Bowdle-Hosmer State Conservation Area

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Last Updated: December 14, 2025

Bowdle-Hosmer State Conservation Area is a protected area in North Dakota that covers 1,080 acres of land.


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Summary

Visitors to the conservation area can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, bird watching, and fishing. The area is home to a variety of wildlife including deer, pheasants, and waterfowl.

One of the main points of interest in Bowdle-Hosmer State Conservation Area is the 150-acre lake, which provides a great spot for fishing. The lake is stocked with a variety of fish species such as walleye, northern pike, and largemouth bass. In addition, there are several hiking trails throughout the area that offer beautiful scenery and the chance to spot wildlife.

Interesting facts about Bowdle-Hosmer State Conservation Area include that it was created in 1947 and has been managed by the North Dakota Game and Fish Department ever since. The area was originally established to provide habitat for waterfowl and other wildlife, but has since become a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

The best time of year to visit Bowdle-Hosmer State Conservation Area is during the spring and fall. During these seasons, the weather is mild and the foliage is at its peak, making for great hiking and bird watching conditions. However, the lake is also a popular spot for ice fishing during the winter.

Overall, Bowdle-Hosmer State Conservation Area is a beautiful and peaceful place to visit in North Dakota. With its serene lake, abundant wildlife, and scenic hiking trails, it's a great destination for anyone looking to connect with nature.

       

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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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