Cross Ranch Preserve

The Nature Conservancy's Cross Ranch Preserve lies along one of the last free-flowing sections of the Missouri River in North Dakota, about 30 miles north of Mandan. The preserve protects a diverse mix of floodplain forest and mixed-grass prairie. Along the river are some of the state's most extensive remaining floodplain forests, while the uplands preserve native prairie similar to what Lewis and Clark encountered when passing through the area in 1804.

The Missouri River and surrounding prairie provide habitat for a wide variety of wildlife. Birdwatchers should look for Sprague's pipit and Baird's sparrow, both declining grassland species. Bald eagles are commonly seen along the river, while migrating whooping cranes may stop in the area during the fall. Other notable species include rare butterflies such as the ottoe skipper and regal fritillary.

The Nature Conservancy maintains two bison herds at Cross Ranch Preserve. Bison play an important role in maintaining healthy prairie habitat, but they are wild animals and should never be approached. Visitors can safely view them from a distance or across fence lines.

The preserve is open daily from dawn to dusk for hiking, birding and wildlife viewing. There is a 2.3-mile hiking trail in the central unit. Find the trailhead and parking area about one mile north of the preserve’s headquarters, on the west side of River Road. This trail is located within the bison pasture, so use caution when hiking here. Bison are wild animals and should not be approached. There’s also a 5.3-mile trail in the north unit that can be accessed from within Cross Ranch State Park. See the park’s website for details. Mosquitoes and ticks can be abundant at certain times of year.

There are no public facilities at the preserve, though Cross Ranch State Park, located immediately adjacent to the preserve, is a good first stop for visitors and offers restrooms, drinking water and picnic facilities. Supplies and fuel are available in Washburn, about seven miles north of the ranch.

If you’re interested in hunting or fishing at Cross Ranch, check out our Preserve Visitation Guidelines. Find the Cross Ranch hunting permit on our hunting webpage.