What’s the Largest Artificial Lake in North Dakota?

Coming in at number 4 on the list of the largest reservoirs in the United States is Lake Sakakawea, the largest artificial lake in North Dakota! Also touted as the third largest reservoir in the nation is none other than Lake Sakakawea. Whether it’s number 3 or number 4 on the superlatives list of U.S. reservoirs, Lake Sakakawea is number 1 in North Dakota! When measured by capacity, Lake Sakakawea’s 23,800,000 acre-feet (29.4 km³) blows the competition out of the water! The lake is 178 miles long and boasts over 1,500 miles (2414 km) of shoreline. Lake Sakakawea is a popular destination for boating, fishing, windsurfing, hiking, and much more! Keep reading to learn more about the largest artificial lake in North Dakota!

Five Facts About the Largest Artificial Lake in North Dakota

• Lake Sakakawea is the largest artificial lake in North Dakota. It has over 1,500 (2414 km) miles of shoreline.
• Garrison Dam is one of the top 5 largest earthen-embankment dams on Earth.
• The largest artificial lake in North Dakota is attached to three state parks.
• The North Country Trail, which ends in Lake Sakakwea State Park is the longest continuous hiking. trail in the United States, covering twice the distance of the Appalachian Trial.
• Lake Sakakawea is a destination wedding site.

The Birth of a Behemoth

The construction of the Garrison Dam on the Missouri River created Lake Sakakawea. The lake covers an area of approximately 368,000 acres. The construction of the Garrison Dam was completed between 1947-1953, providing flood control, hydroelectric power, and irrigation to the surrounding region. Garrison Dam is an earthen embankment dam. The dam is over 2 miles (3.2 km) long, making it one o the top five largest in the world.

Garrison Dam is one of the Pick-Sloan Project’s dams. The project’s aim was to harness the power of the nation’s rivers. especially ones like the Missouri, which were prone to overflowing with snowmelt in the spring. The downside of the project was the number of people that were displaced by the resulting flooding. The lake is named for the Shoshone guide Sacagawea, who played an important role in the Lewis and Clark Expedition and whose likeness is on the one-dollar coin U.S. The dam is named for a hamlet just north of the lake. According to the 2020 census, fewer than 2000 folks call Garrison, North Dakota, home.

Lake Sakakawea / Fort Stevenson / Lewis and Clark State Parks

The largest artificial lake in North Dakota is home to three state parks.

Covering 700-plus acres on the lake’s south shore, Lake Sakakwea State Park is a haven for outdoorsmen with spectacular views and plenty of watersports and land activities. If you’re on the lake’s north shore, the 586 acres that comprise Fort Stevenson State Park have got you covered. Lewis and Clark State Park, on one of Lake Sakakawea’s upper bays, encompasses 525 acres and offers many of the same amenities as the others.

The parks have swimming beaches, campsites, hiking trails, and the largest man-made lake in North Dakota! Thanks to North Dakota’s notable wind, sailboaters and windsurfers are never disappointed. Anglers of all stripes enjoy fishing in the well-stocked lake. Hikers on the south shore can explore the North Country National Scenic Trail, which covers 4,600 miles and winds through eight states. Lake Sakakawea State Park is home to the trail’s end, which begins in Vermont. Keep reading to get the skinny on the activities and amenities available to visitors to Lake Sakakawea, Fort Stevenson, and Lewis and Clark State Parks.

Fishing at the Largest Artificial Lake in North Dakota

Lake Sakakawea has excellent fishing opportunities. The lake is stocked with a variety of fish, including walleye, northern pike, catfish, and smallmouth bass. Anglers will find a range of fishing opportunities, from trolling for game fish to casting from shore for crappie or perch. The lake’s diverse habitats, including rocky shorelines, weed beds, and deep water, provide a home for a variety of fish, making it an ideal destination to test out new fishing techniques! Lake Sakakawea also offers several boat launches, giving visitors access to the lake’s deeper waters and target game fish, like walleye. Boaters can also explore the lake’s many coves and bays, which offer excellent fishing for smallmouth bass. A valid North Dakota state fishing license is required to fish at Lake Sakakawea. Whether you’re fishing from the shore or the middle of Lake Sakakawea, you’ll be certain to have a mess of fish come dinnertime!

