Community Information

Bottineau is a progressive city, nestled at the foot of the Turtle Mountains in North Central North Dakota.  The quality of life here is superb and features excellent medical facilities, many churches, top Quality schools, a two-year state college and a wide variety of businesses to cater to your every need.

Bottineau is the county seat of Bottineau County, a county acclaimed for rich farm land and oil production. The economy in Bottineau is based on agriculture and recreational activities. The Bicentennial Courthouse is home to the District Court Chambers, and other county offices and services. The County Fair, held each July, attracts young and old alike.

The city has a mayor-council form of government, with a well-trained police force, ambulance crew and volunteer fire department readily available. The municipal airport is equipped with a beacon and 3,800 feet of lighted runway.

Nestled in the scenic Turtle Mountains on the shores of Lake Metigoshe, Lake Metigoshe State Park was constructed by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) in the 1930s and is one of the most popular year-round vacation spots in North Dakota.

The Chippewa called the lake "Metigoshe Washegum," or "clear water lake surrounded by oaks." Today, the lake is noted for its northern pike, walleye and perch. The rolling hills, aspen forests and small lakes attract nature and photography lovers to the area to capture these sights on film. The Old Oak Trail, a National Recreation Trail, is found within the park boundaries.