LAKE METIGOSHE — It is a marvelous addition to one of the state’s most popular lakes. An expanded parking area has alleviated congestion at the “Narrows” between the north and south lakes.
“We were able to get it built and double the size of what we had there." Rich Gimble, Bottineau County road supervisor
“We were able to get it built and double the size of what we had there,” said Rich Gimble, Bottineau County road supervisor. "A lot of people like to stop there.”
The parking expansion allows for nine extended slots for boat trailer parking and 10 regular vehicle parking spaces. Previously the area was so small that vehicles backing trailers down the adjacent public boat ramp would often use a portion of the highway dividing the north and south lakes to accomplish the task. That made for a dangerous situation.
Furthermore, once a boat was launched the nearest parking area for a tow vehicle and trailer was about a quarter of a mile to the west. The new parking, just a few yards from the ramp, is much more convenient. The project necessarily involved claiming several feet of lake.
“We took out some small shrubbery along the shore and probably went another 50 feet into the water.” Gimble
“We took out some small shrubbery along the shore and probably went another 50 feet into the water,” said Gimble. “We had to get permits from the Corps of Engineers, all the hoops and loops and stuff, but we were able to do it.”
Original plans, said Gimble, didn’t include paving. However, thanks to a fortunate convenience in a remote part of the state, those plans were changed.
“There was a contractor already up here doing paving,” explained Gimble. “We were able to make a deal for him to pave it. It worked out well.”
Funding for the improvement project was made possible through a matching grant from the North Dakota Department of Transportation and funding from local organizations, Lake Metigoshe Improvement Association, and the township. The parking area includes curb and gutter and an island.
A popular summer recreation spot, Lake Metigoshe is also a favorite winter destination for ice fishermen. Because of that, Gimble said, plans are progressing for yet another improvement.
“We’re working on funding for a fish cleaning station,” remarked Gimble. “Our first attempt failed but we’re trying again.”
Preliminary plans for the fish cleaning station call for an enclosed facility that it can be used year-round.
