By far one of the most beautiful and best spots to take a swim in North Dakota resides right in Wishek. The pure, clear waters make a prime place to get out into the sun and enjoy the cool water. It is also part of a state park and has many great amenities to extend your afternoon swim into a camping trip or a combination of other outdoor activities.
The beautiful Beaver Lake has everything you need for a summer day of fun in the sun. The state park has been around since 1930 and many of the park's paths and roads were made during the Great Depression to help create jobs.
advertisement
Today, many people enjoy the shimmering blue waters with swimming, boating, fishing, and water skiing.
The swimming beach is perfect to set up a picnic on the nearby grass and spend some time in the pristine water. Plus, the surrounding scenery is gorgeous, and includes hiking trails for everyone's use.
With everything this park has to offer, it should be at the top of your list for the best swimming spots in the state. Amazing views, crystal blue water, and easy access and amenities make Beaver Lake State Park optimal for ultimate relaxation and fun.
This park was featured in an article featuring some of North Dakota's very own lakeside beaches and other awesome places to swim - see what other places made the list here.
The North Dakota Hike That Leads To The Most Unforgettable Destination
Discover a stunning hike to Sperati Point in Theodore Roosevelt National Park, offering breathtaking views of the Little Missouri River and surrounding landscapes.
North Dakota has some truly fantastic hikes, from majestic views overlooking massive lakes to lovely strolls through wildflower-filled meadows. It's no secret that some of the best hikes in the state are located in the badlands. However, one of the most amazing trails there is often overlooked - and it shouldn't be. Theodore Roosevelt National Park's Sperati Point Trail in North Dakota is an absolutely amazing adventure that you won't want to miss out on. Check it out:
advertisement
To find this trail, you'll have to take a scenic drive through the North Unit of the Theodore Roosevelt National Park first.
This scenic byway will take you through the rolling prairie hills, rugged badlands buttes, and everything else we know and love about this area.
The unique landscape is gorgeous year-round, and this drive alone is worth the trip. But it's the end destination we are heading towards.
At the end of the drive, you'll find the Oxbow Overlook. Most people take in this view - a stunning one, no doubt - and call it good there. However, if you are prepared to take a fairly short hike, you're in for a treat.
Starting from the overlook, you'll head onto the Sperati Point Trail. The Sperati Point Trail difficulty is considered easy to moderate, and it takes most explorers about an hour to enjoy. As you walk along you'll see glimpses of the valley you had just seen at the overlook, resulting in a pretty journey through every step you take.
If you thought the Oxbox Overlook view was impressive, you'll be blown away by the sight of this. Sperati Point Trail photos show an amazing scene. The snaking Little Missouri River, the distant painted canyons, and the variety of prairie plants and animals all come together for a natural masterpiece. You won't find a view like this anywhere else!
Finally, as you reach the end of the hike, you'll be able to start taking in the view at Sperati Point. This is a whole different perspective of the river valley that gets especially impressive in the fall when the patches of trees far down below are vibrant with color.
advertisement
Don't be surprised if you end up sharing the trail with bison! As long as you keep your distance, these majestic creatures will likely do the same.
You can reach the Sperati Point Trail by driving through the Theodore Roosevelt National Park North Unit Scenic Byway, near Watford City, ND. If you'd like to read Sperati Point Trail reviews and learn more about this great hike, check out our friends at AllTrails.
Are you an avid fan of hiking in North Dakota? You may want to try a free trial of AllTrails+: it's got tons of great benefits, like downloadable trail maps and turn-by-turn directions!
Hidden away within the amazing Theodore Roosevelt National Park is a vast array of amazing trails and hikes that are sure to amaze you. The park is filled from top to bottom (or should I say North entrance to South entrance) with incredible views, amazing sights, and, of course, plenty of Peace Garden State wonder. Suppose you're seeking the ultimate scenic hiking trail in North Dakota. In that case, you'll definitely want to check out the nothing-short-of-spectacular Jones Creek Trail, which is absolutely ideal for a full afternoon of hiking.
advertisement
Welcome to Theodore Roosevelt National Park, one of the most beautiful places in the Dakotas.
This jaw-dropping landscape is made up of the incredible North American Badlands, and it's truly, purely North Dakota. You just won't find landscapes like this anywhere but the Dakotas.
The Jones Creek Trail is just under seven miles in length, and should you hike it without stopping, it ought to take about two and a half hours to complete.
Of course, I don't know why you'd want to do it all at once; there are so many amazing points of interest to stop and marvel at that you could easily make a whole day trip out of it.
The trail is open year-round, but the best times to hike it are, in my opinion, from late spring until early August.
I can't even properly express all the amazingness that is this incredible adventure; from epic views to gorgeous hills, valleys, and more, you're sure to walk away from this incredible place with a whole new appreciation for all the wonderfulness that is North Dakota.
You'll meander along Jones Creek and appreciate various geological splendors, like this awe-inspiring feature along the river.
You can expect to meander up and down a few hills, though nothing is terribly dramatic or difficult. Most kids should be able to do it.
advertisement
Do keep in mind that there are no dogs permitted on this hike, so be sure to leave puppers at home for this one.
Entry to Theodore Roosevelt National Park is $15 to $30, depending on your vehicle and how many folks are in it. A single vehicle is $30, motorcycles are $25, and individual people walking in are $15. There is no additional charge if you're an annual NPS pass holder, though.
And be sure to keep your eyes peeled: You ought to see horses, bison, and plenty of other critters that call this amazing place home.
Sometimes, North Dakota truly is the wild, wild west... and I wouldn't have it any other way.
For more information about this incredible scenic hiking trail in North Dakota, be sure to visit its official AllTrails page. If you'd like to bump your hiking game up to 11, be sure to check out AllTrails Plus as well - I'm not sure how I ever hiked without it!
Do you have a favorite hiking trail in North Dakota that ought to make for an awesome day out? Tell me about it in the comments!