Bismarck Lakes

Lakes Near Bismarck

It’s summertime and that means it’s time to start planning your upcoming summer adventure. There aren’t many better options than a lake near Bismarck. A lake getaway can be amazing for those who love the outdoors too, because they offer opportunities to take in the local scenery and all that nature has to offer.

There are numerous brilliant motivations for making a trip to a lake in Bismarck this summer – the cool water for swimming, enjoyable summer activities such as paddle boarding, kayaking, or swimming. You’ll find that some lakes have beaches that are perfect for a relaxing day. So what are you waiting for? Pack up the car with your fishing gear and a picnic basket then make the trip on your next vacation and discover your own number one location on a lake!

Nearby Lakes for Bismarck

A Day at the Lake: An Itinerary

On a day trip to a lake near Bismarck there are many activities that can be enjoyed by groups of all types. You could go for an exciting day trip or make it a long weekend at a hotel or a bed and breakfast on the water to enjoy yourself more fully.

Now we’ll run down a list of some of the best things to do when you visit a lake near Bismarck:

Go fishing. For anglers, you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding a good fishing spot to help you reel in a day of fun whether you’re drifting behind a trolling motor or fishing from shore.

Start paddling. If you want a little physical activity, strap your favorite kayak or paddleboard to the top of your vehicle and chart your course to a lake near Bismarck that has a public boat launch you can use and get out and soak up nature’s beauty in all it’s glory.

Water sports. If you’ve got access to a fast boat, you might want to have some fun and make a day of zipping around the lake showing off your water sports talents? Hit the water and go tubing or skiing as the local lakes provide you with a number of options.

Lake Getaway Prep

Everyone’s beach getaway will be unique based on the lake you’re heading to, what the weather is going to be, what your goals are for the getaway. However, we put together a list that will give some ideas for your next trip to a lake near Bismarck to ensure nothing gets forgotten!

Lake basics

If the plan is to be in the sun for most of the vacation, our list of provisions below should be a good place to start for essentials you are likely to need.

  • Backup clothes
  • Bathing suits
  • Food
  • Sunglasses
  • Sneakers
  • UV protection
  • Towels
  • Portable phone charger
  • Bluetooth speaker
  • Insect repellant

More lake items

The gear in the list below might prove useful for trips to the lake based on your plans. You may want to double check some of these before heading out.

  • Corkscrew
  • Licenses and registration for boating and fishing
  • Your tackle box
  • Swimming goggles
  • Fishing poles, nets, etc.
  • Games for the beach
  • Paper towels and sanitizer
  • Something to read
  • Pool noodles, rafts, floats
  • Diapers and baby gear

Lake Safety Tips

While spending a weekend to a lake in Bismarck can provide lots of fun, everyone’s safety needs to remain top of mind. A day on the lake means safety first so these are some extremely important tips for keeping everyone safe.

  • Be aware of your surroundings and know where you are in relation to land
  • Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat
  • Avoid drinking alcohol while boating
  • Don’t swim alone
  • Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
  • Use sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy outside
  • Keep children within arm’s reach at all times while swimming in deep water

More Tips for a Lake Getaway in Bismarck

If you’re going to visit the beautiful lakes near Bismarck, you’ll want to remember a couple critical items that can make your trip plan far more rewarding. For example, each individual lake is going to have their own qualities which makes it important to think about what you need to make an unforgettable trip as you plan yours.

  1. Research your beaches. Depending on the time of year, sometimes beaches may be swarmed with beachgoers. If you want a little more privacy, research a variety of lakes and beaches to learn about how busy they are to find one with a slower pace. To get in on the party, then look for the biggest, most happening beach!
  2. Make the most of the best assets in the area. When you have time for a lengthier trip, find local recreational areas, state parks, and campgrounds that offer the ability to stay in a spot that is right on top of the water at an affordable price.
  3. Rent a boat. Many lakes have nearby marinas that offer boat rentals. You don’t need to own a boat to enjoy a relaxing day of fishing or a wild day of wakeboarding. Asking a local can usually allow you to locate several places that can hook you up with the right vessel.