Crow Flies High

Crow Flies High Butte State Recreation Area offers sweeping panoramic views of Lake Sakakawea and the surrounding North Dakota landscape from a scenic overlook west of New Town on Highway 23. Named for the Hidatsa chief Crow Flies High who lived in the area during the late 1800s, this primitive recreation area provides a contemplative space to view the vast reservoir, Four Bears Bridge, and on clear days, the site of Sanish—a town now submerged beneath the lake's waters. The site requires no entrance fee and serves primarily as a roadside scenic overlook with minimal facilities, offering travelers a chance to appreciate the scale of Lake Sakakawea and reflect on the history of the region.

The grassland and badlands habitats surrounding Crow Flies High Butte support wildlife typical of western North Dakota's mixed-grass prairie ecosystem. White-tailed deer and mule deer inhabit the rolling terrain, while coyotes, foxes, and smaller mammals forage across the landscape. Various raptors including hawks and eagles may be observed soaring over the butte and lake, taking advantage of thermals rising from the terrain. Songbirds and grassland birds occupy the prairie habitats. Lake Sakakawea below supports fish populations including walleye, northern pike, and various other species that attract anglers to the region.

The vegetation around Crow Flies High Butte reflects the mixed-grass prairie ecosystem of the Missouri Plateau, with native grasses including blue grama, western wheatgrass, and needle-and-thread grass dominating the landscape. Sagebrush and other drought-tolerant shrubs colonize the drier slopes, while scattered woody vegetation occurs in protected draws. Wildflowers including prairie coneflower, blazing star, and various sunflowers provide seasonal color. The badlands bluffs visible from the overlook support specialized plant communities adapted to the harsh, eroding slopes.

Crow Flies High Butte rises to 2,087 feet above sea level, providing an elevated vantage point over Lake Sakakawea and the surrounding terrain. The butte represents erosional remnants of sedimentary rocks typical of the Missouri Plateau region, with marine shales and other formations exposed in the surrounding badlands. Lake Sakakawea, visible from the overlook, was created by Garrison Dam on the Missouri River, completed in 1953. The lake covers 368,000 acres and stretches 178 miles, dramatically transforming the landscape that existed when Chief Crow Flies High lived here.

Crow Flies High Butte experiences a semi-arid continental climate with cold winters and warm summers typical of western North Dakota. Average temperatures range from approximately 8°F in January to 85°F in July, with significant daily variations. Annual precipitation averages about 15 inches, falling primarily during spring and summer. Strong winds are common at this exposed location, particularly during spring. The elevated position offers spectacular views during clear weather but can be uncomfortable during winter storms or high winds.

The butte is named for Crow Flies High (Mastí-ha-sish), a Hidatsa chief who lived in the area during the late 1800s. William Clark of the Lewis and Clark Expedition reportedly used this high ground as a lookout during the Corps of Discovery's journey up the Missouri River in 1804-1805. The town of Sanish, now visible as submerged ruins during low water periods, was flooded when Lake Sakakawea filled behind Garrison Dam in the 1950s. The dam's construction displaced members of the Three Affiliated Tribes (Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara), inundating 152,360 acres of their Fort Berthold Reservation lands.

Crow Flies High Butte was initially owned by the National Park Service from 1917 to 1956 before being transferred to North Dakota state management. The site has been maintained as a primitive state recreation area, with minimal development preserving its character as a scenic overlook rather than a developed recreational destination. The free admission policy and absence of overnight facilities reflect its role as a roadside attraction offering travelers an opportunity to pause and appreciate the views. The site commemorates both the Hidatsa chief and the landscape transformations that occurred with the Missouri River's impoundment.

The primary attraction at Crow Flies High Butte is the panoramic view of Lake Sakakawea, Four Bears Bridge, and the surrounding badlands landscape. Interpretive signs provide information about the site's history and the visible landscape features. During periods of low water, the submerged remains of Sanish may be visible, providing a poignant reminder of the communities displaced by the reservoir. Photography opportunities are excellent, particularly during sunrise and sunset when lighting accentuates the terrain. The site offers no developed trails but provides an accessible viewpoint for appreciating the scale of the reservoir.

Crow Flies High Butte State Recreation Area is a primitive facility with minimal development—no camping, overnight parking, or restroom facilities are available. The site is free to visit and accessible directly from Highway 23 west of New Town. Visitors should plan brief stops rather than extended visits due to the limited amenities. The overlook is accessible year-round, though winter conditions may make access challenging. Nearby communities including New Town provide services for travelers. The site serves primarily as a scenic viewpoint for those traveling through the region.

Crow Flies High Butte State Recreation Area preserves a significant viewpoint while commemorating the cultural history of the region. The minimal development approach protects the natural character of the site while providing public access. The overlook serves an educational function, helping visitors understand the scale of Lake Sakakawea and the landscape changes that occurred with dam construction. The site's interpretation of Hidatsa history and the displacement of Native American communities contributes to a fuller understanding of the region's complex past.