Stump Lake (North Dakota) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Stump Lake |
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 Stump Lake
Location in North Dakota
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| Location | Nelson County, North Dakota |
| Coordinates | 47°53′42″N 98°22′26″W / 47.895°N 98.374°W |
| Type | lake |
Stump Lake is a natural lake found in Nelson County, North Dakota. It's a pretty big lake, covering about 15,742 acres, which is like 12,000 football fields! It has a shoreline that stretches for 72.5 miles. The lake is usually about 29.7 feet deep, but in some spots, it can go down to 73.3 feet.
The North Dakota Department of Natural Resources helps keep the lake full of fish. You can find Walleye, Yellow Perch, and Northern Pike swimming in its waters.
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Understanding Stump Lake's Water Levels
Stump Lake is special because its water levels have changed a lot. In recent years, the water has risen by 45 feet! This means it's now as high as its neighbor, Devils Lake.
How Lakes Connect and Overflow
Stump Lake, like Devils Lake, is an endorheic lake. This means it's a closed lake, like a giant bowl. It doesn't have rivers flowing into or out of it. It mainly gets its water from rain.
If Devils Lake's water level reaches 1,447 feet, it will start to overflow into Stump Lake. This connects the two lakes even more. If the combined lake level ever goes above 1,458 feet, the water would then flow into the Sheyenne River. However, this has never happened since people started keeping records of the lake levels.
Discovering Stump Lake Park
Around Stump Lake, you'll find Stump Lake Park. This park is all about enjoying the lake and its surroundings. Local Native Americans used to call the lake "Chicot," which means "a place of stumps." This name probably came from the many tree stumps that might have been visible in or around the lake.
Protecting the Old Settler's Pavilion
Inside Stump Lake Park, there's a special building called the Old Settler's Pavilion. This pavilion is very important because it's listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. It's a historical landmark! However, the rising water levels of Stump Lake have put this old building at risk. Efforts are made to protect it from the water.
