With so many wildlife refuges around the thriving wetlands and grasslands, McLean County is definitely a hotspot for travelers. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s check out the top ten activities that you should explore in McLean County –
Auto Tour, Hiking, Hunting, Fishing And Photography At Audubon Nwr
Take the auto tour along the 8-mile route through the South Shore of Lake Audubon or the 1 mile self-guided Prairie Nature Trail that comes with some enthralling views of wildlife. You can hunt deer, partridge, grouse and pheasant in particular seasons and Ice Fishing during snowy winter. Know more about Audubon and other popular places to visit in McLean County.
Water Activities At Fort Stevenson State Park
Visit the city of Garrison to enjoy Walleye fishing on Sakakawea Lake in Fort Stevenson State Park. Apart from camping, biking, cross-country skiing or hiking around this countryside attraction, you can rent canoe, kayak, boats and slips for exploring the lakeside. The two marinas have boat ramps and fish cleaning stations for fishing enthusiasts who wish to stay in the sleeping cabins or camps.
Take Tours Of Power Plant And Garrison Dam
From the Memorial Day till Labor Day, the Garrison Dam cum Power Plant can be visited if you can take appointment to get firsthand explanation about the distribution of electricity. Visit any time between June and August and you can enjoy 1-hour and 2-hour long walk-in tours from Thursday to Saturday. You will learn about the functions and operations of power plant, outlets and dam in this narrative tour.
Ride Bicycle Along Sakakawea Scenic Byway
Be mesmerized by the sweeping view of Missouri Riverside while riding a bicycle along the Sakakawea Scenic Byway that is dipped into 200 year long history. As you traverse in between Washburn and Stanton, the Lewis & Clark Interpretative Center with Fort Mandan will be your first stops. Pass through the Cottonwood forestry of Cross Ranch State Park before reaching the Fort Clark State Historic Site. Finally, learn about the ancient tribes at Knife River Indian Villages Site.
Play Golf At Painted Woods Golf Course
Rolling greens surrounded by mature trees, shrubs and grass on the western prairie land are the specialties of the Painted Woods Golf Course. With 5 tee sets ranging from 3800 yards to 7000 yards, golfers of all skill can take advantage of the perfectly manicured 18 holes, rolling hills, Painted Woods Creek and the serene landscape. Apart from the multi-tiered greens, you can also make use of the GPS carts, practice greens and fully serviced clubhouse.
Pay Tribute To Firefighters At North Dakota Firefighter’s Museum
The Firefighter’s Museum is filled with antique trucks, fire-fighting gears and a number of memorabilia from the firefighting history. Learn about the rich traditions and heritage enriched with history of fire service through the photos and records. Pay homage to fallen firefighters at the North Dakota Fallen Firefighter’s Memorial and the Hall Of Fame.
Learn About History At McLean County Museum
From getting a glimpse of old-time kitchen and dining room, wildlife of the McLean County, Riverboat culture, geological resources, Native American exhibits to Military exhibits, farming tools, model beauty shop, the McLean County Museum will give you ample knowledge about North Dakota.
The Fred Jefferis Building, Veteran’s Memorial, Sioux Ferry and Joe Taylor Cabin are also noteworthy.
Get Acquainted With Lewis And Clark At Lewis & Clark Interpretative Center
The much celebrated Lewis and Clark Expedition, especially their time at the Fort Mandan, is depicted at the Lewis & Clark Interpretative Center. The items which were used for expedition, especially the 6 air rifles are displayed as John Fisher Collection. Other specialties are farming equipment used in Hidatsa and Mandan as well as fur trade exhibits of Fort Clark Trade Post.
Family Activities And Learning History At Fort Mandan
Open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM, the Fort Mandan’s furnished quarters will speak on behalf of lifestyle of Corps of Discovery personnel from 200 years ago. While the discovery center and visitor center consist of the expedition history, the picnic areas and playground is there for family enjoyment. The cross-country skiing trails are best utilized in winter.
Skiing, Snowshoeing And Water Activities At Cross Ranch State Park
Along the free-flowing Missouri river, the Cross-Ranch State Park is best enjoyed by renting canoe, kayaks or boats to catch catfish, trout, pike, salmon, walleye, bass etc. Hike along or rent snowshoe or ski to explore the trail system passing through nature preserve and campground.
