Tobacco Gardens Resort opens for the season with a new look
By Olivia Sundeen
Farmer Staff Writer
Change is inevitable. Even when it comes to outdated buildings.
The 1959 trailer with an addition that acted as a concession/bait and tackle store at Tobacco Gardens Resort has been torn down.
“It was bursting at the seams,” stated Peggy Hellandsaas, owner of Tobacco Gardens Resort. “We had to make changes sooner than later.”
With a floor that was falling through, poor heating and air conditioning, and not enough space, Hellandsaas decided enough was enough.
“We started from the ground up in December,” stated Hellandsaas. “We were pretty far behind, but finally opening day has arrived.”
The new 50 x 54 foot building is an all-season restaurant, bait and tackle and convenience store. It opened for business on May 24 just in time for the Memorial Day weekend and the start of another busy summer on Lake Sakakawea.
“I am thankful for the workers,” stated Hellandsaas. “We encountered a few bumps along the way - getting behind, going over budget, etc. But without all of their hard work, this would not have been possible.”
As the sun begins to shine and the weather warms up, Tobacco Gardens Resort will be waiting for summer recreationists to come and check out the new additions.
“It’s like paradise at the end of the highway,” stated Hellandsaas. “It should be a good lake season.”
The projected water level by July is expected to reach 1,846 feet, which Hellandsaas says will be good.
“This is a good level,” stated Hellandsaas. “With this level, we still have good access to water, as well as accessible beaches.”
One of the concerns of last year’s recreationists was the construction issues on Highway 1806 that runs from Watford City to Tobacco Gardens. And according to Hellandsaas, the road is once again open, but motorists still need to exercise caution when traveling the busy roadway.
“The road has gotten much better,” stated Hellandsaas. “I still advise lake-goers to take caution, but the state has done a good job of filling holes.”
Now that the season is changing from spring to summer, it will be a good time to enjoy the new changes at Tobacco Gardens Resort.
“We want people to enjoy themselves when they come out here,” stated Hellandsaas. “We couldn’t ask for much more than that.”