Last updated: May 21, 2021
Place
Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park
"Fort Abraham Lincoln- Cavalry Square" by ND Parks and Recreation Department is licensed under CC BY
Quick Facts
Location:
Mandan, ND
MANAGED BY:
Amenities
17 listed
Beach/Water Access, Benches/Seating, Entrance Passes For Sale, Food/Drink - Coffee, Gifts/Souvenirs/Books, Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Hitching Post/Corral, Information, Information - Ranger/Staff Member Present, Picnic Table, Playground, Propane For Sale, Restroom, Sewage Dump Station - Boat/RV, Sewer Hookups - Boat/RV, Shelter/Cabin, Showers
Lewis and Clark NHT Visitor Centers and Museums
Visitor Centers (shown in orange), High Potential Historic Sites (shown in black), and Pivotal Places (shown in green) along the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail
Established in 1907, Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park holds the prestigious title of being the oldest state park in North Dakota. It preserves and commemorates the area’s long history and natural beauty.
Located within the park is the first village in the area, which was established by the Mandan tribe circa 1575. Because it was built on a sloping plain, it was named On-a-Slant Village (or Miti O-pa-e-resh in Mandan). It consisted of about 85 earth lodges and housed a population of roughly 1,500 people. The village was a permanent settlement, and its residents relied upon fishing, hunting, and crops. After a smallpox epidemic in 1781 wiped out a large portion of the villagers, the site was abandoned. When Meriwether Lewis and William Clark came upon the ruins in 1804, they were already heavily deteriorated.
In June 1872, the U.S. Military established an infantry post near the ruins called Fort McKeen, but it was renamed Fort Abraham Lincoln a few months later. A calvary post was added to the fort in 1873. By the following year, it had become one of the largest and most important forts on the Northern Plains, housing some 650 men.
Today, visitors can tour On-a-Slant Village and its six reconstructed earth lodges while learning about the Mandan and their history. Living history tours of Historic Fort Lincoln and the Custer House are also available. The park also boasts numerous outdoor activities, including camping, rental cabins and tipis, hiking, and various events and outdoor performances hosted throughout the year. In the visitor center, visitors can relax at the coffee show and peruse the gift shop and museum.
For more information on events or cabin rentals, call (701) 667-6340 or visit https://www.parkrec.nd.gov/fort-abraham-lincoln-state-park.