Mountrail County: Prairie, Museums and Cultural History

In Mountrail County, northern mixed-grass prairie, historic sites and different perspectives on Lake Sakakawea come together. Visitors planning a trip can combine nature watching with exhibitions, local history and seasonal cultural events. Highlights range from the walk-through outdoor museum in Stanley to the natural landscape of Lostwood National Wildlife Refuge.

Prairie, Wildlife and Scenic Viewpoints

Lostwood National Wildlife Refuge encompasses one of the largest publicly managed areas of northern mixed-grass prairie in the United States. The landscape also serves an important purpose for migratory birds: It provides nesting habitat and a stopover on their long migration. Birdwatching is one of the activities available there. The refuge is 20 minutes north of Stanley on Highway 8.

The 7.5-mile Prairie Hiking Trail is a loop maintained by the refuge and designated as a National Scenic Trail. Because the trail has seasonal dates, check them before making plans. This makes it possible to fit the hike into your stay without reducing nature watching and experiencing the prairie to the same activity.

For expansive views of water and landscape, Crow Flies High State Recreation Area offers a different perspective: The viewpoint overlooks Four Bears Bridge and Lake Sakakawea. When the lake’s water level is low, the flooded town of Sanish may also be visible from there. Signs explain local history and the Lewis and Clark expeditions. The views, the history of the landscape and the conditions for seeing Sanish complement one another here, but are distinct aspects of the place.

Museums and Regional History

Flickertail Village Museum in Stanley is a walk-through outdoor museum. Its exhibits show the way of life of the early settlers. It is located in Stanley just off Highway 2. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, the museum is open Sundays from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., as well as Thursdays from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. and from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Check these seasonal hours before your visit.

MHA Interpretive Center offers a museum experience about the rich history of the MHA Nation; the center includes a gift shop and café. Three Affiliated Tribes Museum has a distinct cultural focus: As a heritage center, it honors the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara. It focuses on the culture, heritage, way of life and art of the Three Affiliated Tribes.

The buildings and collections also tell different stories. Paul Broste Rock Museum was built from natural granite quarried in the surrounding area and opened in 1966. It houses the collection of rocks and specimens from around the world assembled by Paul Broste; notable features include sphere trees and an Infinity Room. Mountrail County Courthouse in Stanley was built in 1914.

Wabek Consolidated School was established in 1917 by combining two one-room schools. It was also the destination of Governor Frazier’s first flight, which took place as part of a political campaign. In downtown Stanley is the Sibyl Center, a community-oriented center for arts and education. From spring through fall, its program includes entertainment, art, musical performances and social events. Check the schedule if you plan to attend an event.

Lake Sakakawea and Trip Planning

The waterfront destinations offer different perspectives: Crow Flies High State Recreation Area is a viewpoint; Four Bears Recreation Park is on the shore of Lake Sakakawea. It has 85 campsites, including 25 with full hookups and 24 basic sites. Campsite details may change, so it’s a good idea to check before making plans.

Van Hook Resort is on the Van Hook Arm of Lake Sakakawea and offers boaters free access to the lake. Van Hook is known as the “walleye nursery of Sakakawea.” Parshall Bay Campground is on the northeast side of the Van Hook Arm and offers views of Lake Sakakawea. Another distinct facility is the Ina Mae Rude Aquatic Center, a warm-water therapy center.

If you’re looking for a hotel for your trip to Mountrail County, first decide what you want to focus on during your stay: seasonal museum hours, the trail and birdwatching, cultural events or views of the water. Check the relevant hours and dates, then compare the locations of the hotels you’re considering with your planned itinerary.

Discover more destinations: New Town, Parshall, Foster County, Nelson, Grand Forks, Dunn County, Billings County, Cass.

For the broader travel overview: North Dakota.