The 'Ol Swimming Hole below the hills on the east end of town in the valley of the Bald Hill Creek (a gift of nature) has been the "highlight" of almost every child and adult of Hannaford and community. Before the flash flood of 1921, the creek had two channels and two bridges and at that time the swimming pool was on the north side of the bridge. The flood changed the two channel creek into one channel and eliminated one bridge. The south side of the bridge then became the site of the swimming hole. Early residents tell that at one time the men and women were segregated, the men swimming on the north side of the bridge and the women on the south side. The women soon became tired of this, as who do you suppose was stuck with the children? The women. So, being the south pool was best for swimming, the men gradually joined the women and it thus became the pool as it was in 1976. Community organizations and residents sponsor the upkeep and along with the summer youth program a swimming instructor is provided. Annual water carnivals were held some years ago. Bathing houses and diving boards were put up in 1926.
Baseball is provided each summer through the recreation program.
Basketball is provided through the school program.
A golf course was maintained at one time one mile north of town on old Highway North Dakota 1.
Before the drought a tourist park existed on the north end of town, with picnic facilities; apple trees provided after dark treats for the kids!
A park was started also at the pool site but the dry years prevented the growth of trees and few trees remain today.
The present park, sponsored by the Park Board, sits in the center of town west of the Northern Pacific track. It is equipped with a playground and picnic tables.
During the winter months, the great hills and the creek have provided skating and skiing; in later years a town rink was provided. The "one time" ski slide was an attraction for skiers and watchers.
Earlier years, a tennis court was maintained at the site of the park (now located west of the Northern Pacific tracks) and south of Mercantile Store.
Source: Hannaford Area History North Dakota Centennial 1889 - 1989 Page 29