Discover Lake Sakakawea - North Dakota's Great Inland Sea

• Day 1: Sakakawea Welcome & Walleye Warm-Up

  • Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM) Arrive in Garrison, North Dakota, the “Walleye Capital of the World.” Check into your comfortable lakeside accommodation, such as the Garrison Bay Inn (approx. $120/night; estimated total for 3 nights: $360). After settling in, head to Miller’s Fresh Foods (14 W 5th St, Garrison) to stock up on groceries for self-prepared breakfasts, packed lunches, snacks, and essentials for your stay (Estimated Cost: $60). Pick up live bait (minnows/worms) and any last-minute tackle needs from a local bait shop like the Garrison Sports Center (521 Main St, Garrison) (Estimated Cost: $20-30).
  • Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:30 PM) Launch your own boat from the convenient Fort Stevenson State Park boat ramp (approx. 3-4 miles east of Garrison; Daily Pass: $7 if you don’t have an annual ND State Parks pass). Begin your first walleye hunt in the calmer waters of Garrison Bay or explore the points near Fort Stevenson. Focus on depths of 15-25 feet using bottom bouncers with spinners or crankbaits. This area is known for its consistent walleye population. Allow 3-4 hours for your initial fishing excursion to get a feel for the lake and its patterns.
  • Evening Return to your accommodation to freshen up. For dinner, enjoy a hearty meal at the Old Fashioned Bar & Grill (126 Main St, Garrison). They offer classic American fare and local favorites (Estimated Cost: $40-60 for two). After dinner, head back to your cabin to prepare your tackle for tomorrow’s serious fishing, discussing the day’s observations and planning your strategy. Enjoy the quiet lakeside evening.

• Day 2: Pike Patrol & Walleye Wisdom

  • Morning (7:00 AM - 12:00 PM) Start your day early with a quick, self-prepared breakfast at your accommodation (e.g., oatmeal, coffee from your grocery haul). Head back out on the water, launching from Fort Stevenson. Today, focus on deeper waters and structure around Douglas Bay, about a 10-15 minute boat ride west from Garrison Bay. This area is excellent for larger walleye. Target submerged humps, points, and channel edges in 20-35 feet of water. Try jigging with Berkley Gulp! Minnows or a traditional jig-and-minnow presentation. Plan for 4-5 hours of intense walleye fishing.
  • Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM) After a packed lunch on the boat (sandwiches, snacks, drinks prepared from your grocery haul), shift your focus to northern pike. Head towards the shallower, weedier bays or creek mouths within a 15-20 minute boat ride, such as the areas near Deepwater Creek or the entrance to Van Hook Arm. Use large spoons (Daredevils, Five of Diamonds), spinnerbaits, or large swimbaits cast towards submerged vegetation. Pike are aggressive, so be prepared for explosive strikes. Spend 3-4 hours actively targeting these toothy predators.
  • Evening Return to shore and take a short drive to see “The Big Walleye” landmark in Garrison for a classic photo opportunity. For dinner, consider a relaxed cookout at your accommodation if it has grilling facilities, utilizing some of your grocery store purchases (e.g., steaks, burgers, corn on the cob) (Estimated Cost: $30-50 if self-catering). Alternatively, if you prefer dining out, the Lakeside Grill at Fort Stevenson State Park (seasonal, check hours) offers great views and a casual menu (Estimated Cost: $45-65 for two). Spend the rest of the evening recounting your catches and enjoying the tranquil lakeside atmosphere.

