Activity Descriptions

Self-Guided Kayaking

Moderate | Outdoors

Enjoy a relaxing paddle along the shoreline with friends or venture out on your own to experience the beauty of Lake Metigoshe State Park in the fall. Keep an eye out for wildlife including deer, western painted turtles, muskrats, and a variety of bird species.

Single kayaks, paddles, and life jackets are provided. Participants with their own kayaks are welcome to join without registering; this ticket is simply for equipment rental.

Note: Meet at 1:00 p.m. at the kayak launch on School Section Lake to pick up equipment. Rentals must be returned by 5:00 p.m.

Intro to Handguns (Continues in Session IV)

Easy | Indoors & Outdoors

Instructors: Nicole Stone & Josette Dupree, Resilient Defense

Education is the key to firearms! Build confidence handling and shooting a handgun in a fun, low-stress environment. Friday evening focuses on firearm safety, handgun operation, and safe handling through classroom instruction and hands-on drills. Live-fire instruction takes place Saturday morning during Session IV. When registering, you'll also select a free range time ticket for either Group A (9:00–10:30 a.m.) or Group B (10:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.) to allow for more personalized instruction.

Stick to Staff (Continues in Session IV)

Easy | Indoors & Outdoors

Instructors: Pam Ihmels & Andrea Sagsveen

Create your own custom diamond willow hiking staff while learning to use a variety of woodworking tools. Personalize your finished staff with wood burning, stamps, and paracord to create a functional piece of outdoor art.

Bring: Leather gloves, if you have them.

Intro to Pickleball

Moderate | Outdoors

Instructors: Allen & Becky Kluth

This fun sport combines many elements of tennis, badminton and ping-pong. A paddle sport created for all ages and skill levels. The rules are simple and the game is easy to learn! Equipment is provided, although you're welcome to bring your own paddle.

Bring: Water, comfortable clothing, and athletic shoes.

Note: The session will be held at the Lakeview Pickleball Courts, two miles west of Lake Metigoshe State Park. An indoor location in Bottineau will be used if weather requires.

Homemade Egg Noodles

Easy | Indoors

Instructor: Kathy Cline

Learn how to make homemade egg noodles from scratch using just four simple ingredients. You'll mix the dough, use a hand-crank noodle machine to cut your noodles, and enjoy a timeless cooking tradition. Sample your noodles during class or dry them to take home for soups, casseroles, lasagna, ravioli, and more.

Wandering Into the Darkness

Moderate | Outdoors

Instructor: Erika Kolbow, North Dakota Parks & Recreation Department

Experience the park after dark on this guided nighttime hike. Learn about nocturnal wildlife, their unique adaptations, and how humans experience the nighttime environment.

Weather permitting, participants will also explore constellations, stories of the night sky, and other celestial features during this approximately two-mile, flashlight-free hike.

Intro to Handguns (Continued from Session II)

Stick to Staff (Continued from Session II)

Beginner's Fly Fishing

Easy to Moderate | Outdoors

Instructors: Elisha Mueller (North Dakota Game & Fish Department), Chris Pulver & Alecia Pulver

Learn the basics of fly fishing, including essential equipment and casting techniques, before heading to the water to practice your new skills.

Note: A North Dakota fishing license is not required for this educational activity offered in partnership with the North Dakota Game & Fish Department.

Nature's Harvest

Easy | Indoors & Outdoors

Instructor: Erika Kolbow, North Dakota Parks & Recreation Department

In this session, we will learn about traditional medicinal and culinary uses of plants. We will start with the basics of identification, best collection practices, and sample some of the uses.

Bring: A notebook, pen or pencil, and a smartphone camera for plant identification.

Dutch Oven Cooking

Easy | Outdoors

Instructors: Mary Kay Tokach, Doreen Yantzer & Kathy Peterson

Learn the fundamentals of Dutch oven cooking, including fuel sources, seasoning, care, and storage of cast iron cookware. Then prepare a delicious brunch featuring both savory and sweet dishes.

Bring: A camping chair and dress for the weather.

Note: You may not want to purchase breakfast or lunch meal tickets. This activity may be adjusted if local burn restrictions are in effect.

