Turtle Lake

North Dakota

Home of the USA and World Championship Turtle Races

Two Chinese Ringneck pheasants
A family on a boat doat at sunset

The City of Turtle Lake (Population 574) is a rural farming community in central North Dakota. Turtle Lake is nestled amongst vast open farmland, lakes, and the great outdoors. A small friendly community is ready to welcome you as a guest or resident. Local favorite activities include Hunting, Fishing, and Camping.

an aerial view of the city of turtle lake
a group of children splashing in the water

Come Visit for Turtle Days, Hunting, Fishing and More

a close up of a deer with antlers in a field
two pheasants are walking in a field


The Turtle Lake area is in the heart of Prairie Pothole country. With rolling hills, open prairie, and river valleys it affords abundant game. The area boasts an excellent Pheasant, Sharptail Grouse, and Whitetail Deer population. Most years the waterfowl population is also quite large. The Missouri River valley has a good population of Wild Turkeys, squirrels, rabbits, and an occasional Moose or Mountain Lion. The Hungarian Partridge population is also on the increase.

Lake Brekken and Lake Holmes

Lakes Brekken and Holmes are located adjacent to the town and have fishing piers, boat launch ramps, a softball/baseball facility, and a playground. It also offers camping facilities and is home to Bluegill, Perch, and Walleye fish.

McLusky Canal

The McLusky Canal is not a managed fishery, but it contains several types of fish, including Smallmouth Bass, Walleye, Northern Pike, Muskellunge, Perch, Bluegill, Green Sunfish, Burbot, Carp, and Crappie, along with a few other rough fish being caught. Pike in the 20# class are not uncommon in this canal.

Lightning Lake

Known for its quality trophy-class rainbow Trout fishery. It is also home to Smallmouth Bass, Bluegill, and possibly still some Largemouth Bass. Only float tubes and boats with electric motors are allowed in the lake. Kayaks, canoes, or other oar or pedal-propelled or wind-driven crafts are allowed, but no live bait is allowed.

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Turtle Lake City Commission

Dianne Zenker


Mayor and City Commission President

Stacy Adams

City Commissioner

Tim Britton

City Commissioner

Matt Lang

City Commissioner

Richard Schwalk

City Commissioner

a red barn is reflected in a body of water

Contact us:

701-448-2596

P.O. Box 338

Turtle Lake, ND 58575

E-Mail: citytl@westriv.com


Turtle

Turtle LAke

North Dakota