North Dakota is home to some of the most breathtaking natural wonders in the whole of the USA. From vast prairies to scenic rivers, the state offers a variety of outdoor adventures for nature enthusiasts to enjoy.
If you live in the Bismarck area or just happen to be visiting, you’ll find yourself in the heart of North Dakota’s natural beauty, with many state parks just a short drive away.
For this reason, it is worth making a note of these 5 state parks near Bismarck in North Dakota. Whether you’re into hiking, biking, fishing or just enjoying a picnic in the great outdoors, the city and its surrounding areas have plenty of options for you.
So, grab your boots, fishing rod and a packed lunch, and get ready to explore the natural wonders of this beautiful part of the world.
Map of State Parks Near Bismarck, ND
Here is a map of the state parks in North Dakota covered by this post:
List of State Parks Near Bismarck
The summary of state parks listed below are all well worth visiting. Irrespective of which ones you go to, they can all be arrived at within a couple of hours drive from the city.
1. Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park
Distance from Bismarck: about 3 miles southwest of Bismarck (straight-line).
Location: 4480 Fort Lincoln Rd, Mandan, ND 58554
Named after the famous fort that was established there in the late 1800s, Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park is a fascinating place to visit for history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts.
Situated along the Missouri River, the park covers over 1,000 acres and is packed full of historic buildings that showcase the rich history of the area, including the famous Battle of the Little Bighorn.
One of the main attractions of the park is the reconstructed Custer House, which was the home of General George Armstrong Custer and his wife Elizabeth during their time at the fort. The house has been restored to its original 1875 appearance and is open to visitors for guided tours.
The park offers a variety of recreational opportunities, including hiking, biking, horseback riding, and fishing. In addition, there are several trails that wind through it, including the Fort Lincoln Loop Trail, which takes hikers on a tour of the park’s historic sites.
The park also has a campground with over 100 campsites, as well as picnic areas, a swimming beach, and a marina.
Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park is a North Dakota state park located 7 miles (11 km) south of Mandan, North Dakota, United States.
Highlights associated with Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park include river access and seasonal wildflowers.
See our full Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
2. Cross Ranch State Park
Distance from Bismarck: about 31 miles north of Bismarck (straight-line).
Location: 1403 River Rd, Center, ND 58530
At just over an hour north of Bismarck, Cross Ranch State Park is a very popular destination for nature lovers.
Another park that is situated along the banks of the Missouri River, it covers an area of over 5,000 acres of picturesque rolling hills, lush forests, and picturesque grasslands.
Fishing is one of the most popular activities at the park, while many visitors also take the opportunity to rent canoes, kayaks, and paddleboats to explore the river and nearby tributaries.
Throughout the park, wildlife viewing is also a popular activity, with several species of birds and animals calling it home, including deer, coyotes, and bald eagles. Park visitors can also enjoy hiking through several miles of trails that wind through the rugged terrain, offering stunning views of the river and surrounding landscape.
Additionally, camping is also a popular activity at Cross Ranch State Park, with over 70 campsites available for both tent and RV camping. Modern cabins are also available to provide visitors with all the comforts of home while still being immersed in nature.
Cross Ranch State Park is a public recreation area covering 569 acres (230 ha) on the west bank of the Missouri River nine miles (14 km) south of Washburn in Oliver County, North Dakota.
Visitor facilities listed for the park include a campground, rental cabins, hiking trails, and a boat launch.
See our full Cross Ranch State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
3. Lake Sakakawea State Park
Distance from Bismarck: about 59 miles northwest of Bismarck (straight-line).
Location: Pick City, ND 58545
If you are into having fun on the water then it is hard to go past Lake Sakakawea State Park.
Located on the southern shore of Lake Sakakawea, this massive reservoir stretches for over 200 miles in central North Dakota. There, visitors can enjoy a variety of water-based activities such as boating, fishing, and swimming.
The park itself covers 1,520 acres and is also a popular spot for hiking and biking. Overall, more than 11 miles of trails wind through the scenic North Dakota Badlands, offering stunning views of the lake and surrounding landscape.
For those who want to stay for a few nights, the park also has a variety of camping options, including tent and RV sites, cabins, and group camping areas. Many of the sites have electric hookups and access to water.
Lake Sakakawea State Park is a public recreation area occupying 739 acres (299 ha) on the southern shore of Lake Sakakawea in Mercer County, North Dakota, United States.
Highlights associated with Lake Sakakawea State Park include beach access, lake recreation, and river access.
See our full Lake Sakakawea State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
4. Fort Stevenson State Park
Distance from Bismarck: about 59 miles northwest of Bismarck (straight-line).
Location: Garrison, ND
Fort Stevenson State Park is a public recreation area located on a peninsula on Lake Sakakawea four miles (6.4 km) south of the community of Garrison in McLean County, North Dakota.
Visitor facilities listed for the park include a campground, rental cabins, hiking trails, and a boat launch.
See our full Fort Stevenson State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
5. Beaver Lake State Park
Distance from Bismarck: about 62 miles southeast of Bismarck (straight-line).
Location: 3850 70th St SE, Wishek, ND 58495
Beaver Lake State Park is a splendid state park located near Wishek, about 2 hours from Bismarck.
Situated on the shores of Beaver Lake, it covers 283 acres of land and offers excellent opportunities for fishing, boating, swimming, and other water-based activities. Visitors can also rent paddle boats, kayaks, canoes, and rowboats, or bring their own motorized watercraft to enjoy the water. There is also a sandy beach area for swimming and sunbathing in the summer months.
In addition, the park offers a variety of amenities, including picnic shelters, a playground, hiking trails, and a campground which has 60 campsites. These include 21 electric sites and offer modern restroom and shower facilities.
The park also has a group campsite and two cabins available for rent.
For those interested in exploring the surrounding area, the park is close to a number of attractions, including the Wishek Living History Museum and the Ashley World’s Largest Working Holstein Cow. The nearby Beaver Creek Wildlife Management Area also offers additional opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and hunting.
Beaver Lake State Park is a public recreation area located in Logan County, North Dakota, about equidistant from Napoleon and Wishek.
Highlights associated with Beaver Lake State Park include beach access, lake recreation, and river access.
See our full Beaver Lake State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
