Fort Abraham Lincoln

Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park is North Dakota's oldest state park, established in 1907 on a site rich in both Native American and military history along the Missouri River south of Mandan. The park encompasses the reconstructed On-A-Slant Mandan Indian Village, once home to approximately 1,500 people, and the military fort where Lt. Colonel George Armstrong Custer was stationed before his fateful expedition to Little Bighorn. Today, the 1,006-acre park offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience two distinct chapters of American history while enjoying modern recreational facilities including extensive trails, camping, and river access.

Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park supports wildlife typical of the Missouri River valley ecosystem, with habitats ranging from riverside woodlands to open prairie. White-tailed deer are commonly seen throughout the park, particularly in the wooded areas and along the river bluffs. Bird diversity is notable, with species including bald eagles, red-tailed hawks, wild turkeys, and numerous songbirds inhabiting the various habitats. The Missouri and Heart Rivers support fish populations including walleye, catfish, and northern pike. Small mammals such as fox, coyotes, raccoons, and rabbits are present, while prairie dog towns can be found in grassland areas.

The park's vegetation reflects the transition zone between Missouri River bottomland and upland prairie. Cottonwood, green ash, and willow trees dominate the river corridors, providing shade and habitat for wildlife. The prairie uplands support native grasses including big bluestem, little bluestem, and needle-and-thread grass, interspersed with wildflowers such as purple coneflower and black-eyed Susan. The varied terrain creates distinct plant communities, from moist bottomlands with dense vegetation to dry hilltops with sparse prairie cover. Efforts to maintain native plant communities help preserve the landscape's historical character.

The geology of Fort Abraham Lincoln reflects the Missouri River's long history of shaping the landscape, with bluffs rising above the river floodplain and offering commanding views of the surrounding terrain. The underlying bedrock consists of sedimentary layers from the Cretaceous and Tertiary periods, including sandstones and shales deposited in ancient seas and river systems. Glacial activity during the ice ages deposited till and other sediments across the landscape. The strategic location on high ground above the Missouri River made this site attractive for both the Mandan village and the later military fort.

Fort Abraham Lincoln experiences a continental climate with cold winters and warm summers typical of central North Dakota. Average temperatures range from approximately 10°F in January to 85°F in July, with significant daily temperature variations. Annual precipitation averages around 16 inches, falling primarily as rain during spring and summer months. Winter brings moderate snowfall and occasional blizzards, while summer thunderstorms can be severe. The Missouri River valley can experience temperature inversions and fog, particularly during spring and fall transitional periods.

The site's human history spans over 400 years, beginning with the Mandan people who established On-A-Slant Village around 1575. At its peak, the village contained approximately 85 earthlodges housing some 1,500 people who practiced agriculture along the fertile Missouri River bottomlands. A devastating smallpox epidemic in 1781 decimated the population and forced abandonment of the village. Lewis and Clark visited the area in October 1804, meeting with Mandan leaders. Fort Abraham Lincoln was established in 1872 as Fort McKeen, becoming one of the largest military posts on the Northern Plains and serving as the base for Custer's 7th Cavalry from 1873 until his death in 1876.

Fort Abraham Lincoln became North Dakota's first state park in 1907 when President Theodore Roosevelt signed the deed transferring the land to the state. The Civilian Conservation Corps significantly developed the park during the 1930s, constructing roads, buildings, and the visitor center that still serves park guests today. The CCC also reconstructed the blockhouses and began earthlodge reconstruction that would continue in later decades. Major reconstruction of the Custer House was completed in 1989, and six earthlodges including a large Council Lodge have been rebuilt to interpret Mandan life. The park continues to expand its historical interpretation while maintaining modern recreational facilities.

The park features approximately 19 miles of non-motorized trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and winter snowshoeing. Major historical attractions include the reconstructed On-A-Slant Mandan Village with six earthlodges and the reconstructed Custer House with living history tours depicting life in 1875. The military fort complex includes reconstructed barracks, commissary, granary, and blockhouses. The Scouts Trail System offers 8.79 miles of interconnected trails through varied terrain. Interpretive programs and living history tours bring both the Native American and military history to life throughout the summer season.

Fort Abraham Lincoln offers extensive visitor facilities including 51 modern campsites with electricity and water, 15 primitive campsites, and two seasonal camping cabins. The Visitor Center Museum provides exhibits on both Mandan and military history, while a commissary store offers refreshments including an espresso bar. Day-use facilities include picnic shelters, playground, and kayak launch for river access. The park provides equestrian facilities with eight corrals for horseback riders. Located seven miles south of Mandan via Highway 1806, the park is easily accessible and operates year-round with peak visitation during summer months.

Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park balances historical preservation with natural resource management, maintaining both cultural landscapes and native habitats. The park's management includes preservation of prairie remnants and riparian areas that support native wildlife. Archaeological resources are carefully protected, with ongoing research continuing to reveal new information about Mandan life and military history. Educational programs emphasize the importance of cultural heritage preservation and environmental stewardship. The park demonstrates how historical sites can be preserved while providing meaningful recreational and educational experiences for visitors.