Located just off Highway 43 in the heart of the Turtle Mountains and only a short distance north of Bottineau, North
Dakota, this expansive 78± acre parcel represents a rare opportunity to own land that captures the essence of North
Dakota’s northern wilderness while still offering accessibility, versatility, and infrastructure for future development. East
of the renowned Bottineau Winter Park and just west of the recreational jewel of Lake Metigoshe, the property is ideally
situated to take advantage of one of the region’s most desirable outdoor areas. This tract is a beautiful mix of rolling-to level topography, creating natural variation that is both scenic and highly usable. The gently rolling hills add depth and
character to the landscape, creating vantage points where one can look across the ponds and wetlands, admire the
shimmering water in the evening light, and watch wildlife move gra...
shimmering water in the evening light, and watch wildlife move gracefully through the property. From some elevated
spots, the land opens to scenic views that stretch across the Turtle Mountains’ mosaic of forest, meadow, and water,
making every season an experience to behold. At the southern end of the parcel, a small lake provides a natural focal
point, perfect for those who dream of building a home or cabin where they can sip morning coffee while watching ducks land, deer graze along the shoreline, and the occasional moose or even elk wander through. These ponds and wetlands are more than just picturesque features—they are living ecosystems that attract a wide range of species, from whitetail deer and upland birds to migratory waterfowl. On a quiet evening, it is easy to imagine sitting on a deck overlooking the lake, listening to the haunting call of loons echo across the water while a bull elk steps out of the timber or a moose wades through the reeds in the distance. The topography blends open fields with wooded ridges and low-lying marshland, creating a perfect mix of cover, food, and water for wildlife while also allowing for productive agricultural and recreational use.
The wooded portions of the parcel exemplify the ecological richness of the Turtle Mountains, featuring quaking aspen,
bur oak, basswood, paper birch, and stands of spruce that provide year-round color and structure. Interspersed among
these trees are thickets of chokecherry, juneberry, wild plum, hazel, and raspberry, which not only add to the property’s
natural beauty but also supply abundant foraging opportunities for both people and wildlife. In late summer, berry
patches attract everything from songbirds to black bears, while in autumn they provide critical sustenance to deer and
upland game preparing for the winter. The rolling terrain makes for pleasant walking and hiking, and the variety of
ecosystems contained within these 78 acres means that every turn reveals a new vista—an open hayfield with bales dotting the horizon, a wooded grove alive with the chatter of birds, or a pond reflecting the sky with waterfowl skimming across its surface. The alfalfa field on the parcel adds immediate agricultural value, suitable for hay production or rotation into crops, and its level ground could be further expanded for farming if desired. Alternatively, the field could remain a hay meadow, attracting deer, geese, and grouse, and providing a scenic, pastoral backdrop. Its versatility makes the land attractive to farmers, ranchers, or investors seeking a balanced mix of agricultural utility and natural beauty. For outdoor enthusiasts, this property is nothing short of a dream, offering year-round recreation in one of North Dakota’s most celebrated landscapes. Winter activities abound, with the famous Bottineau Winter Park just to the east offering skiing, snowboarding, and tubing, while the Turtle Mountains themselves are laced with snowmobile trails that stretch for miles, connecting lakes, woods, and open meadows. The rolling-to-level topography of the property itself is ideal for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, offering a variety of terrain without being overly rugged. As the snow melts, spring ushers in a new season of exploration, with trails perfect for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. The property’s combination of open fields, forested ridges, and wetlands makes it an excellent base for these pursuits, and its proximity to Lake Metigoshe and the Turtle Mountain State Recreation Area ensures that an owner has easy access to some of the best multi-use trails in the region. Summer invites long days of fishing, boating, kayaking, and swimming on Lake Metigoshe, while evenings can be spent back on the property watching wildlife emerge from the woods to water at the pond. Fall is perhaps the most magical time of all, as the hardwoods blaze with golden and crimson hues, the air turns crisp, and the hunting season begins. White-tailed deer are plentiful here, drawn to the mix of forest cover, alfalfa fields, and water sources, making this an exceptional deer hunting property. Ducks and geese find refuge in the wetlands and pond, while upland hunters will find grouse, pheasant, and even wild turkey across the property. For trappers, the wetlands support populations of beaver, muskrat, and raccoon, while coyotes and foxes can be found patrolling the edges of fields and timber. Few properties of this size offer such a complete range of hunting and trapping opportunities within their boundaries.
