Mountrail County: Discover Prairie, Water and History

Prairie, migratory birds, Lake Sakakawea, and stories from museums and communities give a trip to Mountrail County several different focal points. If you are planning for family members with different interests, you can give nature, water, and culture separate emphasis. This way, you can choose your vacation rental based on the experiences you want to shape your stay.

Prairie and Migratory Birds at Lostwood Refuge

Lostwood National Wildlife Refuge encompasses one of the largest publicly managed areas of northern mixed-grass prairie in the United States. Migratory birds find important habitat there as a breeding ground and resting place on their long journey. Birdwatching is among the activities available at the refuge. The landscape and bird migration are thus both in focus, without making the two nature experiences the same.

The Prairie Hiking Trail is a 7.5-mile loop and is designated a National Scenic Trail. The refuge lists seasonal dates for the trail; check them before your hike. The refuge is 20 minutes north of Stanley on Highway 8.

Museums and Stories from the Region

The walk-through Flickertail Village Museum is in Stanley, just off Highway 2. Its exhibits show the way of life of the early settlers. It is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day on Sundays from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and on Thursdays from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. and from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Check these seasonal hours before your trip.

The MHA Interpretive Center offers a museum experience about the rich history of the MHA Nation and includes a gift shop and café. The Three Affiliated Tribes Museum is a heritage center that honors the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara and recalls their culture, heritage, way of life, and art. The two institutions thus emphasize different things: the history of the MHA Nation at one, and the explicit honoring of the three tribes and their cultural traditions at the other.

The Paul Broste Rock Museum also combines a distinctive building history with a collection: it was built from natural granite quarried nearby and opened in 1966. The museum houses Paul Broste’s collection of rocks and specimens from around the world. Other features mentioned include spherical trees and an Infinity Room.

The Mountrail County Courthouse in Stanley was built in 1914. Wabek Consolidated School was established in 1917 by consolidating two one-room schools. It was also the destination of Governor Frazier’s first flight, which took place as part of a political campaign. In downtown Stanley is the Sibyl Center, a community-oriented center for arts and education. From spring through fall, it hosts an extensive program of entertainment, art, musical performances, and social events.

Viewpoints and Lake Sakakawea

Crow Flies High State Recreation Area is a viewpoint overlooking Four Bears Bridge and Lake Sakakawea. At times of low water, views of the city of Sanish, which was flooded by Lake Sakakawea, are also possible from there. Interpretive signs explain the area’s significance to local history and the Lewis and Clark expeditions. The views and historical context complement each other here, while views of Sanish depend on water levels.

Four Bears Recreation Park is on the shores of Lake Sakakawea. It has 85 sites, including 25 with full hookups and 24 basic sites. Since site details can change, check them before making plans. Van Hook Resort is on the Van Hook Arm of the lake and offers boaters free access to Lake Sakakawea. Van Hook is known as the “walleye nursery of Sakakawea.” Parshall Bay Campground is on the northeast side of the Van Hook Arm and offers views of the lake.

The Ina Mae Rude Aquatic Center offers a different focus: it is a warm-water therapy center. So, along with prairie, views, and history, there are also different kinds of water-related experiences to choose from; the description of the center should be clearly distinguished from the lakeshore and boating opportunities at Lake Sakakawea.

Choose the Right Focus for Your Vacation Rental

When choosing a vacation rental, it helps to first decide on the focus of your stay: Lostwood for prairie, birdwatching, and trails; Lake Sakakawea for lakeside and boating activities; or museums and historic places for culture.

Discover more destinations: Parshall, New Town, Traill County, Ward, McKenzie County, Walsh, Richland County, LaMoure County.

For the broader travel overview: North Dakota.