Discover Morton County

Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park was established in 1907 and is the oldest state park in North Dakota. Reconstructed historic buildings, trails through the surrounding hills, and insights into Mandan history offer different points of interest on a trip through Morton County.

History and Historic Sites

On-a-Slant Village is a state historic site with six reconstructed earth lodges, including a large council lodge. If you are interested in Mandan history, a self-guided tour offers insight into the lives of the people who once lived there. The grounds of Fort Abraham Lincoln also feature reconstructions of the commanding officer’s quarters, the central barracks, the granary, the commissary, and the stables. The reconstructed Victorian Custer House is open for living history tours.

The history of the military posts can also be seen at specific sites. Fort McKeen was established in June 1872 on a bluff above the confluence of the Heart and Missouri Rivers. By 1874, Fort Abraham Lincoln was a command of nine companies and about 650 soldiers. Fort Rice became one of the most important military posts on the Upper Missouri River. Another historic site is the Scandinavian Evangelical Lutheran Church of Sims and its parsonage; both date back to their founding in 1884. The New Salem Historical Society/Custer Trail Museum is a museum complex with ten buildings.

Trails, River Views, and Activities

The non-motorized trail network at Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park covers nearly 20 miles. The Young Hawk Interpretive Trail connects numbered posts with a guide to local history, plants, and wildlife. Trails from the network wind through the surrounding hills, offering views of the Heart and Missouri River bottoms. Fishing is also possible along the banks of both rivers in the park.

Other trail options vary in length and character. The Scouts Trail System covers 8.8 miles and is a non-motorized, multi-use trail network. One trail begins at the confluence of the Missouri and Heart Rivers and follows a loop past the campground along the rivers and alongside the former Northern Pacific rail line. Another trail starts at the visitor center parking lot and leads to On-a-Slant Indian Village. The 22-mile Roughrider OHV Trail runs between Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park and Fort Rice Campground.

Routes and Outdoor Stays

The Old Red Old Ten Scenic Byway begins at the Mandan Depot on Main Street and heads west to Dickinson. The route between Mandan and Dickinson passes through rolling rural terrain and small towns. It offers a different view of the area than the trails along the rivers and in the park.

Sweet Briar Lake has 10.5 miles of shoreline. There is basic camping with no permanent facilities. At Fish Creek Dam, you can fish for largemouth and smallmouth bass, rainbow and brook trout, and crappie. Graner Park has 75 campsites with electrical hookups, as well as direct access to the Missouri River. At Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park, visitors can stay in cabins or at campsites. These options therefore range from cabins and camping with electrical hookups to basic camping without permanent facilities.

Discover more destinations: Mandan, Saint Anthony, Stark County, Cavalier County, Lamoure County, Williams County, Richland County, Walsh.

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