A summertime trip to the Rendezvous Region is not complete without a stop to Mt. Carmel Dam, a long, narrow reservoir on the south fork of the Little Pembina River. The dam was originally constructed in 1970 and cost just over $320,000 to build. The earthen embankment is 46 feet high and roughly 670 feet in length. It was built to provide water for recreation, run-off control, and a fish habitat. Mount Carmel Dam also serves as the water supply for the nearby town of Langdon.

Through the years, the dam has had to be modified. In 2003, it was discovered that water was exiting uncontrolled from a large hole at the bottom of the dam, a disaster waiting to happen for the city of Langdon. In an effort to stop the flow of water through the dam, emergency earthen cofferdams were constructed almost immediately. The tactic proved to be effective and days later, a more permanent fix was put into place, protecting the city of Langdon’s water supply and ensuring recreational activities would continue.

Today, surrounded by fields of spring wheat, soybeans, and corn, the lake provides 342 acres of outdoor opportunities. Known as some of the best fishing in the area, anglers troll the waters hoping to hook a walleye, the most sought-after fish in the water. Yellow perch, northern pike, black crappie, and white suckers lurk below the surface as well. If trolling for fish isn’t your family's cup of tea, don’t worry! Mount Carmel Dam is perfect for swimming, boating, waterskiing, and jet skiing. You can even enjoy all Mount Carmel Recreation Area has to offer on high and dry land. Walking, biking, camping, picnicking, and other activities are enjoyed by residents of both North Dakota and Canada here at one of the best outdoor recreation spaces in the Rendezvous Region!