Geocaches within the state park are owned and maintained by Lake Metigoshe State Park. Please know that there is an entrance fee to geocache within the park in the amont of $7/vehicle/day or $35 for an annual pass. Parking is available near the warming house (located along the park's main road) where there is a trail head and trail access nearby.
This cache is located along the Old Oak Trail. The Old Oak Trail was North Dakota's first National Recreational Trail. It was created in 1974 by the Youth Conservation Corps and dedicated in 1976 by former Governor Art Link. The trail is named for a 200+ year old Burr Oak Tree that is located along the trail. The Old Oak is a self-guided interpretive trail. We invite you to stop by the mian office or the warming house to acquire a brochure that can be utilized in conjuction with the trail. You'll notice numbered posts along the trail that coincide with information within the brochure. Along the trail, you'll see and obtain information about tree species, wild edibles, beaver lodges, habitats and more! The Old Oak Trail is a great place to connect with nature.
This cache location will take you out to what is called Oriole Island. Years ago, some of you may have visited this area as one of the first LMSP caches was located on this island. Back then, the water was higher and the bridge wasn't there so it was a cache that you had to bring a canoe or kayak if you wanted to visit it. You may notice the water line from 2005 on the trees close to the water's edge. Near the ground, the tree bark appears to have a gray wash look with the coloration changing a few feet up the tree where it is speckled with colorful gold lichen.
Oriole Island is within School Section Lake. School Section Lake is surrounded by state park land. There are no motorized boats allowed on the lake; the park has canoe and kayak rentals should you be interested in gaining water access. If you look on the west shoreline, you may catch a glimpse of the Blue Heron Yurt or the Cormorant Cabin, which are available to rent as well via www.parkrec.nd.gov or by calling 1-800-807-4723.
During the spring, summer and fall months, be sure to keep your eyes open for pelicans, red necked grebes, double breasted cormorants, kingfishers, loons and various other bird species. There are also many wood frogs, leopard frogs and painted turtles that can be seen.
We hope you enjoy your time at the Lake Metigoshe State Park-Happy Caching!