Fort Abraham Lincoln

Located on the grassy plains near the confluence of the Missouri and Heart rivers, Fort Abraham Lincoln is North Dakota’s oldest state park. Established in 1907 to commemorate a 1700s US Army outpost, the park offers a look at America’s early years, as well as even longer ago when the Mandan peoples called this area home. The park is located about 7 miles south of the town of Mandan, and about 200 miles east of Fargo. In addition to its historical significance, the park is also noted for its diverse, high prairie landscape and exceptional views. More than 16 miles of multiuse trails are available for summer and winter roaming among the park’s prairies, woods, and shrublands.

Abraham Lincoln State Park offers more than 100 tent and RV campsites, in addition to camping cabins and Cheyenne tipis. Most sites are open and grassy, and equipped with electrical and water hookups, picnic tables and fire pits; pull-through sites can accommodate large RVs and trailers. Amenities in the campground include both flush and vault toilets, showers, water faucets, playgrounds, picnic shelters, Wifi service, and a dump station. There are also corrals available for horse campers. Additional park features include a visitor center, coffee and gift shop, and an outdoor amphitheater. Dogs must remain leashed unless in designated areas. Camping is available year-round; sites are $17–$25/night; tipis are $35/night, and cabins $60/night; reservations accepted.

There are plenty of things to do at Fort Abraham Lincoln, including hiking, biking, horseback riding, and fishing, but the main attractions are the park’s historical area and Mandan village. The historical area has replicas of Lieutenant Colonel George Custer’s home, as well as a barracks building, stables and blockhouses. Tours are available during summer months. The Mandan On-a-Slant Village—named so for the sloping ground it rests on—features several “Earthlodges” constructed in similar fashion to those used by the native peoples for homes and meeting places. A trolley runs through the park with stops at both historic locations, in addition to going to the nearby town of Mandan.