The weather of the Turtle Mountains plays a major role in shaping both the landscape and lifestyle here. Unlike the open plains of western North Dakota, the elevation and dense forests of the Turtle Mountain plateau create a microclimate with cooler summers, heavier snowfall in winter, and a greater diversity of plant and animal life. In January, deep snow blankets the woods, making it ideal for winter sports and creating the kind of postcard-perfect scenery that defines northern living. Spring arrives with a burst of wildflowers, filling the meadows with color and bringing the return of migrating birds. Summer is warm but rarely oppressively hot, with daytime highs moderated by the surrounding tree cover and numerous lakes, making it a paradise for outdoor recreation. Autumn is crisp and clear, with some of the best fall foliage in the Midwest, rivaling areas far to the east in vibrancy and beauty. This distinct climate is one of the reasons why the Turtle Mountains have long been valued as both a permanent home and a seasonal retreat.
The history of the Turtle Mountains and Bottineau County adds further depth to the property’s story. For centuries, the
Chippewa people lived in and around the Turtle Mountains, relying on its rich resources for food, shelter, and cultural
practices. Later, European settlers and Métis communities established themselves here, drawn by the fertile soils,
abundant timber, and natural beauty. Bottineau County itself was named for Pierre Bottineau, a Métis pioneer, guide,
and interpreter whose life bridged the cultures of the Dakota frontier. Today, Bottineau is a thriving small community
that serves as the hub for the surrounding region, offering shopping, dining, healthcare, and schools, while still preserving the welcoming feel of a rural town. Its position as the “Gateway to the Turtle Mountains” makes it both a service center and a cultural anchor for those who live, farm, or recreate in the surrounding hills.
From a development standpoint, the parcel is particularly promising. The southern end of the property, near the small
lake, is ideal for building a residence, offering both privacy and a picturesque setting. Imagine a home with large windows framing views of the water, morning mist rising off the surface, and deer crossing the shallows at dawn. With a power box already on the land, the infrastructure to support such a build is partly in place, and the remnants of an old farmstead in one corner offer a nod to the property’s history while providing a potential site for restoration or repurposing. For investors, the rolling topography and natural features lend themselves to subdivision into multiple homesites, each with its own character—lake views, wooded seclusion, or open meadow. Recreational properties in the Turtle Mountains are in high demand, and the potential for creating a small community of cabins or year-round homes here is significant. At the same time, the alfalfa field ensures continued agricultural income or utility, whether as hay production or cropland. The balance of open and wooded acreage means the land could support a wide variety of uses without compromising its natural beauty or recreational potential.
Perhaps what sets this property apart most of all is the experience of simply being there. Standing on a rise overlooking the pond, it is easy to lose track of time watching wildlife emerge from the forest edges—the flicker of a white-tailed deer’s tail as it slips between the trees, a flock of ducks wheeling down to the water, or the majestic sight of a moose cow leading her calf across the shallows. On rare occasions, even elk have been spotted moving through the Turtle Mountains, and the possibility of catching sight of one of these massive animals only adds to the sense of wilderness and wonder that the land inspires. Every season brings its own surprises: a pair of sandhill cranes calling across the meadow in spring, a family of turkeys strutting through the hayfield in summer, or a bald eagle perched in a tall oak scanning the pond in autumn. For anyone who values wildlife, solitude, and the chance to immerse themselves in nature, this property offers endless opportunities to create lasting memories.
In sum, this 78± acre parcel in the Turtle Mountains offers an extraordinary combination of natural beauty, practical
utility, and future potential. With its rolling-to-level topography, scenic ponds, abundant wildlife, and versatile mix of
forest and farmland, it is ideally suited for a wide range of uses—from building a private homestead on the lakefront, to
developing multiple residential lots, to simply enjoying as a recreational retreat. Its location near Bottineau, Bottineau
Winter Park, and Lake Metigoshe ensures access to some of North Dakota’s best four-season recreation, while its
agricultural components provide continued productivity. Whether you are an investor, an outdoorsman, a farmer, or
someone simply seeking a place of peace and beauty, this property represents not just land, but a lifestyle rooted in the heritage and natural splendor of the Turtle Mountains. Owning this parcel means waking up each day surrounded by the best that North Dakota has to offer: rolling hills, sparkling ponds, thriving wildlife, and the timeless promise of the land itself
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