You’re looking at a wide angle of a new neighborhood being built along the Missouri River, north of Bismarck. It’s called Misty Waters. This new inlet and neighborhood are being built immediately north of the Burnt Creek boat dock. Like the trendy Marina Bay and Southport areas, a spot in this new neighborhood will likely come with a hefty price tag.

The only difference here is the lovely view of the Heskett Station power plant right across the river. “So what,” you may say, “I’ll get a lot on the east side of the lake.” Well, hopefully that blocks the noise. Yes, that power plant makes some pretty good racket. I doubt they’ll turn it off at 9 pm for you.

For some reason, people are financing themselves silly to get a house along the river. If the huge payments aren’t daunting enough, maybe the noise will be a deterrent. I think, however, there are plenty of people willing to sacrifice to have that coveted spot along the water. Make sure the mortage company throws in a box of ear plugs.

This reminds me of nonsense we went through in Brainerd, Minnesota in the late 90s. People bought land bordering Brainerd International Raceway at a cheap price because of all the noise on the other side of the trees. Then they all gathered forces and got a noise ordinance passed against the track! All of a sudden machines such as our motorcycles were subject to noise restrictions even a stock motorcycle couldn’t pass. It was ridiculous, and we were only shut down for a year or two. In any case, if the power plant is too loud for people on the Bismarck side of the river, they wouldn’t have any such recourse…no matter how fashionable the neighborhood.