Welcome to the serene landscapes of North Dakota.
Have you ever considered exploring the vast lakes and rivers in this northern state?
Some of the best places to paddle board in North Dakota are just waiting for your discovery.
Join us as we uncover the hidden gems of North Dakota’s waters.
Ready to embark on a thrilling adventure?
Table of Contents
Map
Where to Paddle Board in North Dakota
Please note: While we strive for accuracy, always verify details before paddling. If you spot an error or if you're a local official wanting to make a correction, please comment below. Thanks!
#1 Sakakawea Lake
- ????️ Location Type: Lake
- Access Point: Garrison Dam Tailrace (Google Maps)
- Water, Currents & Wind: Generally calm waters, can be windy at times
- Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
- Wildlife Encounters: Walleye, Northern Pike, salmon, Roosevel elk, white-tailed deer
- ????️️ Landmarks & Views: Garrison Dam, Lewis and Clark State Park
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Use caution in windy conditions, adhere to local boating rules
Sakakawea Lake, the largest reservoir in North Dakota, offers a vast expanse of water to paddle through. Surrounded by beautiful landscapes, it’s a great spot for a paddleboarding adventure.
Explore the numerous bays, inlets, and wildlife that call this lake home, or venture towards Lewis and Clark State Park for additional natural beauty.
#2 Red River
- ????️ Location Type: River
- Access Point: Shelley Park, Fargo (Google Maps)
- Water, Currents & Wind: Gentle currents, calm waters
- Popular Seasons: Spring, Summer, and Fall
- Wildlife Encounters: Pike, catfish, various bird species
- ????️️ Landmarks & Views: Urban parks, nature reserves
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Be aware of boat traffic, follow local river regulations
The Red River, which forms the border between North Dakota and Minnesota, offers a tranquil yet refreshing paddleboarding experience. With numerous parks and nature reserves along the way, it’s perfect for enjoying a leisurely paddle alongside picturesque scenery.
Starting from Shelley Park in Fargo, you can embark on a serene journey along the water, taking in all the beauty that North Dakota and Minnesota have to offer.
#3 Riverdale High Lodge
- ????️ Location Type: Lake
- Access Point: Riverdale Park Day Use Area (Google Maps)
- Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, occasional winds
- Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
- Wildlife Encounters: Pike, white-tailed deer
- ????️️ Landmarks & Views: Riverdale High Lodge, wooded areas
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Be cautious of boat traffic, follow local guidelines
Located along the shoreline of Lake Sakakawea, Riverdale High Lodge offers a tranquil environment for paddleboarding among lush wooded landscapes. With a gentle shoreline and calm waters, it’s ideal for a peaceful paddle.
Set off from the Riverdale Park Day Use Area and immerse yourself in the natural beauty surrounding you as you glide through the pristine waters.
#4 Devils Lake
- ????️ Location Type: Lake
- Access Point: Grahams Island State Park (Google Maps)
- Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, occasional winds
- Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
- Wildlife Encounters: Walleye, perch, Pike
- ????️️ Landmarks & Views: Devils Lake State Park, wooded areas
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Be cautious of boat traffic, follow local guidelines
Devils Lake is the largest natural body of water in North Dakota and offers a serene paddle boarding experience. Known for its fantastic fishing, it’s surrounded by beautiful wooded areas and wildlife.
Launching from Grahams Island State Park, enjoy a pleasant paddle on the calm waters of Devils Lake.
#5 Missouri River
- ????️ Location Type: River
- Access Point: Sertoma Park, Bismarck (Google Maps)
- Water, Currents & Wind: Gentle currents, calm waters
- Popular Seasons: Spring, Summer, and Fall
- Wildlife Encounters: Catfish, pike, various bird species
- ????️️ Landmarks & Views: Bismarck parks, nature reserves
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Be aware of boat traffic, follow local river regulations
The mighty Missouri River offers an enjoyable paddleboarding experience as it flows through Bismarck, North Dakota. With numerous parks and nature reserves located on its banks, the river provides both stunning views and a serene atmosphere for paddlers to enjoy.
Start your adventure at Sertoma Park and take advantage of the beautiful surroundings as you paddle along the calm waters of the Missouri River.
#6 Harmon Lake Recreation Area
- ????️ Location Type: Lake
- Access Point: Harmon Lake Recreation Area (Google Maps)
- Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, occasional winds
- Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
- Wildlife Encounters: Various bird species, white-tailed deer
- ????️️ Landmarks & Views: Rolling hills, wooded areas
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Follow local guidelines, respect wildlife
Harmon Lake Recreation Area is a peaceful spot for paddleboarding, featuring calm waters surrounded by rolling hills and woods. The area provides a serene environment for both beginners and experienced paddlers to enjoy the beauty of North Dakota’s outdoors.
Launch your paddleboard at the recreation area and take in the calming sights as you glide across the tranquil waters of Harmon Lake.
FAQ
Where can you paddle board in North Dakota?
In North Dakota, popular paddle boarding spots include Lake Sakakawea, Missouri River, and Lake Metigoshe.
Do paddle boards need to be registered in North Dakota?
No, there is no requirement to register paddle boards in North Dakota.
When is the best time to paddle board in North Dakota?
The prime time for paddle boarding in North Dakota is late spring to early fall due to warmer climate conditions.
