Tucked along the shores of Lake Metigoshe in Bottineau County, Pelican Point State Recreation Area offers a compact but rewarding escape into the Turtle Mountains of north-central North Dakota. At just over 25 acres, this small recreation area trades sprawling wilderness for intimate access to one of the state’s most scenic glacial lakes.

Lake Metigoshe is the main draw here. The lake’s clear waters and wooded shoreline create a setting that feels more like Minnesota lake country than the Great Plains. Visitors come for fishing — walleye, northern pike, and perch are the primary catches — along with swimming, kayaking, and canoeing. A boat ramp provides direct lake access for anglers and recreational boaters alike.

The surrounding Turtle Mountains add unexpected elevation and dense hardwood forest to the landscape, making Pelican Point a solid base for hiking and wildlife watching. White-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and a variety of songbirds are common sightings along the wooded trails nearby.

Summer is the prime season, with June through August offering warm water temperatures and long daylight hours. Fall brings spectacular color to the hardwood canopy, drawing leaf-peepers and photographers to the area through September and early October.

Facilities are modest — expect a day-use area with picnic shelters and restroom access rather than full-service amenities. For overnight stays, nearby Lake Metigoshe State Park offers developed campgrounds with electrical hookups and modern facilities just a short drive away.

Pelican Point works best as a quiet, uncrowded alternative to busier recreation sites on the lake.

Explore Nearby

• Sheyenne River Valley Scenic Byway — Scenic Byway in North Dakota
• Native American Scenic Byway — Scenic Byway in North Dakota
• Schnell Ranch Recreation Area — Public Land in North Dakota