• Day 3: The Last Cast & Lakeside Farewells

  • Morning (7:30 AM - 11:30 AM) Enjoy a final quick breakfast at your lodging. This morning is dedicated to one last serious fishing push. Based on your success and observations from the previous two days, decide whether to focus on a proven walleye spot or try for a trophy pike. Consider revisiting a productive area in Garrison Bay, or venture slightly further into the main lake if conditions are calm, perhaps towards the areas near the Garrison Dam for a different fishing experience (approx. 20-minute boat ride). Aim for 3-4 hours of dedicated fishing to try and land that memorable fish of the trip.
  • Afternoon (12:00 PM - 3:00 PM) Return to the Fort Stevenson State Park boat ramp to clean your boat and any fish you wish to keep (ensure you follow ND Game and Fish regulations for cleaning and transport). Pack up your gear and check out from your accommodation. Before departing Lake Sakakawea, consider a brief, free visit to the Garrison Dam National Fish Hatchery (approx. 5 miles west of Garrison on Highway 37) to learn about conservation efforts and fish stocking in the region. This takes about 45 minutes to an hour. Grab a quick, casual lunch in Garrison, perhaps sandwiches from Miller’s Fresh Foods or a bite at a local cafe (Estimated Cost: $15-25).
  • Evening Begin your drive home, carrying memories of challenging fights, beautiful sunsets, and the bounty of Lake Sakakawea.

• Day 1: Lakeside Welcome & Park Exploration

  • Morning (11:00 AM - 1:00 PM) Arrive in the Lake Sakakawea area, heading towards Fort Stevenson State Park near Garrison. Check-in to your reserved accommodation; a comfortable “Camping Cabin” (approx. $80-120/night, depending on type and availability) offers a good balance of budget and comfort, or set up your campsite (approx. $25/night). Purchase an North Dakota State Parks Annual Pass ($35/vehicle) upon entry, which covers your vehicle’s access for all state parks throughout your trip.
  • Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM) After settling in, enjoy a packed picnic lunch from groceries picked up on your drive. Spend the afternoon exploring Fort Stevenson State Park. Start with an easy, scenic hike on the Garrison Creek Trail (2.5 miles loop, 1-1.5 hours) to stretch your legs and enjoy views of the lake. Afterwards, visit the North Dakota Fishing Hall of Fame located within the park for a quick educational stop about local angling history and species.
  • Evening (5:00 PM onwards) Freshen up at your cabin/campsite. Drive into Garrison (a quick 10-minute drive, 6 miles) for dinner. Enjoy classic American comfort food at The Water Hole Bar & Grill, known for its friendly atmosphere and satisfying burgers (approx. $30-40 for two). Return to the park for a relaxing evening, perhaps a campfire (if permitted) under the expansive North Dakota sky.
    • Estimated Day 1 Costs: Accommodation ($100), ND State Park Pass ($35), Dinner ($40), Groceries for lunch ($15). Total: $190

• Day 2: Water Adventures & Garrison Charm

  • Morning (9:00 AM - 12:30 PM) Enjoy breakfast at your cabin. Head to the Fort Stevenson Marina within the park. Rent kayaks or Stand-Up Paddleboards (SUPs) for a refreshing half-day adventure on Lake Sakakawea (approx. $40-50 per hour per craft; budget $100 for 2 people for 2 hours total). Paddle along the serene shoreline, taking in the vastness of the lake and enjoying the peaceful waters.
  • Afternoon (12:30 PM - 5:00 PM) After returning your rentals, enjoy a packed lunch from your cooler by the lake. In the afternoon, explore more of Garrison. Visit the unique Garrison Caribou (Museum) & Community Park, which houses a taxidermied caribou and exhibits on local history. Take a leisurely stroll through Garrison’s charming downtown area.
  • Evening (5:00 PM onwards) For dinner, experience more of Garrison’s local flavors. Garrison Pizza & Steakhouse offers a casual and satisfying meal with a range of options (approx. $35-45 for two). Alternatively, you can pick up fresh ingredients at Garrison Fresh Market and prepare a simple, enjoyable dinner at your cabin, savoring the tranquility of the evening.
    • Estimated Day 2 Costs: Watercraft rental ($100), Lunch groceries ($15), Dinner ($40). Total: $155