Birding 101: Discover the Birds Around You

Easy | Indoors & Outdoors

Instructor: Erin Essler

Whether you're new to birding or looking to build confidence, this session introduces the basics of bird identification using binoculars, field guides, birding apps, and observation techniques. Learn how to identify birds by sight, sound, and behavior, start your own "lifer list," contribute to citizen science through eBird, and put your new skills into practice during a guided bird walk.

Macro Photography

Moderate | Indoors & Outdoors

Instructor: Todd Sivertson, North Dakota Parks & Recreation Department

Explore the fascinating world of macro photography during this hands-on session. After a brief classroom introduction, you'll head outdoors to capture close-up images while learning techniques that work for both beginners and experienced photographers.

Bring: Camera or smartphone, tripod, laptop, jump drive, and macro lenses if you have them (optional).

Drone Pilot School

Easy | Indoors & Outdoors

Instructors: Michelle Cauley & Linda Burbidge, Dakota College at Bottineau

Take your photography to new heights by learning the basics of recreational drone flight. Earn your TRUST recreational certificate, explore FAA rules and regulations, and enjoy hands-on flight time with certified drone pilots. Whether you're interested in aerial photography or simply curious about drones, this session provides a fun introduction to the hobby.

Intro to Kayaking

Moderate | Outdoors

Instructors: Triple A Paddlers: Amanda Anstrom, Angie Morrison & Amber Schroeter

Perfect for beginners and experienced paddlers alike, this class covers kayak safety, paddling techniques, launching and landing, portaging, and water safety before heading onto the lake for hands-on practice. Explore one of the park's most scenic areas while watching for wildlife, beaver lodges, and vibrant fall colors.

Bring: Clothing that can get wet.

Note: All equipment is provided. You're welcome to bring your own kayak, paddle, or life jacket if preferred.

Camp Metigoshe High Ropes & Climbing Wall (Continues in Session VI)

Arduous | Outdoors

Instructors: Camp Metigoshe High Ropes Facilitators

Fly high at Camp Metigoshe on their giant swing. In addition, climb their rock wall, which offers different challenges for climbers at every level. Climbers are always harnessed. Everyone will set goals, gain confidence, and persevere during these incredibly fun and challenging adventures.

Note: Camp Metigoshe is approximately 6 miles from Lake Metigoshe State Park.

Clue: Survival Edition (Continues in Session VI)

Easy to Moderate | Outdoors

Instructors: Kathy Duttenhefner, North Dakota Parks & Recreation Department & Dutts

Put your detective and outdoor survival skills to the test in this interactive mystery adventure. Embark on a thrilling adventure that fuses outdoor survival, cutting edge technology, and the intrigue of a
classic mystery! Complete hands-on survival challenges, including shelter building and fire starting, to unlock clues and solve the mystery.

Intro to Shotguns (Continues in Session VI)

Easy | Outdoors

Instructor: Ross Reimche, North Dakota Game & Fish Department Hunter Education Volunteer

Learn the fundamentals of shotgun safety, eye dominance, shotgun anatomy, and proper shooting techniques before trying a variety of shotguns with one-on-one instruction.

Note: All equipment is provided.

Dutch Oven Cooking (Continues in Session VI)

Easy | Outdoors

Instructors: Mary Kay Tokach, Doreen Yantzer & Kathy Peterson

In this hands-on session, we’ll go over various fuel sources, care, seasoning and storage of your cast iron cookware. You will prepare and make a pork chop main dish along with veggies and desserts.

Bring: A camping chair and dress for the weather.

Note: You likely won't need a supper meal ticket. This activity may be adjusted if local burn restrictions are in effect.

UV Printed Tote Bag

Easy | Indoors

Instructor: Brooke Braunberger, Long X Arts Foundation

Create your own custom UV printed tote bag using UV reactive paint and the power of the sun. Each participant will receive a tote bag and use organic materials or other objects to create a unique image. Once exposed to sunlight, your design will develop into a one-of-a-kind wearable creation.

Compass Basics

Easy | Outdoors

Instructor: Emily Laaveg, North Dakota Parks & Recreation Department

Learn how to confidently use a compass, an essential outdoor navigation skill that remains valuable even in today's GPS-driven world. Through hands-on activities, you'll practice reading a compass and navigating with confidence.

