History comes to life at Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park, 4480 Fort Lincoln Road, Mandan.
Rich in both military and early Native American history, Fort Abraham Lincoln was once an important infantry and cavalry post. It was from this fort that Lt. Col. George Armstrong Custer and the 7th Cavalry rode out on their ill-fated expedition against the Sioux at the Little Big Horn. So, take a trip back to 1875 where the General's staff still entertains guests with stories of Libby, the General, and the time they spent in Dakota Territory. Portions of the military post, including the Custer House, have been reconstructed.
Popular with visitors is On-A-Slant Indian Village. Six reconstructed earth lodges depict the lifestyle of the Mandan Indians, who occupied this site from about 1575-1781. The park's Visitor Center houses the nation's best display of Mandan artifacts and history, along with items of interest on Lewis and Clark and General Custer.
The hills above Fort Abraham Lincoln provide a great view of the Missouri River valley with three reconstructed blockhouses standing guard over both the fort and the village.
A 97-unit modern campground and comfort station is located in a scenic wooded area adjacent to the Heart and Missouri River with picnic sites and playground equipment. Multi-use trails will take you along the sloping hills, open prairie and into the woods. Visitors will be treated to a panoramic view of the Missouri River valley from the park's nature and historic trails. The park also has 2 cabins and 4 primitive campsites with horse corrals.
Guided tours run May into September; cost is $8 per adult, $5 per student. The park is open all year round. Park entrance fees are $7 per vehicle, $35 for an annual single vehicle entrance permit and $55 for an annual family entrance permit (members of the same household get two annual permits).
For more information, call 701-667-6340 or email [email protected]. Visit their website at www.parkrec.nd.gov.