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Trips to Go
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The Missouri River - North Dakota's First Superhighway
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Categories: Bodies in Motion, The Scenic Route
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SUGGESTED CANOE TRIP ITINERARY
Follow the course of Native Americans, early trappers, traders, and explorers such as Lewis and Clark who paddled the waters of the Missouri River in search of a real American adventure.
Day 1
RIVERDALE
Arrive at Downstream Recreation Area ¾ mile west and 1 mile south of Riverdale — just below the Garrison Dam spillway.
- Clean, modern campground operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. 701-654-7440 or 1-877-444-6777. Individual and group camping sites with easy canoe and kayak access to the Missouri River. If arriving early in the afternoon, tour the power plant on the face of Garrison Dam and check out other attractions and services in Riverdale and Pick City.
Day 2
RIVERDALE-STANTON
- Depart Downstream Recreation Area and enjoy paddling one of the last free flowing sections of the Missouri River. Current averages 8 mph, so keep the bow of canoe pointed south and you will do just fine. Look for deer, turkey, geese and other wildlife — depending on the time of year. Remember to bring along a fishing pole for walleye, northern pike and other game and pan fish as you enjoy an easy paddle on the Missouri. An easy half day of paddling would bring you to the confluence of the Knife and Missouri Rivers. Paddle upstream about 1½ miles to the Stanton City Park. Good camping facilities and a leisurely ¾-mile hike to the Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site www.nps.gov/knri. Total distance from the Downstream Recreation Area to the Stanton City Park is 16.2 miles.
Day 3
STANTON-WASHBURN
CROSS RANCH STATE PARK
- Rise and shine. Back down the Knife River to the Missouri, heading south. Just 15 miles of river travel brings you to Fort Mandan, the reconstructed winter fort for Lewis and Clark’s Corps of Discovery. Check out the interpretive center and Fort Mandan http://www.fortmandan.com/ — a wonderful stop and trip in history. Proceed on for several miles to Washburn http://www.washburnnd.com/, the city on the river. Stretch your legs by walking the ½ mile to town and enjoy some ice cream or shopping for supplies. Be sure to check out the McLean County Museum and other attractions in town. If adverse weather or other factors have you changing your plans, Washburn has two boat ramps for pulling out and saving the trip for another day. If it’s clear skies with a northwest breeze at your back, make the trip to Cross Ranch State Park — just 9 miles further down the river from Washburn. Campsites and rustic cabins are available at Cross Ranch, as well as an interpretive center — telling the story of the river. Contact Cross Ranch State Park www.parkrec.nd.gov/Parks/CRSP.htm. About 28 miles of paddling for the day.
Day 4
BISMARCK
CROSS RANCH STATE PARK
- Sleeping in late along the Missouri is a great feeling — but this is your longest day on the river, so best to be up and at ‘em early! Cross Ranch State Park to Centennial Boat Ramp in Bismarck is almost 35 miles. You can pull out at Kniefel Boat Ramp, on the east side of the river, and save about 8-10 miles of canoeing, as well as paddling with increased motorboat traffic. Bismarck and Mandan www.bismarckmandancvb.com offer a full range of restaurants, hotels/motels and campgrounds. Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park (701-667-6340) is located on the west side of the river about 4 miles south of the Centennial Boat Ramp. A great place to celebrate the conclusion of an adventure on the Missouri.
Detailed Missouri River canoeing and kayaking guide available from North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department. Contact the department at 701-328-5357 or check Web site at: www.parkrec.nd.gov
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| Attractions that have been included in this trip: |
| McLean County Historical Society Museum |
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