About WOW

Wild Outdoor Women (WOW) is a hands-on outdoor recreation event for women ages 16 and older, held each February and September at Lake Metigoshe State Park. Participants can learn new skills or build on existing ones through a variety of activities, including cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, skishoeing, darkhouse spearfishing, kayaking, archery, geocaching, mountain biking, and more.

Participants register online by selecting activity sessions and may also purchase optional lodging, meals, and event merchandise. With approximately 120 attendees each year, WOW is a popular event that often fills quickly. We are grateful for the many volunteers, businesses, organizations, and agencies whose support helps make this event possible!

Learn new outdoor skills, connect with other women, and experience outdoor adventure!
 

Next Event: 

Fall 2026 Wild Outdoor Women

September 18-20

Many WOW activities have limited capacity due to equipment, space, and instructor-to-participant ratios. To increase your chances of securing your preferred activities, we encourage you to register as soon as registration opens. Popular sessions often fill quickly, sometimes within minutes.

To provide equal opportunities for all participants, each person may only register themselves and purchase one set of activity tickets. If you plan to attend with friends or family members, please coordinate a time to register individually, keeping in mind that activity availability may change as registrations are processed.

Be sure to provide an accurate email address during registration. Confirmation details, event updates, activity information, and other important communications will be sent to the email address associated with your registration.

Before registering, carefully review each activity description. Pay attention to activity locations, physical activity ratings, required equipment or clothing, items to bring, and whether the activity spans multiple sessions.

All registrations are final and nonrefundable. If you can no longer attend, you may send a replacement participant by notifying aschimetz@nd.gov and submitting all required liability waivers by the deadline provided during registration.

Participants who do not attend and do not provide a replacement forfeit their registration fee.

WOW events will proceed in most weather conditions, with adjustments made as needed. Participants should plan and pack accordingly.

If Lake Metigoshe State Park cancels the event, full refunds will be issued. Refunds will also be provided if specific activities must be canceled by the park.

Optional registration insurance is offered through a third-party provider. Any insurance claims or documentation must be handled directly with the insurance company. Lake Metigoshe State Park and WOW are not involved in the claims process.

For more information, visit the third-party insurance website.

WOW is an outdoor event, and activities will proceed whenever possible. Weather-related adjustments may be made as needed. Participants should monitor the forecast and bring appropriate clothing and gear to stay comfortable throughout the weekend. Weather conditions can change quickly, so come prepared to maximize your comfort, safety, and enjoyment. Review activity descriptions and lodging information for any specific requirements.

Recommended items include:

  • Comfortable footwear
  • Extra clothing layers
  • Hat, gloves, and weather-appropriate outerwear
  • Sunscreen, lip balm, and sunglasses
  • Refillable water bottle and coffee mug
  • Snacks
  • Cell phone charger or battery pack
  • Camera and personal items

Winter event participants should bring warm boots and layered winter clothing.

Guests staying in the park dorms should bring:

  • Bedding
  • Towel and washcloth
  • Personal toiletries

Dorm Lodging

Overnight guests staying in the Lake Metigoshe State Park dorms must purchase a lodging ticket during registration. Bunks are not assigned. Participants will claim a bunk upon arrival in the desired dorm, depending on if you are a night owl or an early riser.

Camping

September Event: Campsites are available at Lake Metigoshe State Park. Reservations can be made through reserveNDparks.com or by calling 800-807-4723.

February Event: Limited winter camping opportunities and amenities are available. Call 701-263-4651 for details.

Restrooms & Showers

Comfort stations with flush toilets, sinks, and showers are located near the dining hall and dorms. Additional vault toilets are available throughout the park.

Nearby Lodging

Additional lodging is available near the lake and in Bottineau, approximately 15 miles southwest of the park. Metigoshe Ministries also offers guest rooms for groups.

Meals available during the event include:

  • Saturday breakfast, lunch, and supper
  • Sunday breakfast

Meals are served in the park dining hall. Please allow enough time to eat and arrive at your activities on schedule.

Activities are rated according to their physical demands:

  • Easy
  • Moderate
  • Arduous

Ratings are intended to help participants choose activities that match their interests and comfort levels. Activity ratings are provided as a general guide and may vary based on individual fitness levels, participation intensity, and trail or environmental conditions. 

Activity descriptions also indicate whether the session takes place indoors or outdoors and include any special clothing or equipment recommendations.

Activity locations will be emailed to registered participants before the event. Please watch for event emails and check your spam or junk folder if needed.

There is no formal check-in process. Simply arrive at your scheduled activity location on time. Late arrivals may have difficulty joining the group once an activity has begun.

Most activities take place within Lake Metigoshe State Park, though some may require a short drive. Any activity located more than one mile outside the park will note its location and distance in the activity description.

Please use the OuterSpatial app or Lake Metigoshe State Park map for navigation. If you have questions about activity locations, contact aschimetz@nd.gov before the event.

When traveling to the park, follow road signs and a reliable mapping app. GPS systems occasionally direct visitors to the wrong area of the lake. Watch for the Lake Metigoshe State Park entrance sign and flag poles.