Trump, Burgum to Rename Lake Sakakawea as Part of North Dakota Landmark Overhaul
BISMARCK, N.D. – In a bold move to cement America’s energy dominance and entrepreneurial spirit, President Donald J. Trump and Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum announced a sweeping rebranding effort for North Dakota’s most iconic landmarks, beginning with renaming Lake Sakakawea to Lake Cenex.
The initiative, dubbed the "Energy Landmark Restoration Act", aims to replace outdated names with those that "better reflect North Dakota’s booming oil industry, business-friendly attitude, and Mr. Trump’s commitment to 'Make America Great Again.'"
The initiative mirrors President Trump's recent actions, such as renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America, as part of his broader agenda to reassert American identity and influence.
"Sakakawea was a very nice woman, a very helpful woman, greater than Elizabeth Warren could ever dream to be, but let’s be honest—nobody knows who she [Sakakawea] is now, okay? And today, you can’t drive more than a mile, maybe less than a mile to find a Cenex in North Dakota," Trump proclaimed. "And like Sakakawea, Cenex guides people, millions of people on their travels by fueling their cars and trucks with American oil, our liquid gold. North Dakota has A LOT of Cenex stations, maybe hundreds and hundreds of them. They’re like Starbucks but without the political correctness. So today, we’re officially renaming Lake Sakakawea to Lake Cenex—it’s big, it’s beautiful, and frankly, nobody does lakes better than me."
President Trump’s Energy Landmark Restoration Act will rename many notable North Dakota landmarks and locations. Mr. Trump signed the executive order on Air Force One while flying over the North Dakota reservoir with Secretary Burgum by his side. He also announced plans to acquire the Riverdale Golf Course and begin construction on a new Trump International Golf Course in its location, overlooking the shores of Lake Cenex.
"It’ll be a travel destination like no other in North Dakota. Possibly greater than the Badlands or even the Teddy Roosevelt Library they’re building. It’ll be like no other place on earth — the Augusta of the North."
Map Data: White House Confirms Additional Renaming
Map data provided by the White House shows that Trump has renamed Garrison Dam to "MAGA Dam," Lake Sakakawea State Park to "Cenex State Park," Fort Stevenson State Park to "Harold Hamm State Park," and Douglas Creek Bay to "Burgum Bay."
Mr. Trump also hinted at acquiring Four Bears Casino and converting it into a Trump Resort and Casino.
"I think it would be a very good thing for the people there and for North Dakota as well. Perhaps Dana [Dana White] could host some UFC fights there. So we’ll see what happens."
Burgum: "Innovation Over Regulation"
At the press conference, Burgum explained the deeper meaning behind the name changes. "This is about honoring what truly makes North Dakota great—not outdated history, but bold entrepreneurs and an innovation over regulation mindset that drives our success."
Burgum announced plans for an "Oil Baron Hall of Fame" to be constructed in Harold Hamm State Park, which will feature statues of energy titans and a giant interactive "Drill Baby Drill!" exhibit.
Coming Soon: Frackapalooza 2025
To celebrate the changes, the administration announced Frackapalooza 2025, a new annual festival featuring oil rig tours, MAGA boat parades on Lake Cenex, and a "Pipeline or Bust" barbecue. The event will culminate in a fireworks display over the newly inaugurated Trump International Golf Course – Lake Cenex.
As Burgum summed it up: "This is about building a future we can all be proud of. And what’s more North Dakota than energy, business, and a really nice golf course?"
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