Dakota Zoo - Lewis and Clark Trail Experience

Information

Summer Hours - late April to September 10:00am - 6:00pm daily (weather permitting) Winter Hours - October to late April 1:00 - 5:00pm Friday thru Sunday (weather permitting)

(701) 223-7543

No Pets are permitted on the zoo grounds. Bona fide sevice animals for persons with disabilities are permitted. Exotic species, therapy or emotional-support animals are not permitted at Dakota Zoo. Guests that have service animals are asked to alert the staff at the admissions window that they are here with a service animal.

lat: 46.7994838 long: -100.8067539

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 expansive grounds which house Bengal tigers, whitetail deer, bald eagles, and Texas longhorns, to name a few.

For those interested in the history of the Lewis and Clark, many of the animals on the display are the same species as those that were encountered on their expedition. Make sure to visit our website to find a list of animals to keep an eye out for as you venture through the grounds.

Nearby Attractions

Super Slide Amusement Park

Super Slide Amusement Park

Super Slide Amusement Park, Riverside Park Road, Bismarck, ND, USA
Distance: 0.15 mi (straight line)

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The Paddle Trap

The Paddle Trap

2500 Pirates Loop Southeast, Mandan, ND 58554, USA
Distance: 0.73 mi (straight line)

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Camp Hancock State Historic Site

Camp Hancock State Historic Site

101 E Main Ave, Bismarck, ND 58501, USA
Distance: 0.87 mi (straight line)

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Turtle Effigy

Turtle Effigy

Bismarck, ND, USA
Distance: 0.95 mi (straight line)

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Tribal Experiences

Bismarck, North Dakota

Bismarck, North Dakota

Bismarck, ND, USA
Distance: 0.99 mi (straight line)

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Cultural Districts

Raging Rivers Waterpark

Raging Rivers Waterpark

Raging Rivers Waterpark, 46th Avenue Southeast, Mandan, ND, USA
Distance: 1.05 mi (straight line)

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Outdoor Experiences Fun and Sports

Brick Oven Bakery

Brick Oven Bakery

112 N 4th St, Bismarck, North Dakota 58501, USA
Distance: 1.06 mi (straight line)

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The Firepit

The Firepit

307 N 3rd St, Bismarck, ND 58501, USA
Distance: 1.08 mi (straight line)

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The Capital Gallery

The Capital Gallery

109 N 4th St, Bismarck, ND 58501, USA
Distance: 1.08 mi (straight line)

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Galleries and Venues

Dakota Stage

Dakota Stage

412 E Main Ave, Bismarck, ND 58501, USA
Distance: 1.10 mi (straight line)

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Pirogue Grille

Pirogue Grille

121 N 4th St, Bismarck, ND 58501, USA
Distance: 1.10 mi (straight line)

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Peacock Alley American Grill and Bar

Peacock Alley American Grill and Bar

422 E Main Ave, Bismarck, ND 58501, USA
Distance: 1.12 mi (straight line)

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Magic Photo Art

Magic Photo Art

Magic Photo Art, North 5th Street, Bismarck, ND, USA
Distance: 1.13 mi (straight line)

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Bismarck Art Alley

Bismarck Art Alley

117 N 5th St, Bismarck, ND 58501, USA
Distance: 1.17 mi (straight line)

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Former Governors’ Mansion State Historic Site

Former Governors’ Mansion State Historic Site

320 East Avenue B, Bismarck, ND, USA
Distance: 1.24 mi (straight line)

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Steamboat Warehouse State Historic Site

Steamboat Warehouse State Historic Site

444 River Rd, Bismarck, ND 58504, USA
Distance: 1.25 mi (straight line)

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Laughing Sun Brewing Co.

Laughing Sun Brewing Co.

1023 E Front Ave, Bismarck, ND 58504, USA
Distance: 1.49 mi (straight line)

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Food and Drinks Bars Breweries and Distilleries

Walrus Restaurant

Walrus Restaurant

1136 North 3rd Street, Bismarck, ND 58501, USA
Distance: 1.53 mi (straight line)

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LCTE Travel Newsletter

Our bi-weekly newsletter provides news, history, and information for those interested in traveling along along the Lewis & Clark Trail.

By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive the Lewis and Clark Travel Experience newsletter provided by the Lewis & Clark Trail Alliance. You can revoke your consent at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact.

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Parks Madness Update The Lewis & Clark Trail made

Parks Madness Update

The Lewis & Clark Trail made it through a tight round of voting to beat Independence Hall but unfortunately lost in the second round to Gettysburg by a close margin.

While we wish we could have made it to the Sweet 16, it was an honor to have the Trail represented and everyone should keep voting for their favorites to see who wins! Thanks, everyone for your support!

