10 Easy Road Trips From Mandan, North Dakota (That Are Totally Worth the Drive)
If you’re based in
Mandan, North Dakota and itching to explore beyond Morton County, you’re in luck. Within an hour or so, you can reach river views, historic forts, wildlife refuges, and quiet lakes that feel a world away from everyday life.
To keep this guide true to your request, every stop on this list is
outside Morton County, in nearby counties like Burleigh, Emmons, Grant, Mercer, Oliver, Sioux, and Stark. Think of these as simple, low-stress
day trips from Mandan—perfect for a Saturday drive, a mini family adventure, or a scenic date.
1. Explore the Missouri Riverfront in Bismarck (Burleigh County)
Just across the river from Mandan, but in a different county, you’ll find plenty to do in
Bismarck. It’s an easy road trip that doesn’t require tons of planning.
- Sertoma Park & Riverside Trails – Wide walking paths, playgrounds, picnic shelters, and easy access to the Missouri River. Great for a lazy afternoon stroll.
- Superslide Amusement Park (seasonal) – A fun stop if you’ve got kids in tow. Mini-golf and rides keep everyone busy.
- Riverboat Cruise – In warmer months, check out cruises on the Missouri for sunset views and a relaxed vibe.
One simple idea: grab sandwiches in Mandan, then head over to Bismarck’s riverfront for a picnic and people-watching. It’s close, but it feels like a mini getaway.
2. Visit the North Dakota State Capitol & Grounds (Burleigh County)
If you want a road trip with a bit of history and learning, the
North Dakota State Capitol in Bismarck is a great pick.
- Capitol Tour – Learn how the state government works and get a closer look at this tall, art-deco style building.
- Observation Deck – On clear days, you can see for miles across the prairie and the Missouri River valley.
- Capitol Grounds – Wide lawns, monuments, and walking paths perfect for stretching your legs.
If you enjoy photography, come around golden hour. The light on the building and the open grounds can be surprisingly beautiful, especially in fall.
3. Step Back in Time at Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park (Burleigh County Access)
The main park lies across the river from Mandan, but its access and surrounding drives connect into
Burleigh County and make for a scenic loop for history buffs.
- Historic Fort Sites – Reconstructed buildings show what life was like for soldiers on the frontier.
- Scenic Drives – Take your time on the roads leading to and from the park, looping through Burleigh County farm country.
- River Views – Pull-offs along the way give you nice views of the Missouri River valley.
If you like to mix history with a drive, plan a route that crosses the river, visits the fort, then swings back through different backroads in Burleigh County before returning to Mandan.
4. Lake Sakakawea Adventures Near Beulah & Hazen (Mercer County)
If you’re up for a slightly longer road trip from Mandan, head northwest into
Mercer County toward
Beulah and
Hazen. This area gives you access to the huge waters of
Lake Sakakawea.
- Boating & Fishing – Launch from nearby marinas and chase walleye or just cruise the lake.
- Lakeside Picnics – Simple but satisfying: pack a cooler, find a quiet spot, and enjoy the breeze off the water.
- Small-Town Stops – Grab coffee or a burger in Hazen or Beulah as part of your loop.
If you’ve been craving “lake life” without leaving central North Dakota, this is your best bet. It’s also a great way to turn a normal weekend into a mini lake getaway.
5. Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site (Mercer County)
Near Stanton in Mercer County, this
National Historic Site offers a meaningful look at Native American history along the Missouri River.
- Reconstructed Earthlodges – Step inside and get a sense of how people lived here centuries ago.
- Prairie & River Trails – Short, easy walks with views of the Knife and Missouri rivers.
- Visitor Center – Exhibits explain the history of the Hidatsa and Mandan peoples in a way that’s easy to understand.
It’s the kind of place that’s calm and quiet. You might find yourself talking more softly without even meaning to, just out of respect for the history here.
6. Fort Clark State Historic Site (Oliver County)
Drive north from Mandan into
Oliver County and visit
Fort Clark State Historic Site near Washburn. It’s less crowded than some other stops, which can be part of its charm.