Beginner's Archery

Easy | Outdoors

Instructor: Jeff Long, North Dakota Game &Fish Department

Learn the fundamentals of archery, including equipment basics, eye dominance, proper shooting form, and target practice. Whether you're interested in hunting or recreational shooting, this beginner-friendly session is a great place to start.

Note: All equipment is provided. Please leave personal bows at home.

Intro to Canoeing

Easy to Moderate | Outdoors

Instructor: Alecia Pulver

Learn the basics of canoeing, including selecting equipment, safely entering and exiting a canoe, essential paddle strokes, and emergency preparedness before heading out to explore the lake.

Bring: Sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a dry bag for personal items are recommended.

Note: Canoes, paddles, and life jackets are provided. You're welcome to bring your own paddle or life jacket if preferred.

Beginner's Mountain Biking

Moderate to Arduous | Outdoors

Instructors: Lisa Kudelka & Jenny Hanson

Learn mountain biking basics while exploring the trails of Lake Metigoshe State Park. The session covers bike fit, safety, riding techniques, and trail etiquette before heading out on a guided ride of approximately 2–3 miles.

Bring: Comfortable clothing and sturdy footwear. Helmets are encouraged; extras are available if needed.

Note: Register using the ticket option for either bringing your own bike or renting one.

Backing Basics

Easy | Outdoors

Instructor: Cayla Bendel, North Dakota Game & Fish Department

Build confidence backing a trailer in this relaxed, hands-on course. Practice hooking up a boat trailer, backing on land and down a boat ramp, launching and loading, and learn about North Dakota Aquatic Nuisance Species regulations. We’ll be using a truck and boat trailer, but this will be applicable to other trailers and campers. This will be held on a closed course, and women can participate as much as they feel comfortable and confident in doing so.

Wild Fiber Papermaking (Continues in Session IX)

Easy | Indoors

Instructor: Deirdre Lee, North Dakota Parks & Recreation Department

Create beautiful handmade paper using fibers harvested from native plants such as cattails, thistle, little bluestem, and goldenrod. Learn the papermaking process using pre-prepared pulp, then craft a woven cattail cover to bind your handmade pages into a booklet at home.

No experience is necessary, and all materials are provided.

Note: Come prepared to get a little wet and messy.

Kokedama

Easy | Indoors

Instructor: Liane Williams

Learn the art of kokedama by transforming a simple plant into a beautiful moss-covered living sculpture. This beginner-friendly class includes step-by-step instruction, making it easy to create a unique piece of living art to take home. It’s relaxing, creative, and the perfect way to spend a few hours with friends!

Bring: Garden gloves, if you have them.

Foray into Fermented Beverages

Easy | Indoors

Instructor: Julie Hess

Welcome to the wild world of home fermentation! This workshop will focus on the basics of fermenting non-alcoholic beverages (kombucha and kefir) and is best suited for beginners. Learn the science behind fermentation, safe preparation methods, and how similar techniques are used to make vinegar, ginger beer, and kvass.

Participants will take home starter cultures to continue experimenting at home.

Pickle Power: From Garden Bean to Crunchy Treat

Easy | Indoors

Instructor: Josh Steffan, North Dakota Parks & Recreation Department

Turn your overabundance of fresh green beans into a tangy, crunchy snack you can enjoy all year long! This hands-on workshop covers ingredient selection, flavorful brines, safe canning practices, and creative ways to customize recipes with herbs and spices. Leave with new skills, recipe ideas, and the confidence to start pickling at home.

Metigoshe Night Life Hike

Easy to Moderate | Outdoors

Instructors: Kathy Duttenhefner, North Dakota Parks & Recreation Department & Dutts

Crickets, chorus frogs and constellations. Join us for a night hike through the dark woods and learn the sounds of the park’s nightlife. From learning how to call owls to a friendly game of glow-in-the-dark bocce, it is sure to be a night you won’t soon forget!