Voting and further information can be seen here: https://theparkschannel.com/

The full press release for this can be viewed here: https://apnews.com/press-release/ein-presswire-newsmatics/charles-poe-maryland-c1e3868948b73ca2de25ab2e888922d1

Site of the Week: Camp River Dubois Step into his

Site of the Week: Camp River Dubois

Step into history at Camp River Dubois, the winter encampment of the Lewis and Clark Expedition! Located in Hartford, Illinois, this site marks where the Corps of Discovery gathered supplies, trained, and prepared for their epic journey west from December 1803 to May 1804.

Today, the Lewis & Clark State Historic Site features a modern Interpretive Center packed with hands-on exhibits, full-scale replicas, and a 55-foot cutaway keelboat like the one used on the journey. Right outside, you’ll find a reconstructed version of the original fort, giving you a real sense of what life was like for the Corps in those chilly months of preparation.

Fun fact: President Thomas Jefferson’s letter of instructions to Lewis is on display here—one of the only public exhibits of the iconic document!
Visitors can explore trails, picnic spots, and take part in seasonal living history events with reenactors in period dress.

📅 Hours:
Open Wednesday–Sunday, 9 AM to 5 PM
Closed Mondays & Tuesdays, and on major holidays

Free admission makes this a must-see stop for locals and history lovers alike!

Photos credited to Cait Clark and the Lewis and Clark Trail Alliance

!!Big News!! The Lewis & Clark Trail has been ent

!!Big News!!

The Lewis & Clark Trail has been entered into the Parks Madness 2025 competition this year.

Voting for Round One has begun, and so far we’re seeing a very spirited competition with Independence Hall. Please vote if you get a chance so we can give The Trail a chance to win!

Voting and further information can be seen here: https://theparkschannel.com/parks-madness/parks-madness-2025-vote-now-for-round-one

The full press release for this can be viewed here: https://apnews.com/press-release/ein-presswire-newsmatics/charles-poe-maryland-c1e3868948b73ca2de25ab2e888922d1

This year’s competition is broken into four brackets: Eagle, Bear, Bison and Owl – all with a mix of natural wonders and iconic historical sites. Click on an icon in the first link provided to see that bracket’s roundup (we are in the Bison Bracket). Submit your Round One votes by 8 pm ET on May 4 to become eligible for a raffle of park prizes. Winners and Round Two matchups will be announced at 9 am ET on May 5.

!!Big News!! The Lewis & Clark Trail has been ent

!!Big News!!

The Lewis & Clark Trail has been entered into the Parks Madness 2025 competition this year!

Voting for Round One has begun, and so far we’re seeing a very spirited competition with Independence Hall. Please vote if you get a chance so we can give The Trail a chance to win!

Voting and further information can be seen here: https://theparkschannel.com/parks-madness/parks-madness-2025-vote-now-for-round-one

The full press release for this can be viewed here: https://apnews.com/press-release/ein-presswire-newsmatics/charles-poe-maryland-c1e3868948b73ca2de25ab2e888922d1

This year’s competition is broken into four brackets: Eagle, Bear, Bison and Owl – all with a mix of natural wonders and iconic historical sites. Click on an icon in the first link provided to see that bracket’s roundup (we are in the Bison Bracket). Submit your Round One votes by 8 pm ET on May 4 to become eligible for a raffle of park prizes. Winners and Round Two matchups will be announced at 9 am ET on May 5.

Step Back in Time at the Missouri-Yellowstone Conf

Step Back in Time at the Missouri-Yellowstone Confluence Interpretive Center!

Tucked near Williston, North Dakota, the Missouri-Yellowstone Confluence Interpretive Center marks the historic junction of the Missouri and Yellowstone Rivers—an important stop for the Lewis and Clark Expedition in 1805. Here, the Corps of Discovery paused to take in the view, document their journey, and celebrate reaching this milestone.

The rivers and surrounding landscape remain largely unchanged since Lewis and Clark’s time, offering a rare opportunity to see the same sweeping views they once described in their journals. Today, the Interpretive Center features engaging exhibits, a stunning rotunda filled with murals and artwork, and over 200 historical artifacts, including a steamboat pilot wheel and a 1904 Model A Cadillac.

Visitors can explore the story of westward expansion, the fur trade, Native cultures, and the Corps of Discovery’s journey. Outside, enjoy scenic trails, birdwatching, and peaceful spots for a picnic with river views. Fort Buford, just down the road, adds even more history to your visit.

📅 Hours:
May–Sept: Open daily, 9 AM–5 PM
Oct–April: Open Tues–Sat, 9 AM–5 PM
Closed on major holidays

Admission is just $10 for adults, $5 for kids 6–17. Children 5 and under are free!

All photos credited to Cait Clark.