Some people may associate Fort Stevenson State Park with fishing. But even though the park lies along the shores of Lake Sakakawea just south of Garrison, there is much more to see and do here than fish.
The park is named for the old military fort from the 1800’s. The fort was established along the shore of the Missouri River in the 1860’s and operated into the 1880’s. The river’s course has changed, however, so the actual site is now under Lake Sakakawea a couple miles southwest of the park.
Like most other state parks, Fort Stevenson has a visitor’s center, campgrounds, cabins, as well as picnic areas, and playgrounds. And for those of you that have an urge to get out on the water, the park has two marinas. Fishing, of course, is popular on Lake Sakakawea where anglers may catch a variety of fish including salmon, walleye, northern, catfish, and smallmouth bass.
If exploring the Lake Sakakawea shoreline is of interest, you could observe a seam of lignite or petrified wood. There is also a chance of seeing the globally threatened piping plover, a close relative of the killdeer.
There are over eight miles of hiking trails to explore in the park. If you take the Purple Coneflower trail you will want to stop at the Interpretive Outlook where you can look out over the lake through a large scope. There is also a short interpretive trail and a short arboretum trail.
Interesting plants on the park’s plant checklist include Solomon’s seal, ball cactus, wild bergamot, buffaloberry, wild plum, and catnip. There is also some native mixed grass prairie in the park. Expect to see big and little bluestem, blue grama, sideoats grama, needleandthread, and depending on the season, pasqueflower, white beardtongue, purple coneflower, prairie coneflower, and dotted gayfeather.
Throughout the park, there is a good chance of observing mammals such as deer, or perhaps fox or coyote. There is also a wide variety of both game and non-game birds. And if by chance the mammals and birds seem to be uncooperative, even if they are cooperative, be sure to visit the prairie dog town on the west side of the park. That is always good entertainment!
So give some consideration to exploring Fort Stevenson State Park this summer. And as you prepare for the trip, it is probably best to take your fishing gear along!
Chuck Lura
Natural North Dakota is supported by NDSU Central Grasslands Research Extension Center and Dakota College at Bottineau, and by the members of Prairie Public. Thanks to Sunny 101.9 in Bottineau for their recording services.
