Lake Metigoshe State Park Explained

Lake Metigoshe State Park
Photo Width:280
Photo Alt:Canoes
Map:North Dakota
Map Width:280
Relief:1
Label:Lake Metigoshe State Park
Location:Roland Township, Bottineau County, North Dakota, United States
Nearest City:Bottineau, North Dakota
Coords:48.9867°N -100.3239°W
Area:1508.53acres
Elevation:2139feet
Established:1937
Free Label:Named for
Designation:North Dakota state park
Administrator:North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department

Lake Metigoshe State Park is a public recreation area occupying some on the shores of Lake Metigoshe in the Turtle Mountains, 14 miles northeast of Bottineau, North Dakota, on the Canada–US border. The state park lies adjacent to the southwest corner of the much larger Turtle Mountain Provincial Park in Manitoba. A small portion of the lake extends northward into the Rural Municipality of Winchester but is not part of either park.

History

The name Lake Metigoshe is derived from the Ojibwe phrase mitigoshi-waashegami-zaaga'igan meaning "clearwater lake of scrub-oaks." The area was also once home to the Blackfoot, Hidatsa, and Assiniboine peoples.

The park was developed by workers with the WPA who arrived at the site beginning in 1934. Their improvements included construction of a lodge, recreation rooms large enough for 200 people, roads, and various out buildings. A stone inscribed "WPA 1938" found near the park entrance commemorates their work. The park was formally established on February 17, 1937.

Activities and amenities

The park offers swimming, canoeing, sailing, water-skiing and other water sports, modern and primitive camping areas, and picnicking. Lake Metigoshe has northern pike, walleye, and perch for fishing. Winter activities include snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, skating, sledding, and ice fishing. The Turtle Mountain Outdoor Learning Center offers ecology, conservation, and outdoor recreation programs.

Events

The Club de Skinautique water-skiers practice and perform on Lake Metigoshe. Known as the "Skinautiques," the club has performed water skiing shows every summer since 1958.

External links