Lake Oahe

Spanning Two States

Lake Oahe is the largest of the four Missouri River reservoirs and runs from the dam near Fort Pierre, South Dakota, to Bismark, North Dakota. Most of the western shoreline of the lake is occupied by the Cheyenne River and Standing Rock Indian reservations.

Near the North Dakota part of the lake is the Minot International Airport, the Fort Yates Indian Health Service Hospital, and the CHI St. Alexius Health Bismarck Medical Center.

Lake History

The Oahe Dam, one of the largest earth-rolled dams in the world, was authorized in 1944 by the Flood Control Act. It was constructed by the U.S. Corps of Engineers and produces hydroelectric power.

The name “Oahe'' was the name of a Christian mission and was a Sioux Indian word meaning “a foundation” or “a place to stand on.”

There are two possible burial sites for Sitting Bull, a legendary Sioux leader, along Lake Oahe. One is near Fort Yates in North Dakota and the other near Mobridge.

Fishing and Hunting

Lake Oahe is a deep, clear lake with a maximum depth of 205 feet, making it ideal for boating and fishing. It covers 370,000 acres, making it perfect for all kinds of lake activities.

Although the lake is known for its walleye fishing, anglers can also catch smallmouth bass, white bass, northern pike, and perch.

Hunters love the area for hunting Canadian geese, duck, and sharp-tailed grouse.

Fifty public recreation areas allow access to Lake Oahe. Many of these areas offer boat ramps, marinas, campgrounds, picnic areas, and hiking trails.

Explore Bismarck

Welcome to the capital of North Dakota, the great city of Bismarck! The area was once navigated by Lewis and Clark and has since become a central location for North Dakota culture and trade. Consequently, it has endless opportunities for prospective visitors.

The Bismarck Arts & Galleries Association is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Visitors can come here to view stimulating visual arts.

Additionally, the Buckstop Junction Historic Town facilitates historic buildings to simulate the experience of the early settlers of the Missouri River valley during the 19th Century. The junction offers tours and even membership for frequent visitors and supporters.

Pirogue Grille, Blarney Stone Pub, JL Beers, and Fireflour Pizza are some of the popular restaurants in Bismarck. Laughing Sun Brewing, Luft Rooftop Beer Garden, and Borrowed Bucks Roadhouse are places to grab a drink to unwind.

In the Heart of the Dakotas

If you’re looking for a beautiful, massive lake amid everything the Dakotas have to offer, take a look at Lake Oahe. It just might be the location of your next lake home!