Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park, located near Mandan, North Dakota, is steeped in both military and Native American history. It’s famously known as the last departure point of the 7th Cavalry, led by Lieutenant Colonel George Custer before the Battle of the Little Bighorn. The park features reconstructed military buildings, including Custer’s house, and a replica of a Mandan Indian Village, providing a glimpse into 19th-century life. With its scenic trails, it’s also a popular destination for hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing, making it a perfect blend of historical significance and natural beauty.
Does Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park Offer RV Camping?
Yes, Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park does offer RV camping. The park accommodates RVs and provides several amenities to enhance the camping experience.
The park is known for its scenic beauty and historical significance, offering a unique combination of outdoor activities and historical exploration. It’s great for hiking, exploring historic sites, and enjoying the natural surroundings. Additionally, the park provides good cell phone coverage for most major providers.
Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park Contact Details
- Address: 4480 Fort Lincoln Rd, Mandan, ND 58554, United States
- Phone: 701-667-6340
- Website: https://www.parkrec.nd.gov/fort-abraham-lincoln-state-park
Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park RV Sites and Rates
The campsite offers various types of accommodations to suit different preferences and needs. There are 51 modern campsites, each equipped with electricity and water, available at a price range of $25-30 per night. Additionally, there are 15 modern group campsites, which feature electricity, water, and the convenience of accommodating multiple units on one site, also priced at $25-30 per night, per unit. For those seeking a more rustic experience, there are 15 primitive campsites with water access, costing $15 per night. There is also an option for larger groups with 1 primitive group tent campsite, which is available at $15 per night, per unit. Lastly, for equestrian enthusiasts, there are 4 primitive horse campsites, each providing water access, at a price of $15 per night.
Additionally, reservations for campsites can be made up to 95 days in advance through the park’s website or by phone. It’s important to note that pets are welcome in the park, but they must be kept on a leash, and owners are expected to clean up after them.
Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park Campground Map
Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park Amenities for RV Camping
- Electrical Hookups: Most RV sites in the park come equipped with electrical hookups, ensuring you have a reliable power source for your RV.
- Water Hookups: While not all sites have water hookups, many do, allowing you to easily connect your RV to a water supply.
- Wi-Fi Access: To stay connected even while enjoying the outdoors, the park provides Wi-Fi access to its visitors.
- Pet-Friendly: The park welcomes pets, making it a great option for those traveling with furry companions. However, it’s important to keep pets on a leash and clean up after them.
- Restrooms and Showers: Clean and well-maintained restroom and shower facilities are available, enhancing the comfort of your stay.
- Picnic Shelters and Playgrounds: For family gatherings or leisure time, there are picnic shelters and playgrounds scattered throughout the park.
- Additional Amenities: The park also includes a boat ramp, an amphitheater, and a 24-hole disc golf course, providing various recreational options during your stay.
- Cell Phone Coverage: The park offers good cell phone coverage, with services like Verizon 4G being confirmed by users. This ensures you can stay in touch or access online services during your visit.
Things to do Inside Inside Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park
Historical Exploration
The park is rich in history, featuring the On-A-Slant Indian Village and military structures from the 19th century. Visitors can tour the reconstructed Earthlodges of the Mandan people at the On-A-Slant Village, getting an insight into their way of life. The military fort, established nearly a century after the Mandan village, offers a glimpse into the life of frontier soldiers and includes reconstructed buildings like Fort McKeen and the Fort Abraham Lincoln Cavalry Post.
Visitor Center and Commissary Store
The Visitor Center showcases a range of artifacts and historical information about the Mandan people, Lewis and Clark, and the military posts in the area. It’s also a place to purchase unique souvenirs and gifts. The Commissary Store in Cavalry Square is perfect for relaxing, enjoying handcrafted drinks from a full espresso bar, and browsing historical books and souvenirs.
Outdoor Activities
For those who love the outdoors, the park offers 19 miles of multi-use trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Trails like the Little Soldier Loop Trail, Bob Tailed Pass, and Keller Loop Trail provide scenic views of the Missouri and Heart Rivers and the surrounding woodlands and prairie. The park also features areas for fishing, where you can catch various species like trout, catfish, and walleye.
Birdwatching and Wildlife
The park is a haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. You can spot various bird species, including Bald Eagles, Upland Sandpipers, and Tundra Swans. In terms of wildlife, the park’s woodlands, prairies, and rivers are home to animals like bison, white-tailed deer, raccoons, and beavers.