Hunting with Hounds

Moderate | Outdoors

Instructor: Cody Hilliard, North Dakota Houndsman Association

We’ll focus on hound hunting basics, including tracking game with dogs. Things will get eventful as we turn the dogs loose in search of raccoons. Listen to the sound of the hounds as they go through the woods and catch up to them to see what’s found in the tree.

Bring: Comfortable, waterproof footwear and a flashlight or headlamp.

Wild Fiber Papermaking (Continued)

Angler Adventures

Easy | Outdoors

Instructors: Bryan & Emily Mercer

Spend a relaxing morning aboard a pontoon while learning fishing basics, including how to choose a rod, tie on a hook, set the hook, choose bait, and identify fish commonly found in Lake Metigoshe.

Note: North Dakota residents do not need a fishing license for this educational activity offered in partnership with the North Dakota Game & Fish Department.

Fly Fishing with Float Tubes

Moderate to Arduous | Outdoors

Instructors: Elisha Mueller (North Dakota Game & Fish Department), Chris Pulver & Alecia Pulver

Join us for a casting refresher along the shoreline before putting on waders and getting into float tubes to continue our fishing in the water! This will allow us to fish new areas and better target where we think the fish will be hiding.

Note: Previous fly fishing experience or completion of the beginner fly fishing session is strongly recommended. North Dakota residents do not need a ND fishing license for this educational activity as it is in collaboration with the North Dakota Game & Fish Department.

Quest of the Wild Wanderers

Moderate | Outdoors

Instructors: Kathy Duttenhefner, North Dakota Parks & Recreation Department & Dutts

Embark on the Quest of the Wild Wanderers! Are you ready to test your navigation skills and unveil the wonders of the Turtle Mountains? Join us in an extraordinary treasure hunt where every challenge reveals a fragment of the coveted treasure map. Assemble the map fragments and unveil the location of the hidden treasure. The journey itself is a testament to your navigation prowess, and the treasure is the reward for those who dare to wander where few have tread.

Intro to Kayaking

Moderate | Outdoors

Instructors: Triple A Paddlers: Amanda Anstrom, Angie Morrison & Amber Schroeter

Perfect for beginners and experienced paddlers alike, this class covers kayak safety, paddling techniques, launching and landing, portaging, and water safety before heading onto the lake for hands-on practice. Explore one of the park's most scenic areas while watching for wildlife, beaver lodges, and vibrant fall colors.

Bring: Clothing that can get wet.

Note: All equipment is provided. You're welcome to bring your own kayak, paddle, or life jacket if preferred.

Stitched Canvases

Easy | Indoors

Instructor: Tracy Burke-Carriere

Combine painting and embroidery to create a one-of-a-kind nature-inspired work of art. Using acrylic paint, pre-printed canvas designs, and simple embroidery techniques, you'll create a finished piece that's perfect for displaying at home.

No painting or embroidery experience is necessary. All supplies are provided.

Red River Bread

Easy | Indoors

Instructor: Katie Tamburrino

Learn to make Katie’s famous Red River Bread! This sticky, whole grain is the perfect fall-winter season bread. Using hot cereal from Canada, this recipe is one-of-a-kind. Participants will learn some tricks and tips for achieving the perfect risen loaf. Easch participants will get a small loaf to enjoy and a copy of the recipe!

Intermediate Archery

Easy | Outdoors

Instructor: Jeff Long, North Dakota Game & Fish Department

Are you ready to take the next step in your archery experience? This class is an intermediate course designed for participants who have already completed an introductory archery course. Ladies will be shooting at 3D targets and at longer distances to facilitate a hunting or 3D tournament experience.

Bring: You're welcome to bring your own properly tuned bow, or use equipment provided during the session.

Self-Guided Mountain Biking

Moderate to Arduous | Outdoors

Explore Lake Metigoshe State Park's trail system at your own pace while enjoying spectacular fall scenery and opportunities to spot wildlife. Ride with friends or set out on a solo adventure.

This registration provides a mountain bike rental for participants who don't have their own bike. Riders bringing their own bike are welcome to join without registering for the rental.

Note: Meet at 9:00 a.m. on the north side of the Dining Hall to pick up rental bikes. Staff will assist with bike fitting and adjustments. Rentals must be returned by 12:30 p.m.