By Kelli Bowen
As the weather gets warmer, and spring gets crazier for my work-life, there are some things that I’m looking forward to in the after-planting-calm. I cannot wait to get out of here and by that I mean out-there. Hubby, the girls and I especially like camping (or glamping) in the summer, so here are my Top 5 NoDak places I cannot wait to go revisit!!
5. Lake Ashtabula, Barnes County, is the nostalgic choice as Hubby and I both enjoyed this lake as kids. Also with its proximity to where we live, we can go for a day or the weekend if time allows. We have friends and family who frequent the great campsites as well so it’s usually an opportunity to socialize as well as have quality time with the family.
4. The Enchanted Highway, I94 Gladstone exit, is a 32-mile stretch of Highway displaying large scrap metal sculptures. The highway ends at the town of Regent, which is where some of my forefathers chose to settle down so there’s a little added history bonus for me when we visit the area.
3. Lake Sakakawea, Garrison/Pick City, is always wonderful for swimming, fishing or water sports. With areas getting as deep as 180 feet, the water always seems cool and there’s a lot of it, so you can always find an area to take the boat and get away from the other humans while fishing or just enjoying the water.
2. Medora is the kids’ favorite. They love all of the non-camping excitement: the Medora Musical, the fireworks, the Pitchfork Fondue, and the shopping. We always spend at least most of one day in Theodore Roosevelt National Park hiking and looking for wildlife. I usually get the opportunity to indulge in another favorite pastime: photography. No matter the vibe we are going for, we can find it as a family in Medora.
1. Lake Metigoshe State Park is hands-down Hubby and my favorite. The campsite are wooded, we’re up in the Turtle Mountains so it’s a cooler climate when it’s gross-hot in the middle of summer. There’s great kayaking options with School Section Lake if the wind isn’t cooperating on the big lake, there’s a wonderful day use swimming area, hiking trails, water trails, awesome staff. It’s everything down to a friggin ice cream truck!
All of these great places are a short to half day drive away, and it makes me very excited for the warmer weather and lazier days of summer. I’ll see you out there!
Kelli makes her home in Cass County with her husband, two daughters (8 and 5) and two dogs. She works for a regional seed company by day and tries to be an alright mom, wife, friend and writer by night.
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