• Day 3: Journey to the Badlands

  • Morning (7:00 AM - 12:00 PM) Start your day early with a quick breakfast and packed lunches/snacks. Depart from Fort Stevenson State Park for a memorable day trip to Theodore Roosevelt National Park (South Unit) in Medora. This scenic drive is approximately 140 miles (2.5 - 3 hours one way). Upon arrival, pay the park entrance fee ($30 per vehicle, valid for 7 days).
  • Afternoon (12:00 PM - 5:00 PM) Enter the South Unit and embark on the iconic 26-mile Scenic Loop Drive. Stop at various overlooks like Painted Canyon (just before the park entrance), Wind Canyon Trail (easy, 0.4 miles, 30 mins), and Boicourt Overlook for breathtaking panoramic views of the unique Badlands formations and potential wildlife sightings, including bison and wild horses. Enjoy your packed lunch at one of the park’s designated picnic areas. For a moderate hike, consider the Caprock Coulee Trail (1.5 miles loop, 1 hour).
  • Evening (5:00 PM onwards) Begin the scenic drive back to Lake Sakakawea, another 2.5-3 hour journey. After a long day of driving and exploration, dinner will be a simple affair. Either pick up something quick and easy from a convenience store on the way or near your accommodation, or have simple groceries ready at your cabin for a late, well-deserved meal.
    • Estimated Day 3 Costs: Gas ($70 for round trip), TRNP entrance ($30), Breakfast/Lunch/Snacks groceries ($30). Total: $130

• Day 4: Dam Views & Lake Sakakawea State Park

  • Morning (9:30 AM - 1:00 PM) Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your cabin. Today, explore a different facet of Lake Sakakawea. Drive to the impressive Garrison Dam (approx. 20 miles, 25 minutes from Fort Stevenson). Take some time to walk along the dam, learn about its construction and purpose at the Garrison Dam Powerhouse & Visitor Center, and enjoy the expansive views of the lake and river below.
  • Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM) Head across the dam to Lake Sakakawea State Park in Pick City (another 10-15 minutes drive). This park offers different perspectives of the lake and recreation opportunities. Enjoy a picnic lunch here. You could try fishing from the shore or a pier (ensure you have a valid ND fishing license, approx. $15 for a 3-day non-resident). Explore some of the shorter walking paths or relax by the water.
  • Evening (5:00 PM onwards) Return to Fort Stevenson State Park for your final evening. For a special farewell dinner, consider The Garrison Country Club Bar & Grill (7 miles from Fort Stevenson) which offers a nice setting and quality meals (approx. $50-60 for two). Alternatively, make it a memorable campfire cookout at your cabin/campsite, complete with s’mores, reflecting on your incredible adventure.
    • Estimated Day 4 Costs: Gas ($15), Fishing license (optional, $15), Lunch groceries ($15), Dinner ($55). Total: $100

• Day 5: Farewell Paddle & Departure

  • Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM) Enjoy a final breakfast at your cabin. If time and energy allow, take one last short paddle on Lake Sakakawea, revisiting a favorite cove or exploring a new area. Alternatively, enjoy a final stroll on a quiet trail or simply relax by the lake shore, soaking in the peace and quiet before departing.
  • Afternoon (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM) Pack up your belongings, clean out your cabin/campsite, and complete check-out procedures. Have a quick farewell lunch in Garrison at a place like The Grumpy Moose Coffee Shop for a light sandwich and coffee (approx. $25 for two) or simply enjoy a final packed lunch from your cooler.
  • Evening (2:00 PM onwards) Begin your journey home, filled with cherished memories of North Dakota’s beautiful Lake Sakakawea and its unique Badlands landscapes.
    • Estimated Day 5 Costs: Lunch ($25), misc. snacks ($10). Total: $35

Total Estimated Itinerary Cost for 2 People: Approximately $610. This leaves a significant buffer of nearly $990 from your $1,600 budget, allowing for more frequent restaurant meals, additional watercraft rentals, purchasing souvenirs, or upgrading your accommodation for even more comfort throughout your trip.