A glistening gem amidst the prairie, Lake Tschida is a treasure trove of outdoor recreation and family fun for those visiting the area. Chase the wind atop a boat on the water. Or share the delight of a gooey, smoky s’more at a campfire.
Nestled among the rolling hills of southcentral North Dakota, Heart Butte Reservoir, known as Lake Tschida, summons visitors with wide-open waters for jet skis or boats and cozy campsites for family gatherings.
The 3,400 water acres are surrounded by 7,575 acres of public land where recreational opportunities abound.
Camp at one of 12 recreational areas with either electrical hookups or primitive sites, or rent one of seven cabins.
Continual development of the recreational amenities is under the direction of the Tri-Cities Joint Job Development Authority (TCJJDA), which manages the lake’s recreation in a nonprofit partnership agreement with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (BOR). The Heart Butte Reservoir is managed by the BOR for downstream flood control and irrigation. Recreational areas around the lake offer fishing, boating, camping and swimming, and are managed by the TCJJDA. The lake is located on Highway 49 between Elgin and Glen Ullin.
Outdoor enthusiasts discovering Lake Tschida will find a public beach with a nearby shower house, three playgrounds at various sites and eight seasonal boat slip rentals near North Shore Concessions.
Lake Tschida is also home to the Heart Butte Farmers Union Camp, where the North Dakota Farmers Union provides camp opportunities for 700 to 800 youth each summer.
Five fishing piers offer visitors a chance to cast a line for walleye, northern pike or other species.
“The water is a huge draw, but we have people who come camping that don’t bring a boat and come to enjoy the campgrounds,” says Shannon Wangsvick, the TCJJDA lake manager.
For those who wish to explore Lake Tschida’s scenic shores from horseback, a horse campground at Hidden Shelter is a newer amenity at Lake Tschida.
More outdoor enthusiasts are discovering the lake’s treasures, as visitation steadily increases.
In 2023, the lake had 143,445 public visits, based on traffic count formulas from the BOR, and 3,938 campsite bookings.
“I think people are just wanting to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday living. Here, it’s quiet. Even with the high utilization we have, we still have a very family-orientated campground. It’s quiet. It’s peaceful. It’s comfortable,” Wangsvick says.
Stop by the 5,460-square-foot welcome center at Lake Tschida, which was completed last summer, or rent space at the event center for a family event.
The lake office can be reached at 701-584-2201 or visit www.laketschida.com.
___
Luann Dart is a freelance writer and editor who lives in the Elgin area.
Also read about:
