The countryside surrounding Tobacco Gardens Resort and Marina on Lake Sakakawea offers the diversity of the Badlands tickled with rolling, grassy hills. PHOTOS COURTESY TOBACCO GARDENS RESORT AND MARINA, WATFORD CITY

With the help of Watford City’s economic development organization, a welcoming and supportive community and family determination, Tobacco Gardens has blossomed.

Hellandsaas took another leap of faith in 2012, building a larger bait and tackle shop, expanding the restaurant to full service, and adding the Lewis and Clark group meeting room to accommodate banquets, meetings and even weddings. The campground, shady and spacious to accommodate today’s expansive RVs, was upgraded to 50-amp electrical hookups at every site.