Lake Sakakwea: Boating

Beyond fishing, there are a number of other watersports from which to choose at the largest man-made lake in North Dakota! Whether your vessel is powered by North Dakota’s fabled wind or fossil fuels, you’re in for a major treat! Lake Sakakawea is popular with sailboating and windsurfing enthusiasts. The lake offers consistent winds making it an ideal destination for these activities.

Sailboating is a great way to enjoy the scenic beauty of the lake while getting exercise and spending time with friends and family. If you really want to get your heart pumping, windsurfing might be for you. Both sailboating and windsurfing require knowledge of wind patterns, currents, and water conditions. It’s essential to prepare beforehand, educating yourself about the lake’s unique conditions. If you don’t have your own equipment, no problem. there are a number of outfitters nearby. However, don’t wait until you arrive to reserve, lest you be disappointed.

Water skiing and wakeboarding are also popular activities at Lake Sakakawea. The lake’s enormous size and consistent water conditions make it ideal for water skiing and wakeboarding. The lake’s many boat ramps offer easy access for recreational boaters. Whether you’re an experienced skier or just starting out, Lake Sakakawea has plenty of opportunities and rentals! Proof of proper registration and licensure are required for privately owned vessels.

Hunting at the Largest Artificial Lake in North Dakota

Hunting is allowed at Lake Sakakawea, Fort Stevenson, and Lewis and Clark State Parks. Birds, as well as larger game, are hunted in the grasslands and forests surrounding Lake Sakakawea. Pheasant, grouse, quail, and partridge are common game birds in the area. Other small game species commonly hunted include squirrels and rabbits. Big game like deer, elk, and moose are also targeted by hunters. If you are planning a hunting excursion to the area, be aware that a valid North Dakota hunting license is necessary. Additional certification may be required for bow hunting.

Lake Sakakawea: Landlubber’s Delight

Even dyed-in-the-wool landlubbers can delight in activities at Lake Sakakawea. Hunting, hiking, horseback riding, playgrounds, horseshoe pits, and sand volleyball courts offer alternatives to watersports. The parks also have picnic shelters and pavilions.

Hiking at Lake Sakakawea State Park

Lake Sakakawea State Park, on the lake’s south shore, is home to four hiking /mountain biking trails:

• North Country Trail – 1.78 miles (2.86 km)
• Shoreline Trail – 2.7 miles (4.34 km)
• Whitetail Loop – 0.22 miles (0.35 km)
• Overlook Trail – 0.36 miles (0.57 km)

The North Country Trail, easily accessed from the park’s visitor center, is the end of the longest continuous hiking trail in the United States, covering twice the distance of the Appalachian Trial! This trail is suitable for thing ad mountain biking. The trail consists of short prairie grasses. It converges with the Whitetail Loop. The loop, though short, offers fabulous opportunities for birdwatching. The Shoreline Trail, the longest in the park, as its name implies, follows the shore of Lake Sakakawea. Petrified tree trunks and interesting rock formations will catch your eye on this trail. The Overlook Trail, which begins near the visiting center, ends with a breathtaking view of the lake!

Hiking at Fort Stevenson State Park

Fort Stevenson State Park, on the lake’s north shore, has summer and winter trails for hiking, mountain biking, and snowshoeing:

• Flicker Loop – 2.32 miles (3.73 km)
• Northern Pine Loop – 2.22 miles (3.57km)
• Purple Coneflower Loop – 1.08 miles (1.73 km)
• deTrobriand Loop – 1.7 miles ( 2,73 km)
• Trooper Challenge Loop – 0.63 miles (1.01 km)
• Whitetail Loop – 0.9 miles (1.4 km)
• Arboretum Loop – 0.48 miles (0.77 km)
• Eagle Ridge Loop – 0.22 miles (.35 km)

Each trail offers a unique perspective of the area’s native flora and fauna. From common prairie grasses like little bluestem to mature elms and box elders, the natural landscape is enthralling. The trails also offer unmitigated views of the area’s wildlife, including weasels, deer, raccoons, and bears. In combination, these trails create the Fort Stevenson Loop trail, providing a challenging multi-hour hike.

