North Dakota's Most Charming Beach Towns
North Dakota is not the first state that comes to mind when one wants to visit beaches or beach towns. Normally, coastal regions like California to the west or Florida to the east take the spotlight. However, the lake towns in North Dakota have no shortage of shorelines where cool, tea-colored waters lap onto the land in gentle, constant rhythms. Summer is the prime time to take advantage of the watery retreats of the Peace Garden State, as it quickly turns chilly and welcomes visitors with a plethora of winter sports. During the warm season, spots like Devils Lake, Lake Sakakawea, and Beaver Lake host an array of sun-soaked activities. The surrounding towns also offer visitors charming lodges, old-fashioned American cuisine, and some of the country's best coffee houses and creameries.
Devils Lake
North of Fargo and Bismarck, Devils Lake is one of the most scenic lake towns in North Dakota, home to the largest freshwater lake in the Peace Garden State. The best beach spot in the town is at Grahams Island State Park, where visitors have the opportunity to enjoy a non-seasonal campground and mild waters for swimming. Around the lake are about five miles of hiking trails and picnic grounds.
However, the adventure in Devils Lake is not all outdoors, as the town has plenty of shops and restaurants downtown. Pedestrians on 4th Street can enjoy a crisp lager at Black Paws Brewing Company or stop in for some classic American food, including one of the many cakes, pastries, and ice cream on display at Old Main Street Cafe. For a little extra culture to add to the excursion, visit the Lake Region Heritage Center to travel back to Devils Lake as a 1900s boomtown.
Wishek
Wishek is approximately 100 miles southeast of the capital of Bismarck and houses one of the most relaxing lake beach getaways at Beaver Lake State Park. Aside from campsites with both primitive and modern amenities and over 5 miles of hiking trails, the lake offers a sandy respite at the northern side of the park close to the Nature Trail opening. Visitors can take a refreshing swim surrounded by beautiful elms or dip their fishing line from a fishing spot.
As a town with a rich German and Russian heritage, there are excellent options for German-American dining, which is paid homage to during Sauerkraut Day on October 2nd. You can sample the blend at spots like the Big Screen Bar and Grill, where visitors can sink their teeth into a sauerkraut brat with a burger. Other recreational activities include the commodious Lloyd E. Rigler Memorial Golf Course and Wishek Lucky Lanes for bowling enthusiasts.
Jamestown
Jamestown sits between Fargo and Bismarck on Interstate 94 in Stutsman County. With a population of over 15,000, Jamestown, while not a metropolis, houses plenty of activities outside of nature. The beach is at Jamestown Reservoir, where the sandy side of the 45-mile shoreline sits by Lakeside Marina. There, visitors can picnic and wade out into the cool water.
The National Buffalo Museum and the Outdoor Wildlife Learning Area give visitors a wild west experience where they can learn about the history of the American Bison and current efforts to conserve the species. For dining and shopping, Jamestown has plenty to offer. The IDK Bar & Grill serves up satisfying steak wraps and Philly melts while The Depot Cafe will sate your appetite for the traditional American diner experience of meat and potatoes or bacon and eggs.
Bottineau
Close to the border of Manitoba, Canada, Bottineau is a scenic lake town in the northernmost part of North Dakota. At Metigoshe State Park, positioned within the Turtle Mountains, visitors will find a lake where they swim during the summer, canoe, or picnic on the grass or sand. Although Metigoshe State Park and Bottineau County are ideal spots for winter adventures, like skiing and sledding, the summers are equally rife with possibilities.
The town of Bottineau has a range of lodgings, coffee houses, and traditional American dining available for vacationers and locals alike. One can pop in at Marie's for a unique rustic bistro experience with po boys, cowboy burgers, or dessert and cocktails. Pride Dairy is also a must-try for its famous ice cream that USA Today named the best in the state and ranked among the top 50 creameries in the country.
Pick City
Located just over 70 miles north of Bismarck, Pick City resides in Mercer County on Lake Sakakawea, a 380,000-acre reservoir known for its infinite opportunities for water sports, fishing, and beaches. Trails are also plentiful in the area, with the 4,600-mile North Country National Scenic Trail running from Vermont all the way to Lake Sakakawea. With a population of a little over 123 people, Pick City is the ideal escape for those who want a quaint beach experience that has an abundance of nature and quiet.
Some of the highlights of one's vacation in this town include the vast stretches of verdant land at Lake Sakakawea State Park, where one can see the short grass prairies and elms and ash trees adorn the scenery. The beaches offer a sandy retreat where nature lovers can take a refreshing dip. However, the town itself also offers hotels and dining options, with some of the best options including Little's Bar and Grill and Dam Bar, where one can chat with locals and learn more about this splendid beach town.
Valley City
Valley City rests in Barnes County on Interstate 94, an hour west of Fargo and 35 miles east of Jamestown. The town has a population of under 7,000 and offers the serene retreat of Lake Ashtabula, only 12 miles to the north. During the summer, the lake welcomes swimmers on its sands within depths that average 13 feet. Camping and fishing are also lucrative recreations, with yellow perch, walleye, and northern pike among the top catches.
In the heart of Valley City, also known as the City of Bridges, visitors will find not only the historic bridges but also downtown coffee shops, shopping centers, and restaurants. Some highlights include Bridges Bar & Grill, the nationally acclaimed coffee house The Vault, and Captain's Pub on Main Street.
Garrison
Garrison is a charming town in McLean County with a population of a little over 1,400 people. Known as the "home of the Walleye," this town is known for its lake culture, resting on the northern bank of Lake Sakakawea across from Pick City. In addition to the beach at the Lake Sakakawea State Park, Fort Stevenson State Park offers a swim beach and campground 3 miles south of Garrison.
In the town proper, the charming 1950s-themed diner, Ye Olde Malt Shoppe, sits on Main Street along with Four Seasons Restaurant and Ice Cream Parlor. Both restaurants provide a fun, family-friendly atmosphere to accompany the mouthwatering American food. Gene's Bar & Grill and Hometown Tavern & Bottle Shop also add a touch of nightlife to go along with the nature adventure.
These beach towns in North Dakota have the unique quality of being less populated and more out of the way than some of the more popular beachfront getaways. North Dakota might be known more for its winter sports and a close drive to icy Canada. The summers, however, will give adventurers a genuine break from crowded coastal beaches and bustling cities to bring a calm, refreshing vacation on the crisp sands of the Peace Garden State.
