When summer weather arrives in North Dakota, the whole state breathes a sigh of relief. Even though we can’t make it get warmer faster, we can always fantasize and make plans for some seasonal fun. North Dakota’s many lakes offer the perfect opportunity for a major highlight of summer: hanging out on the beach and going for a swim or doing some shoreside fishing. These five places are prime spots for such activities. Dust off your coolers, fishing rods, and swimsuits, and get ready for an awesome summer at these beaches in North Dakota!

1. Lake Metigoshe
Lake Metigoshe, Roland, ND 58318, USA
NDPRD/Flickr
The beautiful Lake Metigoshe has beachside areas for swimming and access to the lake for fishing or boating. The area is surrounded by gorgeous forests, and it is the perfect outdoor retreat on a hot summer day.

Close your eyes (well, keep one open while you watch this video) and imagine yourself enjoying a summer day at Lake Metigoshe with a little inspiration from Cam Carey as he shows off why this North Dakota lake is a fantastic summer destination:
2. Lake Sakakawea
Lake Sakakawea, North Dakota, USA
Tim Whitlow/Flickr
Our biggest, and one of our most well-known, lakes has tons of lakeside opportunities. In fact, the coastline of Lake Sakakawea is longer than the coastline of California, so there is no shortage of beaches here. Get your fun in the sun right here!

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3. Beaver Lake
Beaver Lake, Red Lake, ND 58495, USA
NDPRD/Flickr
At Beaver Lake State Park, you can relax and enjoy some sunshine, fishing, and swimming at this peaceful lake. It's a fantastic place to take a day off and just enjoy nature.

Let's take a quick tour of Beaver Lake State Park in this video from Rhon Ways on a family camping trip to the park:
4. Lake Renwick
Lake Renwick, Akra, ND 58220, USA
NDPRD/Flickr
Lake Renwick is located in North Dakota's Icelandic State Park. There are swimming beaches, and the whole park area is simply breathtaking. A stroll by this lake would totally hit the spot on a nice summer day.
5. Devils Lake
Devils Lake, ND 58301, USA
NDPRD/Flickr
Our largest natural lake continues to be one of the best spots for water activities in the state. Beautiful beaches on a lovely lake, with more fish and more fun than you could ever need, make Devils Lake the perfect summer destination!

Fly over the gorgeous Devils Lake area of North Dakota in this video from Jared. Keep an eye out for the swimming beach that makes for a great place to cool off on a hot ND summer day:

With plenty of beaches in North Dakota, all we have to say is – bring on the warm weather! Do your outdoor plans for the summer include any North Dakota beaches near you? Tell us all about your favorite spots with a comment.

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More beaches in North Dakota

Chris Muras | May 29, 2023

Where can you go swimming in North Dakota?

North Dakota may not be the place you think about when you are looking for a beach vacation, but we do have some great lakes to cool off in during a hot summer day. Here are a few places to go swimming in North Dakota:

  • Lake Tschida, Elgin, ND: This nice-sized 3,235-acre lake (also known as the Heart Butte Reservoir) is a fantastic recreational lake for swimming, boating, and of course swimming. With tent and RV camping sites to set up a base camp, this beautiful area is a hot summer destination to enjoy the outdoors.
  • Lake Ashtabula, Valley City, ND: With three designated swimming areas around the lake, and plenty of unofficial spots to dip a toe in, Lake Ashtabula is a popular summer destination in North Dakota. Throw in some camping, picnic areas, fishing docks, and plenty of hiking trails and you have another location in ND to enjoy any time of the year.
  • Raging Rivers Waterpark, Mandan, ND: Our lakes and rivers in North Dakota aren't the only places to swim in this fine state. If you want even more family fun in the sun a waterpark is always a hit. The Raging Rivers Waterpark is one of the best in the state. Enjoy a lazy river, plenty of waterslides, and pool space to splash and cool off on a hot summer day.

 

If you'd like to discover even more swimming holes in North Dakota, check out this list of seven you may not have heard about yet.

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