10 Fun Things To Do In and Around Mandan, North Dakota (Morton County)
If you’re road-tripping through North Dakota or live nearby in Bismarck, you might be wondering what to do across the river in
Mandan, ND. This friendly town in
Morton County is small, but it’s packed with history, outdoor fun, and classic Midwest charm.
Whether you’re visiting with kids, exploring solo, or planning a weekend date, here are
10 great things to do in and near Mandan that are worth a stop.
1. Step Back in Time at Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park
If you only have time for one thing in Mandan, make it
Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park. It’s about 7 miles south of town and feels like walking straight into a history book.
At the park, you’ll find:
- Custer House – A rebuilt home where Lt. Col. George Custer lived before heading out on his final campaign.
- Reconstructed Fort buildings – Barracks, blockhouses, and other structures that show what frontier life was like.
- On-A-Slant Indian Village – Earthlodges that tell the story of the Mandan people who lived here long before the fort.
You can hike, bike, or just stroll the grounds. The views of the Missouri River are wide open and peaceful, especially near sunset.
Tip: Plan at least 2–3 hours so you’re not rushing through the village and the fort. History buffs could easily spend half a day here.
2. Ride the Aerial Tram and Explore the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery
Right next to Fort Abraham Lincoln, you’ll find the
Fort Lincoln Trolley (seasonal) and the
aerial tram that takes you up to the bluffs above the Missouri River. It’s a short ride, but it offers a great bird’s-eye view of the river valley and rolling hills.
At the top, you can visit the
North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, a calm and respectful place to walk, reflect, and read the names and dates on the stones. It’s a powerful reminder of the people who served, and the setting is beautiful in a quiet, simple way.
If you enjoy photography, the overlook up here is one of the best spots near Mandan.
3. Have Old-School Fun at Raging Rivers Waterpark
Traveling with kids or just a kid at heart? Head to
Raging Rivers Waterpark in Mandan during the summer months.
This local favorite has:
- Twisty water slides
- A large lazy river
- Wave pool and splash areas for younger kids
- Plenty of chairs for sunbathing or just relaxing
It’s not a giant theme park, but that’s part of the charm. It feels more laid-back and less overwhelming, which is perfect for families.
Tip: Go on a weekday if you can. Weekends can get busy when the weather is hot, especially in July and August.
4. Walk the Mandan Main Street & Enjoy Local Eats
Downtown
Mandan Main Street is small, but it has that cozy, “everyone knows everyone” feel that you don’t get in big cities.
As you walk down Main, you’ll find:
- Local cafés and diners serving hearty Midwestern meals
- Bars and grills with burgers, wings, and cold drinks
- Shops with gifts, small-town souvenirs, and local goods
- Murals and historic buildings that make for great photo backdrops
If you’re into people-watching, grab a coffee and sit by the window. On a Friday night, you’ll see families, ranchers, bikers, and travelers all mixing together.
Personal hint: Try whatever the daily special is at a local diner. In small towns like Mandan, the special is usually what the cook is proud of that day.
5. Catch a Race at Dacotah Speedway
If you like dirt track racing, loud engines, and a little adrenaline, check out
Dacotah Speedway on the north side of Mandan.
This local track hosts:
- Stock car races
- Modifieds and legends cars
- Special events and race nights throughout the season
The stands are close to the action, so you feel every roar and slide. Even if you’re not a huge racing fan, the energy is contagious. Bring a light jacket; once the sun goes down, the North Dakota air cools off fast.
Tip: Check their schedule online before you go. Races are usually on select nights, not every day.
6. Enjoy River Views at Mandan’s Missouri Riverfront & Dykshoorn Park
The
Missouri River shapes life in Mandan, and spending time along the water is one of the simplest and best things to do here.
Head toward the riverfront and nearby
Dykshoorn Park:
- Walk or bike the trails that follow the river.
- Relax on a bench and watch boats and barges pass by.
