lake Metigoshe State Park
2 Lake Metigoshe State Park
Bottineau, ND 58318
(701) 263-4651
lmsp@nd.gov
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