The Audubon National Wildlife Refuge offers more than 14,000 acres of mixed-grass prairie and wetlands around Lake Audubon. It was originally known as Snake Creek National Wildlife Refuge when it first opened back on May…

In a picturesque setting with natural grass and breathtaking vistas, Chief Looking’s Village exemplifies the profound history of Bismarck.  Situated atop a bluff, this land once was the site of a Native American village and…

The capital of North Dakota and the state’s second largest city, Bismarck offers visitors a wide array of activities. Bismarck is home to the most prominent zoo in the state, Dakota Zoo, and the state’s…

This site, conveniently near the highway, features spectacularly scenic views of Lake Sakakawea and Four Bears Bridge.  At times of low water, the sunken town of Sanish, covered by the lake since Garrison Dam’s completion…

The Dakota Zoo offers 125 species of birds, reptiles, insects, and mammals and is just steps from downtown Bismarck. Opened in 1961, the Dakota Zoo today welcomes more than 100,000 visitors a year to its…

Double Ditch Indian Village is an archaeological site located seven and one-half miles north of Bismarck, ND. For nearly 300 years (from approximately AD 1490 – 1785), this site was the location of a large…

The Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park, the oldest state park in North Dakota, provides visitors with a diverse historical landscape. The site houses the On-A-Slant Mandan Indian Village which was established in the 16th century…

What was once the winter home of the Lewis and Clark expedition from 1804-1805 has now been fully reconstructed for visitors to explore. Today the furnished quarters invite sightseers to imagine the lives of the…

First established in 1864 and reconstructed four years later, this fort protected transportation along the upper Missouri River. An important cultural contact intersection, the Treaty of Fort Laramie of 1868 was signed here by Lakota…

This state park was named after an old late 1800s fort that supplied many military posts along the Dakota Territory. Located just south of Garrison, Fort Stevenson State Park rests along the north shore of…

Between 1828 and 1867, Fort Union was the most important fur trade post on the Upper Missouri River. Here, the Assiniboine and six other Northern Plains Indian Tribes exchanged buffalo robes and smaller furs for…

Constructed in 1953, Garrison Dam is the fifth largest earthen dam structure in the United States.  Along with other dams on the Missouri River’s tributaries, it reduces the risk of downstream flooding.  Other operations include…

Since 1998 the many acres of ponds in this hatchery by the Garrison Dam have raised and released thousands of native fish back into the Missouri River. The goal was to help maintain the ecosystem…

On the banks of the Missouri River, Huckleberry House offers Nordic-inspired modern comfort food. Favorites on the menu include caramel rolls, specialty drinks, and a house hash featuring huckleberries for brunch. During summer, guests can…

This exciting historical site was originally occupied by prehistoric Mandan tribal members beginning in 1450 A.D. Today visitors can explore the prehistoric settlement that was once fortified and protected by an extensive ditch and fencing…

Imagine a busy earthlodge village full of life and excitement. Women sitting on platforms singing to their gardens, girls playing with homemade leather dolls, boys practicing with their first bow and arrow, old men smoking…

Named after the young Native American who helped guide the Lewis and Clark expedition, this state park is conveniently located just north of Pick City, the third largest man-made lake features 368,000 acres of freshwater.…

During the winter between 1804 and 1805, the Corps of Discovery resided at Fort Mandan, a location in central North Dakota. Today, visitors can experience exhibits, period artifacts, art collections, and interpreters who will tell…

Enjoy a different vantage point of Bismarck, from the river! Come aboard the Lewis and Clark Riverboat and experience the Missouri river at its finest, with sweeping views of the river and surroundings. Cruises last…

On the shore of Lake Sakakawea, this park includes miles of shorelines, a native mixed-grass prairie, beaches, and hiking trails.  The park features modern boating facilities, including a marina, perfect for fishing.  With a diverse…