Butte Saint Paul State Recreation Area
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Butte Saint Paul State Recreation Area is located in the state of North Dakota and is a popular destination for visitors looking to explore the area's natural beauty.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
The park offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, boating, and camping, making it an ideal spot for families and nature lovers.
One of the main attractions of Butte Saint Paul State Recreation Area is its scenic trails, which wind through a variety of landscapes, including grasslands, forests, and wetlands. These trails offer visitors the chance to see a diverse array of wildlife, including eagles, deer, and coyotes.
Another popular feature of the park is its fishing opportunities. Visitors can cast a line in the waters of the nearby Missouri River, which is home to a variety of fish species, including catfish, walleye, and northern pike.
Interesting facts about Butte Saint Paul State Recreation Area include its history as a former military fort, which was established in the late 19th century to protect settlers from attacks by Native American tribes. Today, visitors can explore the park's historic structures and learn about its past through interpretive exhibits.
The best time of year to visit Butte Saint Paul State Recreation Area is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and sunny, and outdoor activities are at their peak. However, visitors should be prepared for hot temperatures during this time, and should bring plenty of water and sun protection.
Overall, Butte Saint Paul State Recreation Area is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty and rich history of North Dakota.
Weather Forecast
Park & Land Designation Reference
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.
Related References
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Bottineau City Park
|
||
Lake Metigoshe State Park
|
||
Legion Athletic Camp
|
||
International Peace Garden
|
||
International Music Camp
|
Willow Lake National Wildlife Refuge
Lake Metigoshe State Park
International Peace Garden