Crow Flies High State Recreation Area
North Dakota’s Scenic Overlook of Lake Sakakawea — Hidatsa Chief Memorial, Badlands Bluffs, Four Bears Bridge Views, Drowned Town of Sanish Near New Town
Crow Flies High State Recreation Area is a day-use state recreation area approximately 2 miles west of New Town in Mountrail County, North Dakota. Named after the Hidatsa Indian Chief Crow Flies High, the site features elevated panoramic views of Lake Sakakawea, the Four Bears Bridge, surrounding Badlands bluffs, and — during low water — visible foundations of the drowned town of Sanish, flooded by the creation of Garrison Dam.
Crow Flies High SRA occupies a dramatic bluff overlooking Lake Sakakawea — one of the largest man-made reservoirs in the United States. The site honors Chief Crow Flies High, a notable Hidatsa leader in the late 19th century. From the overlook, visitors are treated to sweeping views of the lake, the Four Bears Bridge spanning the Missouri River arm, and the eroded Badlands bluffs that define western North Dakota’s landscape. During periods of low water, the foundations and streets of old Sanish — a town flooded when Garrison Dam created Lake Sakakawea in the 1950s — emerge ghostlike from the lake bed. The area is day-use only — no camping or overnight parking. Lake Sakakawea itself is legendary for walleye, northern pike, and Chinook salmon fishing, though dedicated boat ramps are at other facilities.
Things to Do
Scenic Overlook
- Panoramic views of Lake Sakakawea
- Four Bears Bridge views
- Badlands bluff formations
- Drowned town of Sanish (visible at low water)
History & Culture
- Hidatsa Chief Crow Flies High memorial
- Fort Berthold Indian Reservation context
- Garrison Dam/Lake Sakakawea history
Photography
- Sunrise and sunset over the lake
- Badlands bluff landscapes
- Bridge engineering views
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | ~2 mi W of New Town, Mountrail County, ND |
| Type | Day-use scenic overlook — NO camping/overnight |
| Views | Lake Sakakawea, Four Bears Bridge, Badlands bluffs |
| History | Named after Hidatsa Chief Crow Flies High |
| Drowned Town | Old Sanish foundations visible at low water |
| Lake | Lake Sakakawea — one of largest US reservoirs |
| Fishing | Lake Sakakawea: walleye, northern pike, Chinook salmon (boat ramps elsewhere) |
| Facilities | Minimal — day-use area |
| Fees | ND Parks entrance fee may apply |
| Coordinates | 47.9836° N, 102.5144° W |
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Highlights | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | ⭐ BEST: Lake views at peak; Badlands golden light; long days; combine with Lake Sakakawea fishing | Hot; exposed bluff; wind; bring water |
| Fall (Sep–Oct) | Low water reveals Sanish foundations; fall light; golden grasses; quiet | Cold winds; shorter days; limited services in New Town |
| Spring (Apr–May) | Greening prairie; migrating birds; lake filling; wildflowers | Muddy roads possible; wind; variable weather |
| Winter | Generally inaccessible or very cold | Snow; extreme cold; roads may be impassable |
Visitor Tips
- Day use only: No camping or overnight parking — plan to visit as a scenic stop while exploring Lake Sakakawea.
- Drowned town: During low water periods (often late summer/fall), the foundations and streets of old Sanish become visible — a haunting piece of Garrison Dam history.
- Boat ramps: Crow Flies High does NOT have a boat ramp — use Lake Sakakawea SP, Fort Stevenson SP, or Lewis & Clark SP for boating access.
- Fort Berthold: The area is on or near the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation — respect tribal land and regulations.
- New Town: The town of New Town (2 mi east) has basic services — gas, food, lodging.
- Wind: The overlook is exposed — expect strong winds, especially in spring and fall. Dress in layers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can you see at Crow Flies High in North Dakota?
Crow Flies High State Recreation Area near New Town, North Dakota, is a scenic overlook offering panoramic views of Lake Sakakawea — one of the largest man-made reservoirs in the United States. Named after Hidatsa Chief Crow Flies High, the bluff-top site provides views of the Four Bears Bridge, surrounding Badlands bluffs, and during low water periods, the visible foundations of the drowned town of Sanish, flooded by Garrison Dam in the 1950s. The area is day-use only — no camping or overnight parking. Lake Sakakawea is renowned for walleye, northern pike, and Chinook salmon fishing, with boat ramps at other facilities.
Last updated: May 2026
