Fort Mandan Nature & History Trail, North Dakota

An interpretive and wildlife site along the Lewis and Clark Trail.

From the Lewis & Clark Fort Mandan Foundation
Designated as a National Recreation Trail in 2006

The Fort Mandan Nature and History Trail is located at the replica of Fort Mandan, which served as the wintering post for the Lewis and Clark expedition during 1804-05. The fort is located along the Missouri River west of Washburn, ND.

	Interpretive signs on the trail

The loop trail is comstructed of fly ash and cement, which was mixed to form a surface that is natural appearing yet hard enough to accommodate wheelchair traffic.

The trail takes walkers through the riparian forest of cottonwood trees along the bank of the Missouri River. This habitat is filled with wildlife, including whitetail deer, pheasants, wild turkeys, and Canada geese. Bald eagles nest nearby. The Nature Trail provides an opportunity for people to enjoy a pristine environment while they are visiting the historic site.

The Fort Mandan replica includes the Headwaters fort Mandan visitor Center and Fahlgren Park. Facilities include picnic shelters and a playground area.

The replica of Fort Mandan

The trail is a partnership between the Lewis and Clark fort Mandan Foundation and many donors who have made it possible, including members of the energy industry, the National Guard, and North Dakota Parks and Recreation.

The length of the trail is 1.1 miles with an average width of six feet. The maximum grade on the trail is 4.8% and the average cross-slope is flat. Uses allowed are hiking, bocicling, and cross-country skiing. Other activities available are fishing and wildlife observation. The visitors' center provides exhibits on the historical aspects of the site.

	The Fort Mandan visitors' centerl

For more information:

Lewis and Clark Fort Mandan Foundation
PO Box 607
Washburn, ND 58577
(701) 462-3430
www.fortmandan.com

The National Recreation Trails Program
American Trails, P.O. Box 491797, Redding, CA 96049-1797 • (530) 547-2060 • Fax: (530) 547-2035 • nrt@americantrails.org • www.AmericanTrails.org

See 190 entries in the 2007 Photo contest for National Recreation Trails

Audubon Center at the Francis Beidler Forest (photo: Mark Musselman)

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