Lake Sakakawea

State: North Dakota. Type: reservoir on the Missouri River, formed by Garrison Dam, impounded in 1953 and completed in 1956 under the Pick-Sloan Program. Spans Dunn, McKenzie, McLean, Mercer, Mountrail and Williams counties. 307,000 acres (480 square miles); 178 miles long; second-largest U.S. reservoir by surface area (after Lake Oahe) and third-largest by volume, with a maximum depth of 180 feet at the dam.

Lake Sakakawea is a vast Missouri River reservoir in north-central North Dakota, created when Garrison Dam was completed and the lake impounded in 1953-1956 as part of the federal Pick-Sloan Program of flood control, hydropower, navigation and irrigation projects. Stretching 178 miles across six counties, with widths from two to three miles up to 14 miles at its Van Hook Arm, the lake ranks as the second-largest reservoir in the United States by surface area and third by volume. Its creation came at a real human cost: the rising water inundated the towns of Van Hook, Old Sanish and Elbowoods and displaced residents of the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation, who relocated to New Town, White Shield and Mandaree. Today the lake is a major recreation draw, with fishing for walleye, northern pike and chinook salmon, boating, sailing and windsurfing all popular, and several state parks, including Lake Sakakawea State Park near Pick City, providing developed access, campgrounds and marinas along its shoreline. The lake also marks the western terminus of the roughly 4,800-mile North Country National Scenic Trail.

Lake Sakakawea lies in north-central North Dakota, about 50 miles from Bismarck, and spans six counties: Dunn, McKenzie, McLean, Mercer, Mountrail and Williams. Garrison Dam, at the lake's eastern end, sits near Pick City, home to Lake Sakakawea State Park.

North-central North Dakota has a continental climate, with warm summers (daytime highs commonly in the 80s Fahrenheit) suited to boating and swimming, and cold winters that typically freeze the lake's surface. Wind is a regular feature on the open water, a factor for sailing and windsurfing but also for boating safety, and conditions can shift quickly.

Late spring through early fall (roughly May through September) is the main recreation season, when the swim beach, marina and boating activities are all in operation and campgrounds are open. Anglers targeting specific species, such as walleye or chinook salmon, should check seasonal patterns and any current state fishing regulations before planning a trip.

Garrison Dam was built on the Missouri River as part of the Pick-Sloan Program, a mid-20th-century federal effort combining flood control, hydroelectric power, navigation and irrigation across the Missouri River basin. The reservoir behind it, later named Lake Sakakawea, was impounded beginning in 1953 and completed in 1956. Filling the reservoir inundated the communities of Van Hook and Old Sanish, as well as Elbowoods, and displaced Fort Berthold Indian Reservation residents, who relocated to the newly established or expanded communities of New Town, White Shield and Mandaree. The dam and lake have since become central to the region's flood control, power generation and recreation economy, with state parks and marinas developing along the reservoir's long shoreline in the decades since.

Fishing is a major draw, with walleye, northern pike and chinook salmon among the targeted species. Boating, sailing and windsurfing are popular given the lake's size and open water, and Lake Sakakawea State Park operates a full-service marina with slips, a gas dock, pump-out service, boat storage, and pontoon and kayak rentals. A swim beach at the state park offers a designated swimming area, and hiking trails, including a stretch of the North Country National Scenic Trail, run along parts of the shoreline.

Lake Sakakawea State Park, on the south shore near Pick City, is the primary developed access point, with its marina, swim beach, trails and visitor center. Garrison Dam itself, at the lake's eastern end, is a notable engineering landmark tied to the lake's creation. The lake also marks the western terminus of the North Country National Scenic Trail, a roughly 4,800-mile route extending east to Vermont.

Lake Sakakawea is about 50 miles from Bismarck, reachable by car via state and county highways; Bismarck Municipal Airport is the nearest airport with significant commercial service, followed by a drive to the lake. Lake Sakakawea State Park itself is located at 720 Park Ave, Pick City, ND, accessible by paved road.

Lake Sakakawea State Park is open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., with quiet hours from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.; camping check-in is at 4 p.m. and checkout at 3 p.m. Confirm current hours for specific facilities like the marina before visiting.

As of research, Lake Sakakawea State Park listed modern group campsites with electricity and water at $25-30 per night per unit, and camping cabins at $70-85 per night with a two-night minimum stay; a specific day-use vehicle permit fee was not confirmed from the sources checked and should be verified directly with North Dakota Parks and Recreation.

A day trip is enough for fishing, boating or a swim-beach visit, while many visitors stay several days to a week at the state park's campground or cabins to make full use of the lake's marina, trails and fishing access.

Lake Sakakawea State Park offers camping cabins and modern group campsites with electricity and water directly on the lake near Pick City. The nearby town of Garrison and the wider region offer additional motels and lodging for visitors who prefer not to camp.

The town of Garrison, near the lake and dam, offers small-town dining options typical of the surrounding rural area. Visitors staying at the state park's campground often plan to cook on-site, given the more limited restaurant selection immediately around the lake compared to larger cities like Bismarck or Minot.

Garrison Dam itself, near the state park, is a notable nearby landmark tied to the lake's creation. The Fort Berthold Indian Reservation and its communities of New Town, White Shield and Mandaree, all connected to the history of the lake's creation, lie along its shores. The North Country National Scenic Trail's western terminus at the state park connects to a much longer regional trail network for hikers wanting to extend their visit.

Bismarck Municipal Airport, roughly 50 miles away, is the nearest airport with substantial commercial service; a personal or rental vehicle is necessary to reach the lake and its state park, since there is no direct rail or transit service to the shoreline.

Because the lake is large and can be windy, boaters and sailors should check weather and wind conditions before heading out, and wear life jackets as a standard precaution. Swimmers should stick to the designated swim beach area at the state park rather than undeveloped shoreline. For any emergency, dial 911; the state park office can be reached directly for park-specific concerns.

Sunscreen, a hat and swimwear for the beach, life jackets for any boating or watersports, and fishing gear if targeting walleye, northern pike or chinook salmon. A cooler with food and water is useful given the more limited dining options directly around the lake.

Book campsites or cabins at Lake Sakakawea State Park in advance for summer weekends, since lake-based recreation draws heavy seasonal demand; reservations can be made online or via the state park call center. Check current fishing regulations and seasons for target species before a fishing trip. Combining a stay with a stretch of the North Country National Scenic Trail is an option for hikers wanting to add a trail component to a lake visit.

Dial 911 for any emergency. Lake Sakakawea State Park's office can be reached at (701) 487-3315, and camping reservations can be made through the state park call center at 800-807-4723.

North Dakota Parks and Recreation, Lake Sakakawea State Park - https://www.parkrec.nd.gov/lake-sakakawea-state-park

This section is being updated and will be available shortly.

This section is being updated and will be available shortly.

This section is being updated and will be available shortly.