North Dakota Travel Guide - 2026 Travel Guide
WATER RECREATION
2026-02-04 17:56:10
LAKE METIGOSHE in the aspen-forested Turtle Mountains is one of North Dakota’s most popular vacation spots. Take part in ecology, conservation and outdoor programs at Lake Metigoshe’s Outdoor Learning Center.
The PEMBINA RIVER flows through untouched forests of northeastern North Dakota. The river’s rocky bed offers family-friendly whitewater experiences and a 13-mile canoe trail.
The MISSOURI RIVER is one of the nation’s most iconic rivers. See towering cottonwoods, sandbars, eagles and ospreys. Favorite routes include Garrison Dam to Bismarck or Missouri-Yellowstone confluence near Williston.
The SHEYENNE RIVER winds its way 591 miles across eastern North Dakota and provides excellent recreation at LAKE ASHTABULA near Valley City and at Fort Ransom State Park. The SHEYENNE RIVER WATER TRAIL starts north of Lake Ashtabula and currently has four launches and 100 miles of trail.
The RED RIVER flows north, forming the North Dakota-Minnesota border. Canoe and kayak rentals are available in Fargo and Grand Forks.
LAKE SAKAKAWEA and DEVILS LAKE together have four state parks and nearly 528,000 acres of water to explore — as well as a selection of marinas, resorts, outfitters and restaurants.
COME ON IN, THE WATER’S FINE!
Inviting water is abundant across the state from calmer bays and lakes to swift moving rivers. Popular options are fishing, water skiing or tubing, kayaking or canoeing, or just going for a good old-fashioned dip to cool off.
WATER SERVICES
4 Bears Casino and Lodge, River Willow
New Town 800-294-5454
Riverboat excursions on Lake Sakakawea aboard the River Willow. Kayak, canoe and paddle board rentals are available.
Arnie’s Rentals
Williston 701-572-3382
Pontoon, personal watercraft and other recreational rentals.
Boathouse on the Red
Grand Forks
Inner tube and paddle board rentals with shuttle service. Guide services for canoeing, kayaking, birding and wildlife viewing on the Red River.
Dakota Waters Resort
Lake Sakakawea, near Beulah 701-873-5800
Full-service resort on Lake Sakakawea offers daily and hourly boat rentals and guide services.
Dockside Pontoon Rentals
Mandan 701-354-7321
Three pontoons are available to rent. Gas, snacks, beverages and ice for sale.
Eastbay Campground
Devils Lake, near Warwick 701-398-5184
Boat rentals and guide services on Devils Lake. Full-service marina.
Hjemkomst Landing Canoe and Kayak Rentals
Red River, Moorhead 218-299-5078
Kayak and canoe rentals.
Indian Hills Resort
Lake Sakakawea, near Garrison 701-743-4122
Full-service resort with kayak and paddle board rentals. Store, bait shop, fuel and guide service.
Jamestown Kayak Rentals
Jamestown 701-252-3982
Self-launch kayaks are available. Paddles and life vests included.
Jamestown Recreation Rentals
Jamestown 701-690-2130
Located on the water at Hondo’s Hideaway, the rental shop offers pontoon and jet ski rentals.
K5 Kayaks
Dickinson 701-290-0813
Launching at the Heart River or Patterson Lake. Offers pick and/or delivery to either site.
Lewis and Clark Riverboat
Bismarck 701-255-4233
Cruises on the scenic Missouri River aboard the beautiful 150-passenger paddlewheel riverboat.
Lindenwood Rentals
Fargo 701-356-2106
Kayak and bike rentals on the Red River.
Lund's Landing Marina & Lodge
Lake Sakakawea, near Ray 701-568-3474
Full-service resort with charter boat tours, boat, kayak, canoe and pontoon rentals. Bait and tackle shop, cabins, campsites and restaurant.
McDowell Dam Recreation Area
Bismarck 701-223-7016
Paddleboat, paddle board, canoe and kayak rentals available.
Minot Park Rentals
Minot 701-857-4136
Several rental kayaks are available.
Open Water Marine Boat Rentals
Mandan 701-425-5855
Pontoon and boat rentals available. Boats are located at Lakewood Marina.
State Parks
Statewide 701-328-5357
Canoe, kayak, pontoon, lily pad and other rentals are available at state parks around the state.
Tadpole Kayak
Harmon Lake, Near Mandan 701-301-2995
Rent or buy paddle boards, kayaks and canoes.
Tailrace Adventures
Riverdale 701-654-7600
Canoe, kayak, paddle board, pontoon and fishing boat rentals near Lake Sakakawea State Park.
Valley City Parks & Rec Kayak Rental Kiosk
Valley City 701-845-3294
Single and tandem kayaks for rent.
Van Hook Resort
Lake Sakakawea, near New Town 701-627-3377
Paddle boards, kayaks, ultra skiffs and lily pads for use on Van Hook Arm of Lake Sakakawea.
Woodland Resort
Devils Lake 701-662-5996
Full-service resort with cabins, campsites, restaurant, boat rentals, marina and guide services.
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