One of my favorite parts about being a Bismarck family photographer is finding places in North Dakota that don’t feel like North Dakota. Lake Sakakawea is one of those spots.


With the sandy beach, big rock formations, and the water stretching out behind you, it almost feels like you’re somewhere else — but it’s right here in our own backyard.


This family session was such a fun evening. The sunset was beautiful, the kids got to explore, and we were able to capture so many sweet moments together.


Lake Sakakawea is one of my favorite locations for family photos near Bismarck. If you’re looking for something a little different for your next Bismarck ND family photography session, this spot is definitely worth considering.

Family holding toddlers hands walking near scenic rock formations by a lake.
Happy toddler holding parents hands smiling on a pebbled shore near a lake.
Parents swinging toddler by the hands near rock formations by a lake at sunset.
Young family with baby walking hand in hand near scenic rock formations by a lake at golden hour.
Happy couple holding toddler while strolling along grassy lakeside with dramatic cliffs in background.
Family exploring rocky landscape near towering sandstone spire beside a calm lake at sunset.
Smiling young family posing with toddler in front of tall sandstone rock formation by a lake.
Young parents holding laughing toddler near large rock spire with lake and cliffs in background.
Young family of three smiling together near tall sandstone formations along a scenic lakeside.
Curly-haired mother joyfully hugging her toddler near sandstone rock formations by a serene lake.
Toddler in white shirt exploring rocky ground beside a massive sandstone formation at sunset.
Young family crouching by a lake shore as toddler points toward the calm water at sunset.
Smiling young family with baby posing together on rocky lakeside with golden hour light.
Young family with toddler posing near rocky shoreline with sandstone cliffs at golden hour.
Happy family with baby on dad's shoulders laughing near scenic lake with limestone bluffs.
Black and white photo of smiling couple embracing on rocky beach near sandstone formation.
Smiling couple posing together near tall sandstone rock pillar by a calm lake at sunset.
Family of three holding hands walking into shallow lake water during golden sunset.
Parents playfully swinging toddler by hands along rocky lakeshore at warm sunset.
Loving parents both kissing toddler on cheeks while crouching near shallow lake water.
Black and white photo of mom holding smiling toddler with dad standing in lake at dusk.
Smiling family with young child standing in shallow lake water with sandstone cliffs behind.
Parents swinging laughing child between them along rocky shoreline at golden hour sunset.
Toddler boy wading in shallow lake water near rocky shoreline with mesa cliffs in background at sunset.
Happy young family with blonde toddler posing in lake water with sandstone cliffs at golden hour.
Young parents holding toddler's hands while walking in shallow lake water near rocky cliffs at dusk.
Parents swinging toddler by hands while standing in calm lake water at sunset.
Family of three holding hands while standing in shallow lake water with mesa cliffs at sunset.