Tranquility Awaits at Lake Metigoshe State Park

• HelloHowdy
  [HOU-dee]
• GoodbyeSee ya
  [SEE yah]
• YesYup
  [YUHP]
• NoNah
  [NAH]
• Please/You're welcomePlease and thank ya
  [PLEEZ and THANK yah]
• Thank youMuch obliged
  [muhch uh-BLAHYD]
• Excuse me/SorryPardon
  [PAR-dun]
• How are you?How's it goin'?
  [HOWZ it GO-in]
• Fine. And you?I'm doin' well. You?
  [AHM DOO-in well. YUH?]
• Do you speak English?Ya speak English?
  [YAH speak ING-lish?]
• I don't understandI'm lost
  [AHM LOST]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseCan I see what's cookin'?
  [can AH SEE wuts COOK-in]
• I don't eat meatI don't eat critters
  [AH dohn't EET CRIT-ers]
• Cheers!Bottoms up!
  [BOTT-ums UP]
• I would like to pay, pleaseI reckon it's time to settle up
  [AH REK-un its TIME tuh SET-ul UP]

• Help!I need a hand!
  [AH NEED a HAND]
• Go away!Get lost!
  [GET LOST]
• Call the Police!Ring up the law!
  [RING UP the LAW]
• Call a doctor!Fetch a doc!
  [FETCH a DOC]
• I'm lostI'm turned around
  [AHM TURNED round]
• I'm illI'm feelin' poorly
  [AHM FEEL-in POOR-lee]

• I'd like to buy...I'm fixin' to buy...
  [AHM FIX-in tuh BUY]
• I'm just lookingJust browsin'
  [JUST BROW-zin]
• How much is it?What's the damage?
  [WUTS the DAM-ij]
• That's too expensiveThat ain't worth it
  [THAT aint WURTH it]
• Can you lower the price?Can ya do better on the price?
  [CAN yah DOH BET-er on the PRIZE]

• What time is it?What's the hour?
  [WUTS the OW-er]
• It's one o'clockIt's one on the nose
  [ITS ONE on the NOZE]
• Half past (10)Ten-thirty
  [TEN-THUR-tee]
• MorningMornin'
  [MORN-in]
• AfternoonAfternoon
  [AF-tur-NOON]
• EveningEvenin'
  [EVE-nin]
• YesterdayYest'day
  [YES-tuh-DAY]
• TodayToday
  [to-DAY]
• TomorrowTomorrah
  [tom-OR-uh]
• 1One
  [WUN]
• 2Two
  [TOO]
• 3Three
  [THREE]
• 4Four
  [FOR]
• 5Five
  [FIVE]
• 6Six
  [SIX]
• 7Seven
  [SEV-en]
• 8Eight
  [AYT]
• 9Nine
  [NINE]
• 10Ten
  [TEN]

• Where's a/the...?Where's the...
  [WHEREZ the]
• What's the address?What's the street?
  [WUTS the STREET]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Can ya point it out?
  [CAN yah POINT it OUT]
• When's the next (bus)?When's the next ride?
  [WHENS the NEXT RIDE]
• A ticket (to ....)A pass (to ...)
  [A PASS (to)]

Long before it became a state park, the area around Lake Metigoshe was inhabited by Native American tribes, particularly the Chippewa (Ojibwa) and the Mandan. These tribes utilized the rich natural resources of the area for fishing, hunting, and gathering. Evidence of their presence can still be found in the form of ancient artifacts and oral histories passed down through generations.

The name 'Metigoshe' is derived from the Chippewa phrase 'Metigosh-e-wash,' meaning 'clear water lake surrounded by oaks.' This name reflects the pristine nature of the lake and its surrounding oak forests, which have been a vital part of the region's ecosystem for centuries.

In the late 1800s, European settlers began to move into the region, attracted by the fertile land and abundant natural resources. These settlers established farms and small communities, gradually transforming the landscape. They also introduced new agricultural practices and built infrastructure that laid the groundwork for future development.

Lake Metigoshe State Park was officially established in 1937. The park was created to preserve the natural beauty of the area and to provide recreational opportunities for the public. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), a New Deal program, played a significant role in developing the park's infrastructure, including roads, trails, and picnic areas.

During World War II, Lake Metigoshe State Park served as a site for military training exercises. The park's remote location and diverse terrain made it an ideal location for troops to practice maneuvers and survival skills. This period left a lasting impact on the park, with some remnants of military installations still visible today.

Today, Lake Metigoshe State Park is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of activities, including camping, hiking, fishing, and boating. The park also hosts various cultural and educational events that celebrate the area's rich history and natural beauty, making it a vibrant community hub.

Lake Metigoshe State Park is located in Bottineau County, North Dakota, near the Canadian border. The closest major airport is Minot International Airport (MOT), approximately 90 miles to the southwest. From Minot, you can rent a car and drive to the park, which takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. Alternatively, you can fly into Bismarck Airport (BIS) or Grand Forks International Airport (GFK), though these options will require longer drives. Public transportation options are limited, so driving is the most practical way to reach the park.

Once at Lake Metigoshe State Park, having your own vehicle is the most convenient way to explore the area. The park itself has well-maintained roads and ample parking. Biking and hiking are popular within the park, with numerous trails available. There are no public transportation services directly within the park, so plan accordingly. If you need a ride, local taxi services are available in Bottineau, the nearest town.

The official currency in the United States is the US Dollar (USD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in and around Lake Metigoshe State Park, including in Bottineau. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments, park fees, and emergencies. ATMs are available in Bottineau for cash withdrawals.

Lake Metigoshe State Park is generally considered safe for tourists. However, it is always advisable to take standard precautions: lock your vehicle, keep valuables out of sight, and be aware of your surroundings, especially in isolated areas. Bottineau is a small, close-knit community with low crime rates, but it is always good to stay vigilant.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. There is a park office within Lake Metigoshe State Park where rangers can provide help. The nearest medical facility is St. Andrew's Health Center in Bottineau, approximately 14 miles from the park. Always carry a basic first-aid kit and have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing, and sturdy footwear for hiking. Layers are advisable as the weather can change quickly. Religion: There are no specific religious customs to observe in the park, but always be respectful of others. Public Transport: There is no public transport within the park, so plan to drive or bike. Greetings: Do greet fellow hikers and visitors with a friendly hello. It's a common courtesy on the trails. Eating & Drinking: Do bring your own food and water. Don’t leave trash behind; carry out what you carry in to help keep the park clean.

To experience Lake Metigoshe State Park like a local, take time to explore the hidden trails and lesser-known fishing spots. Visit during off-peak times to enjoy the tranquility and natural beauty. Engage with park rangers and local residents; they often have valuable insights and can recommend the best spots for wildlife viewing or fishing. Don’t miss the chance to try local cuisine in Bottineau, such as walleye or bison burgers.