Beaver Lake State Park

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Last Updated: January 7, 2026

Beaver Lake State Park is a popular destination located in the state of North Dakota.


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Summary

Visitors are drawn to the park for its natural beauty, scenic views, and abundance of outdoor activities. The park is situated on the shores of Beaver Lake, which is known for its crystal clear waters and excellent fishing opportunities.

One of the main reasons to visit Beaver Lake State Park is to enjoy its beautiful natural setting. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, coyotes, and a wide range of bird species. Visitors can also explore the park's many hiking trails, take a scenic drive through the area, or enjoy a picnic with family and friends.

Some of the specific points of interest to see at Beaver Lake State Park include the park's campground, which features a variety of amenities such as showers, picnic areas, and playgrounds. The park also has a modern group lodge that can accommodate up to 80 people at a time. Other popular attractions in the area include the nearby town of Napoleon, which is home to several historic buildings and museums.

For those interested in history, Beaver Lake State Park has a rich past that dates back to the early 1900s. The park was once home to a large dam that was used to generate electricity for the surrounding area. Although the dam is no longer in use, visitors can still see remnants of it throughout the park.

The best time of year to visit Beaver Lake State Park is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and sunny. However, the park is open year-round and is a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts.

Overall, Beaver Lake State Park is a must-see destination for anyone visiting North Dakota. With its stunning natural beauty, abundance of outdoor activities, and interesting history, it's no wonder that the park is such a popular destination.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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