Hiking at Lewis and Clark State Park

Lewis and Clark State Park offers three trails for hiking, biking, and snowshoeing:

• Prairie Nature Trail – 0.4 miles (.64 km)
• North Trail System – 2.6 miles (4.1 km)
• South Trail System – 2.6 miles (4.1 km)

The trails are all self-guided, offering stunning scenery through grasslands, prairies, and woods. The Prairie Nature trail offers hikers a glimpse of the past in the form of tracks made by wagon trains on their westward treks. The North trail is groomed for snowshoeing in the winter. In warmer months, hikers can view a beaver pond and industrious little beavers at work. The South Trail is a good place to see butterflies like the Pawnee skipper and to hear the soulful singing of warblers and catbirds.

Flora and Fauna at the Largest Artificial Lake in North Dakota

The plant life around Lake Sakakawea is diverse, encompassing a range of habitats, including grasslands, prairies, and forests. Park visitors will see the beauty of prairie grasses like Big Bluestem, Indian Grass, and Switchgrass. The forests along the lake’s shores are characterized by towering cottonwoods, black walnuts, and box elders. The shade they provide supports a variety of understory vegetation. The wetlands around the lake are dominated by cattails, bulrushes, and sedges.

Lake Sakakawea is also a great destination for wildlife viewing, particularly birdwatching. Waterfowl are especially plentiful at the lake, depending on the season. Ducks, geese, and swans utilize Lake Sakakawea as a stopover during migration. Bald eagles and osprey nest in the trees around the lake. Hawks, falcons, and Owls are also in residence. Finches, thrushes, and warblers can be heard singing in the trees that rim the lake. Besides birds, there is abundant wildlife at Lake Sakakawea. Black bears, badgers, and bobcats may be visible. Coyotes, muskrats, and deer (white tails and mules) are also about. A variety of snakes, including rattlers, call Lake Sakakawea home.

Camping at the Largest Artificial Lake in North Dakota

Each of the state parks offers many opportunities for camping. Lake Sakakawea State Park offers a plethora of camping options. The park features several campgrounds with modern amenities, including electric and water hookups, showers, and flush toilets. There are also primitive camping areas for those looking for a more rustic experience. The park’s campsites can accommodate tents, RVs, and trailers of various sizes. The park offers group camping areas for larger groups and organizations. In addition, the park maintains two cabins that are ADA-compliant and accessible.

Fort Stevenson State Park offers a variety of camping options. The park features over 100 modern campsites, each equipped with electric and water hookups. The park also has modern group camping areas and primitive hike-in tent sites. All campsites are conveniently located near restroom facilities, picnic tables, and fire rings. Fort Stevenson also maintains three primitive cabins. All of the campsites are surrounded by the stunning natural beauty of Lake Sakakawea.

Lewis and Clark State Park maintains nearly 100 modern campsites with water and electricity, 3 group campsites, and 8 primitive campsites. North Dakota State Parks do not allow firewood from out of state. Pets are welcome but must be leashed at all times. Smoking is allowed in designated areas only.

Wintertime at the Largest Artificial Lake in North Dakota

Wintertime at Lake Sakakawea in North Dakota can be quite cold, with temperatures frequently dropping below freezing. Despite the challenging conditions, visiting Lake Sakakawea during the winter provides enchanting scenery and the opportunity for outdoor activities such as ice fishing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. Be aware that some facilities, like the marina at Lake Sakakawea State Park, may be closed during the winter months.

Getting Hitched at Lake Sakakawea

Planning a destination wedding? Thinking you might like something off the beaten bridal path? Look no further! Lake Sakakawea offers the perfect backdrop for an outdoor wedding. Amenities offered by the parks, beyond the breathtaking views, include:

• Electricity (Yes, amplified music is allowed- until 10:00 PM)
• Ample Parking
• Outdoor Lighting
• Tables
• Water
• Star-filled Sky (You’ll literally see stars at your wedding!)

Catering and alcohol, while not provided by the parks, are allowed. Smoking is limited to designated areas within the parks.

Where is Lake Sakakawea Located on a Map?

Lake Sakakawea is on the Missouri River, the longest river in the United States, and is 60-70 miles from Bismarck, the state capital and the second-largest city in North Dakota after Fargo. It is about the same distance from the Montana and Canadian borders.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Life Atlas Photography/Shutterstock.com