Lincoln North DakotaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Lincoln, North Dakota.
1. Lincoln Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION SPACE
Lincoln Park serves as the primary recreational area in Lincoln, offering visitors a place to relax and enjoy outdoor activities. Families appreciate the open green spaces and playground amenities available throughout the year. The park provides a central gathering spot for community events and casual meetups.
2. Tumbleweed Bar & Grill
LOCAL DINING FAVORITE
Tumbleweed Bar & Grill is a popular dining establishment serving hearty meals to locals and travelers in Lincoln. Visitors enjoy the casual atmosphere and classic American fare including burgers, steaks, and other comfort foods. The establishment also functions as a social hub where residents gather for drinks and conversation.
3. Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park
HISTORIC MILITARY POST
Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park, established in 1907, is the oldest state park in North Dakota and features reconstructions of military buildings including General Custer's house. Visitors can explore the rich history through the Visitor Center Museum and participate in living history tours of the commanding officer's quarters. The park offers breathtaking views of the Heart and Missouri River bottoms through its scenic trail system.
4. On-A-Slant Indian Village
RECONSTRUCTED MANDAN VILLAGE
On-A-Slant Indian Village provides insight into the lives of the Mandan Native Americans through reconstructed earthlodges within Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park. Visitors can venture through authentic replicas of the dwellings that were occupied starting around 1450 AD. In summer, guided tours with people in period costumes enhance the educational experience of this historical site.
5. Keelboat Park
LEWIS AND CLARK HISTORY
Keelboat Park features a 55-foot full-scale replica keelboat like the one used by Lewis and Clark on their expedition. The park includes trails and walking paths where visitors can stretch their legs while enjoying views of the Missouri River. The Thunderbird sculpture created by United Tribes Technical College students adds artistic interest to this historical site.
6. Lewis and Clark Riverboat
MISSOURI RIVER CRUISES
The Lewis and Clark Riverboat offers daily cruises on the Missouri River from May through September. Visitors can experience the majesty of the Missouri River from the water while learning about the historic Lewis and Clark expedition. Special dinner cruises provide a unique dining experience with scenic views of the riverbank and surrounding landscapes.
7. Dakota Zoo
WILDLIFE AND CONSERVATION
Dakota Zoo is located within a 20-minute drive of Bismarck and offers visitors the chance to observe various wildlife species. The zoo focuses on conservation efforts while providing educational experiences for visitors of all ages. Families particularly enjoy the interactive exhibits and opportunities to learn about native and exotic animals.
8. Huff Archaeological Site
PREHISTORIC MANDAN SETTLEMENT
The Huff Archaeological Site is one of the best-preserved prehistoric Mandan villages in the world, located near the banks of the Missouri River. This rectangular village, occupied from around 1450 AD, included hundreds of lodges and was surrounded by a defensive ditch and fortifications. Today, visitors can observe much of the original layout through self-guided walking tours with interpretive signage.
9. World's Largest Buffalo
ICONIC ROADSIDE ATTRACTION
The World's Largest Buffalo is a famous landmark located in Jamestown that draws travelers from Interstate 94. Standing as an impressive concrete sculpture, this roadside attraction pays homage to the American bison that once roamed the Great Plains. Visitors often stop to take photographs with this iconic monument that has become a symbol of North Dakota.
10. Pembina State Museum
BORDER HISTORY EXHIBITS
Pembina State Museum stands as one of North Dakota's must-see historic sites, offering visitors insight into the region's rich past. The museum chronicles the history of North Dakota's oldest European-American settlement and the development of the US-Canadian border region. From its observation tower, visitors can enjoy panoramic views stretching into Canada and across the Red River Valley.
11. Fort Totten State Historic Site
PRESERVED MILITARY FORT
Fort Totten State Historic Site preserves a military post established in 1867 that later served as an Indian boarding school. The site features original buildings where visitors can explore the complex history of military-Native American relations in the region. Guided tours provide context about the fort's multiple roles throughout its history, from military installation to reservation school.
12. Fort Mandan State Historic Site
LEWIS AND CLARK WINTER CAMP
Fort Mandan State Historic Site features a reconstruction of the winter camp where Lewis and Clark's expedition spent the winter of 1804-1805. Visitors can tour the fort to see how the Corps of Discovery lived during their historic journey up the Missouri River. The interpretive center offers exhibits about the expedition's scientific discoveries and interactions with native peoples, particularly with Sacagawea, who joined the expedition here.
13. Bagg Bonanza Farm
HISTORIC AGRICULTURAL ESTATE
Bagg Bonanza Farm showcases the history of large-scale agriculture in the Red River Valley during the late 1800s. Visitors can tour the original 21-room house and other historic buildings that demonstrate life on one of the region's massive wheat operations. The site offers insights into the technological and social changes that transformed prairie agriculture in the Bonanza Farm era.
14. Hillcrest Acres Campground
SCENIC OUTDOOR ACCOMMODATION
Hillcrest Acres Campground provides comfortable accommodations for travelers exploring the Bismarck area. The facility offers various camping options with convenient access to nearby attractions like Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park and the Huff Archaeological Site. Visitors appreciate the campground's amenities and its strategic location for exploring North Dakota's historical landmarks.
15. Fargo Air Museum
AVIATION HISTORY COLLECTION
The Fargo Air Museum houses an impressive collection of aircraft that tells the story of aviation history in North Dakota and beyond. Visitors can view both static displays and flyable airplanes representing various eras of flight technology. The museum's interactive exhibits and educational programs make it an engaging destination for aviation enthusiasts of all ages.