- Historic Trading Post Site – Learn how this area once served as a major trading hub.
- Missouri River Views – Walk along the bluffs and enjoy wide-open views over the water.
- Peaceful Atmosphere – This is a good spot if you want history without big crowds.
Bring a light jacket—even on warmer days, the breeze off the river can feel cooler than you expect.
7. Birding and Scenic Drives at Lake Oahe & Prairie Areas (Sioux County)
Head south into
Sioux County to reach parts of
Lake Oahe and open prairie landscapes along the Missouri River.
- Scenic Pull-Offs – Look for spots where you can safely park and take in the views of the lake and rolling hills.
- Bird Watching – Bring binoculars if you have them; you may see eagles, waterfowl, and other prairie birds.
- Quiet Backroads – These drives are about the journey as much as the destination.
This is a good road trip if you just need some space to think, talk, or listen to music while the world rolls by outside your window.
8. Small-Town Wandering in Carson & Elgin (Grant County)
For a classic rural North Dakota experience, point your car toward
Grant County. Little towns like
Carson and
Elgin offer a slower pace that can feel surprisingly refreshing.
- Main Street Walks – Stroll through town, pop into local shops, or check out any small cafés that are open.
- Prairie Vistas – The drive itself gives you long, wide views of fields, windbreaks, and farmsteads.
- Local Events – Depending on the time of year, you might bump into a town festival, game, or community event.
If you grew up in a small town, this kind of trip can feel a bit like going back in time—in a good way.
9. Wildlife and Birding in Rural Emmons County
Drive southeast from Mandan into
Emmons County for a mix of farmland, river bottoms, and small lakes that are perfect for a simple nature-focused day.
- Backroad Drives – Cruise quiet gravel and paved roads, especially at sunrise or sunset.
- Wildlife Spotting – Deer, hawks, pheasants, and other wildlife are common along fences and fields.
- Photography Stops – Old barns, grain bins, and wide skies make this a fun area for pictures.
If you like the idea of a road trip where you don’t have a strict schedule, just a map and some curiosity, Emmons County is a good match.
10. Hit the Trails and Badlands Near Dickinson (Stark County)
Finally, head west to
Stark County and the city of
Dickinson, a gateway to the North Dakota Badlands.
- Local Trails & Parks – Stretch your legs at parks and walking paths in and around Dickinson.
- Badlands Drives – Use Dickinson as a base to explore the rolling, rugged terrain just west of town.
- Food Stop – Reward yourself at a local diner or restaurant before heading back to Mandan.
This is one of the longer road trips on the list, but it’s still very manageable as a day trip from Mandan if you leave in the morning.
Tips for Planning Your Mandan Road Trips
To make the most of your out-of-county road trips from Mandan:
- Check drive times – Most of these spots are within about 30–90 minutes of Mandan, depending on your route.
- Watch the weather – North Dakota weather changes fast. Pack layers and check the forecast before you go.
- Bring snacks and water – Some rural areas don’t have stores or gas stations every few miles.
- Fill up on gas – Top off your tank in or near Mandan or Bismarck before heading into quieter country.
Think of these trips as “choose your own adventure” days. You don’t need a perfect plan—just a general idea of where you’re going and a little flexibility.
Where Will You Go First?
From riverfront parks in Bismarck to the wide-open spaces of Mercer, Oliver, Sioux, Grant, Emmons, and Stark counties, there are plenty of
things to do near Mandan without driving all day.
Have you tried any of these road trips yet?
Which one sounds best for your next weekend?
- Love lakes and fishing? Head toward Lake Sakakawea.
- Into history? Try Knife River Indian Villages or Fort Clark.
- Just need a peaceful drive? Explore backroads in Emmons or Grant County.
Share this post with friends or family who live in or near Mandan and are always saying “there’s nothing to do.” And if you have a favorite out-of-county spot I didn’t mention,
drop a comment with your best hidden-gem road trip idea—your tip might be someone else’s next great day out.
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