Lake Metigoshe State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lake Metigoshe State Park |
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Lake Metigoshe State Park, August 2013
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 Lake Metigoshe State Park
Location in North Dakota
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| Location | Roland Township, Bottineau County, North Dakota, United States |
| Nearest city | Bottineau, North Dakota |
| Area | 1,508.53 acres (6.1048 km2) |
| Elevation | 2,152 ft (656 m) |
| Designation | North Dakota state park |
| Established | 1937 |
| Administrator | North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department |
| Website | Lake Metigoshe State Park |
Lake Metigoshe State Park is a fun public park in North Dakota. It covers about 1,500 acres. The park is located on the shores of Lake Metigoshe. You can find it in the Turtle Mountains. It's about 14 miles northeast of Bottineau. The park is very close to the border with Canada. It sits next to a bigger park in Manitoba, Canada, called Turtle Mountain Provincial Park.
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History of Lake Metigoshe State Park
What's in a Name?
The name "Metigoshe" comes from the Ojibwe language. The Ojibwe are a group of Native American people. In their language, "mitigoshi-waashegami-zaaga'igan" means "clearwater lake of scrub-oaks." This tells us about the clear water and the trees around the lake.
Long ago, other Native American groups lived in this area. These included the Blackfoot, Hidatsa, and Assiniboine people.
How the Park Was Built
The park was built by workers from the Works Progress Administration (WPA). The WPA was a government program in the 1930s. It helped people find jobs during a tough economic time. Workers started arriving at the park site in 1934.
They built many important things for the park. These included a lodge and recreation rooms. These rooms were big enough for 200 people. They also built roads and other small buildings. You can still find a stone near the park entrance. It says "WPA 1938" to remember their hard work. The park officially opened on February 17, 1937.
Fun Activities at Lake Metigoshe
Lake Metigoshe State Park offers many exciting things to do. You can enjoy the water or explore the land.
Water Fun
The park is great for water sports. You can go swimming in the lake. Canoeing and sailing are popular activities. If you like speed, you can even go water-skiing. The lake is also a good spot for fishing. You might catch northern pike, walleye, or perch.
Camping and Picnics
If you want to stay overnight, there are camping areas. You can choose from modern campsites with facilities. There are also more basic, or "primitive," camping spots. It's a perfect place for a picnic too.
Winter Adventures
When winter comes, the fun doesn't stop. You can go snowmobiling on trails. Cross-country skiing is also a great way to see the park. Ice skating and sledding are popular activities. Many people also enjoy ice fishing on the frozen lake.
Learning About Nature
The park has the Turtle Mountain Outdoor Learning Center. This center teaches about nature. You can learn about ecology, which is how living things interact. They also teach about conservation, which means protecting nature. Plus, you can learn new outdoor recreation skills.
Special Events
The Skinautiques Water Ski Shows
Lake Metigoshe is home to a special group called the Club de Skinautique. They are water-skiers. They are known as the "Skinautiques." This club practices and performs amazing water skiing shows on the lake. They have been putting on these shows every summer since 1958. It's a fun event to watch!