- Let kids burn off energy on the playgrounds.
- In summer, check for concerts, festivals, and community events in the park.
On a warm evening, you’ll see locals out walking dogs, jogging, or just sitting on the grass. It’s a great place to stretch your legs after a long drive on I‑94.
7. Celebrate at Mandan Rodeo Days & Fourth of July Festivities
If you’re anywhere near North Dakota around the Fourth of July, you’ll want to be in Mandan. The town is known across the region for its
Mandan Rodeo Days and Independence Day events.
Expect:
- Pro rodeo action – bronc riding, bull riding, barrel racing, and more.
- Fourth of July parade – full of floats, horses, bands, and candy for the kids.
- Fireworks lighting up the big prairie sky.
The whole town feels like one big block party. Plan ahead, because hotels in Mandan and nearby Bismarck fill up fast that week.
Tip: Bring a hat, sunscreen, and a refillable water bottle. July sun in North Dakota can be strong, even with a breeze.
8. Hit the Trails at Harmon Lake Recreation Area
Looking for outdoor things to do near Mandan that are a little more low-key? Drive about 10 miles north of town to
Harmon Lake Recreation Area.
Here you can:
- Hike or mountain bike the trails around the lake.
- Kayak, canoe, or paddleboard on calm water.
- Enjoy a picnic or just sit and watch the sunset.
It’s quieter than some big state parks and feels very local. If you’re doing a North Dakota camping trip, Harmon Lake also has camping spots that make a nice base for exploring Morton County.
Tip: Watch for wildlife, especially in the early morning or evening. You might spot deer, birds, and other prairie animals.
9. Take a Short Drive to Bismarck for Museums and Shopping
One of the perks of visiting Mandan is that you’re just across the river from the state capital,
Bismarck. It’s an easy 5–10 minute drive, so you can enjoy a small-town stay with quick access to city amenities.
In Bismarck, you can:
- Visit the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum – great for learning about dinosaurs, Native history, and the state’s past.
- Walk around the State Capitol grounds and take in the view from the tower (when open).
- Grab dinner or drinks at one of the many restaurants and breweries.
- Do some shopping if you’re on a longer road trip and need supplies.
Then, you can head back to Mandan for a quieter night’s sleep.
10. Explore Morton County’s Small-Town and Scenic Drives
Beyond Mandan itself,
Morton County offers that classic North Dakota open-road feel. If you enjoy driving through wide-open spaces, this is the place.
Consider:
- Taking a scenic drive on country roads south or west of Mandan, where rolling hills meet big sky.
- Stopping in smaller communities in Morton County for a quick bite or gas and a chat with locals.
- Watching the sunset from a gravel road pull-off – the sky seems to go on forever out here.
It’s simple, but that’s the point. Sometimes the best thing to do in North Dakota is just drive, roll down the windows, and enjoy the quiet.
Planning Your Trip to Mandan, North Dakota
To make the most of your visit to Mandan and Morton County:
- Best time to visit: Late spring through early fall for outdoor activities, waterparks, and festivals.
- Where to stay: You’ll find hotels in both Mandan and nearby Bismarck, plus camping at places like Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park and Harmon Lake.
- Getting around: A car is almost essential. Distances aren’t huge, but public transit is limited.
If you’ve ever wondered what “real” small-town North Dakota feels like, Mandan is a friendly, easy place to find out.
What Would You Do in Mandan?
Have you visited
Mandan, North Dakota or somewhere else in
Morton County?
- Did you ride the aerial tram or explore Fort Abraham Lincoln?
- Do you have a favorite local diner or bar on Mandan Main Street?
- Are you planning a Fourth of July trip to Mandan Rodeo Days?
I’d love to hear your stories, tips, and questions.
Drop a comment below and share your experience or plans. And if you found this guide to things to do in Mandan helpful, please
share it with a friend who’s planning a North Dakota road trip!
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