Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park

About

Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park holds a unique place in American history. Established in 1907 as North Dakota's first state park, it sits along the bluffs above the Missouri River just south of Mandan. This is where Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer departed on his fateful 1876 expedition, and the reconstructed buildings bring that era vividly to life.

The park's centerpiece is the Custer House, a faithful reconstruction of the commanding officer's quarters where Custer and his wife Libbie lived. Costumed interpreters guide visitors through the rooms, sharing stories of daily life on the frontier. Nearby, the On-A-Slant Indian Village features reconstructed Mandan earthlodges that predate the military fort by centuries, offering a window into the Indigenous history of the region.

The Visitor Center Museum is a great place to start your trip. It houses artifacts from both the military and Mandan eras, along with exhibits that provide context for everything you'll see throughout the park. Rangers and staff are available to answer questions and help you plan your visit.

Beyond the historical sites, the park offers miles of trails winding through rolling prairie and wooded coulees, with views of the Missouri River valley that are hard to beat. Picnic shelters, campgrounds, and open green spaces make it easy to spend a full day here. The Triple Shelter can be reserved for groups at $75 per day and includes electricity.

Whether you're drawn by frontier history, Native American heritage, or simply the beauty of the North Dakota prairie, Fort Abraham Lincoln delivers. It's a place where the past feels close and the open sky stretches wide, welcoming visitors of all ages and abilities.

Accessibility

Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park offers several accessibility features for visitors with mobility needs. The park includes wheelchair accessible entrances and designated accessible parking areas, making arrival straightforward for those using wheelchairs or mobility devices.

Restroom facilities include a large comfort station and three vault toilets that are wheelchair accessible, distributed throughout the park grounds. The Visitor Center Museum provides an accessible entry point for your visit.

The park has been noted for offering wheelchair rentals and Braille-ready park maps, which can help visitors with mobility or vision needs explore more independently. Some trails within the park are accessible, though terrain and conditions can vary by season. It's worth asking staff about current trail conditions when you arrive.

The Pioneer cabins and several key historic sites are reported to be accessible. Costumed interpreters and park rangers are available to assist visitors and can help accommodate individual needs during guided experiences.

For the most current details on specific accessibility features, trail surface conditions, or to arrange accommodations for your visit, contact Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park directly at (701) 667-6340. Conditions can change seasonally, and staff can provide the latest information to help you plan a comfortable trip.

More accessible places in North Dakota

• Fargo Air Museum (Fargo)
• Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site (Williston)
• Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site (Stanton)
• Bonanzaville USA (West Fargo)
• Chateau de Mores State Historic Site (Medora)
• North Dakota Museum of Art (Grand Forks)