Nestled in Barnes County, North Dakota, is a stunningly beautiful lake created by the nearby Baldhill Dam known as Lake Ashtabula. This lesser-known lake in North Dakota serves many purposes, but right now, we’re only interested in a few things – one of which is cooling down when the weather is warm (or hot, even). Visit Lake Ashtabula in North Dakota for a scenic experience you won’t soon forget, and while you’re there, don’t forget to take off your shoes and wade in the cool, crisp water for a while.

Lake Ashtabula in North Dakota is an impressive 5,174 acres in size.

USACE.Army At its deepest points, it reaches depths of 45 feet, and it’s home to plenty of sought-after fish like northern pike, walleye, and yellow perch, making it an excellent place for anglers.

It’s a delightfully diverse little corner of our state and it exists in part thanks to Baldhill Dam, an ongoing multi-purpose project managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Ken Gardner, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers/Wikimedia It’s just one of several similar projects in the region surrounding the lake, including recreation areas, wildlife preserves (14 of them!), swimming beaches, and more.

“Ashtabula” is a Native American word of Algonquian origin that means, possibly, “river of many fish” or “enough fish to be shared.”

Jim Bowen/Flickr The moniker “Lake Ashtabula,” then, is quite appropriate, considering the thriving populations of commonly-sought-after fish species beneath the water’s surface.

Perhaps our favorite part of relaxing at Lake Ashtabula is the simple pastime of wading about in the shallows of the lake, appreciating the feel of cool, clear water on our skin and sinking our toes into the muddy earth below.

Pete Deffendol/FWHA.dot.gov Feeling fish fleeting around our legs is an experience that’s both amusing and slightly shudder-worthy, depending on who you ask. No matter what, though, the cool water will always be the perfect reset button.

Feeling up to a little more than simply wading? No worries - safe swimming areas are dotted alongside the lake.

Valley City, ND Of course, no matter how strong a swimmer you may be, please remember to wear a life vest; you never know what the undercurrent of the lake may be up to at any given time. Even experienced swimmers have drowned in most bodies of water due to unseen underwater currents at some point or another.

As long as you play it safe, Lake Ashtabula is a wonderful warm-weather destination in North Dakota perfect for the whole family to enjoy.

Ken Lund/Flickr

For more information about Lake Ashtabula and fishing, swimming, and camping on or near the lake, be sure to visit the official USACE project website or Recreation.gov.

USACE.Army

At its deepest points, it reaches depths of 45 feet, and it’s home to plenty of sought-after fish like northern pike, walleye, and yellow perch, making it an excellent place for anglers.

Ken Gardner, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers/Wikimedia

It’s just one of several similar projects in the region surrounding the lake, including recreation areas, wildlife preserves (14 of them!), swimming beaches, and more.

Jim Bowen/Flickr

The moniker “Lake Ashtabula,” then, is quite appropriate, considering the thriving populations of commonly-sought-after fish species beneath the water’s surface.

Pete Deffendol/FWHA.dot.gov

Feeling fish fleeting around our legs is an experience that’s both amusing and slightly shudder-worthy, depending on who you ask. No matter what, though, the cool water will always be the perfect reset button.

Valley City, ND

Of course, no matter how strong a swimmer you may be, please remember to wear a life vest; you never know what the undercurrent of the lake may be up to at any given time. Even experienced swimmers have drowned in most bodies of water due to unseen underwater currents at some point or another.

Ken Lund/Flickr

Are you interested in more delightful North Dakota adventures? Here are five state parks in North Dakota with year-round camping available!

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Address: Lake Ashtabula, North Dakota, USA