Camping and Overnight Stays
For those wishing to extend their visit, the park offers camping amenities, including cabins, tipis, and modern campsites. The campground is located at the confluence of the Heart and Missouri rivers, offering a unique overnight experience in nature.
Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park Nearby Attractions
Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center
This center tells the story of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, which passed through this area in 1804-1806. The center has exhibits on the expedition’s history, natural history, and Native American cultures. It is 4.9 miles away from the park.
Missouri River Heritage Center
This center explores the history and culture of the Missouri River valley. The center has exhibits on steamboats, Native American tribes, and the Lewis and Clark Expedition. It is 10.2 miles away from the park.
Whitman Mission State Historic Site
This site is the location of a former Presbyterian mission that was destroyed in the Dakota War of 1862. The site has a museum with exhibits on the mission’s history and the Dakota War. It is 17.1 miles away from the park.
Mandan Chieftain’s Village
This village is a reconstruction of a Mandan earth lodge village near Fort Abraham Lincoln in the 1800s. The village has several earth lodges and large, dome-shaped houses made of earth and wood. Visitors can tour the lodges and learn about Mandan culture and history. The village is 0.2 miles away from the park.
Missouri River Boat Cruises
Take a scenic cruise on the Missouri River and see the sights of the area from a different perspective. Cruises are available from several different companies in Bismarck and Mandan. The boat cruises start from 10.2 miles away from the park.
North Dakota Heritage Center
This center is located in Bismarck and exhibits North Dakota’s history, from the time of the dinosaurs to the present day. The center has exhibits on Native American cultures, the Lewis and Clark Expedition, and the state’s agriculture and industry. The center is 11.4 miles away from the park.
Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park Brief History
Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park has a rich history intertwined with Native American and military significance. Originally inhabited by the Mandan Indians, the park’s On-A-Slant Village was a vibrant community until decimated by smallpox in 1781. Centuries later, the U.S. military established Fort McKeen, later renamed Fort Abraham Lincoln, as a strategic post during the westward expansion.
This fort became a key military center on the Northern Plains and was commanded by Lt. Col. George Armstrong Custer until the Battle of Little Big Horn. Today, the park preserves these diverse historical narratives, offering a window into Native American life and military history.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Fort Abraham Lincoln used for?
Fort Abraham Lincoln, established in June 1872 near Mandan, North Dakota, was initially named Fort McKeen. It served as a military post to protect the Northern Pacific Railroad’s expansion into the West. Under Lieutenant Colonel George A. Custer, the fort played a crucial role in the westward expansion and the military campaigns of the era, including the Yellowstone Survey Expedition of 1873 and the Black Hills Expedition of 1874.
What is the area of Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park?
Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park covers an area of approximately 1,006 acres. This expansive park includes historical sites such as reconstructed military and Mandan Indian structures, along with various recreational facilities and natural landscapes.
How to make reservations at Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park?
Reservations for Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park can be made online through the North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department’s website or by calling their reservation phone line. This allows visitors to book various accommodations and facilities within the park, such as campsites, cabins, and shelters.
Are dogs allowed inside Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park?
Yes, dogs are allowed inside Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park. However, they must be kept on a leash for the safety and comfort of all park visitors and wildlife. This policy ensures that both pets and owners can enjoy the park while respecting the natural environment and other guests.
Is there an entry fee for Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park?
Vehicles entering Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park are subject to a fee. A one-day pass for a vehicle is priced at $7. For those interested in longer access, yearly passes are offered: $35 for a single vehicle and $55 for a family permit. Seniors 65 and older who reside in North Dakota are eligible for a reduced annual fee of $28. These passes can be acquired either through online purchase or by contacting the park directly. Furthermore, disabled veterans and former prisoners of war from North Dakota have access to particular privileges regarding permits.
What are the reviews for Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park?
Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park receives high ratings for its rich history and beautiful natural setting. Visitors particularly enjoy exploring the On-A-Slant Village and Custer House, with informative tours that delve into the area’s past. The park’s scenic location along the Missouri River adds to its appeal. Amenities like well-maintained campgrounds with modern facilities are appreciated, although some visitors note challenges with the online reservation system. Overall, it’s highly recommended for those interested in history, nature, and outdoor activities.