Fort Stevenson

Fort Stevenson State Park occupies a scenic peninsula on the north shore of Lake Sakakawea, one of the largest man-made reservoirs in the United States. Located three miles south of Garrison in McLean County, the park is named for a 19th-century military supply depot that served Dakota Territory posts. The park has earned recognition as the "Walleye Capital" of North Dakota for its exceptional fishing opportunities, while offering comprehensive recreational facilities including two marinas, nearly 10 miles of trails, and modern camping amenities. The 2024 celebration of the park's 50th anniversary highlighted its importance to North Dakota's outdoor recreation heritage.

Fort Stevenson supports diverse wildlife in its varied habitats of bluffs, woodlands, prairie, and lakeside environments. White-tailed deer and red foxes are regularly observed, while beavers inhabit the quieter backwaters and wetlands. The park's bird diversity benefits from its location along the Central Flyway, with bald eagles, various hawk species, and numerous waterfowl present seasonally. The extensive Lake Sakakawea provides habitat for walleye, northern pike, salmon, and perch, supporting both sport fishing and the broader aquatic ecosystem. Prairie dog towns add interest for wildlife watchers.

The park's vegetation reflects its transitional location between prairie and Missouri River breaks ecosystems. Ponderosa pine woodlands on the bluffs represent an extension of this species' range into North Dakota, while wooded ravines shelter green ash, box elder, and other deciduous species. The uplands support native mixed-grass prairie with species including needle-and-thread grass and various wildflowers. The Arboretum Trail showcases over 50 species of trees, shrubs, wildflowers, and grasses in a 0.48-mile educational loop. Seasonal wetlands in backwater areas support marsh vegetation and provide important waterfowl habitat.

Lake Sakakawea was created by Garrison Dam, constructed between 1947 and 1953 as part of the Pick-Sloan Missouri Basin Program. The dam impounds the Missouri River to create the third-largest man-made reservoir in the United States by volume, stretching 178 miles with 1,340 miles of shoreline. The underlying geology consists of sedimentary formations from the Cretaceous and Tertiary periods, with Fort Union Formation rocks visible in some bluff exposures. The landscape around the park was shaped by both fluvial processes of the ancient Missouri River and glacial activity that covered the region during ice ages.

Fort Stevenson experiences a semi-arid continental climate with cold winters and warm summers. Average temperatures range from approximately 8°F in January to 83°F in July, with the lake moderating temperatures slightly in the immediate shoreline area. Annual precipitation averages about 16 inches, with most falling during the growing season. Strong winds are common, making the area excellent for sailing but challenging for some water activities. Winter brings ice fishing opportunities as the lake freezes, typically from December through March.

The original Fort Stevenson was established in 1867 as a military supply depot serving other forts in Dakota Territory, named for Brigadier General Thomas Greeley Stevenson who died in the Civil War. The fort operated until 1883 when it was decommissioned as the frontier moved westward. The original fort site now lies beneath Lake Sakakawea's waters, submerged when Garrison Dam created the reservoir in the 1950s. Native American peoples, including the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara, lived along the Missouri River for centuries before European contact, utilizing the river's resources for subsistence and trade.

Fort Stevenson State Park was established in 1974 following the creation of Lake Sakakawea and the development of recreational facilities along its shores. The park includes a partial reconstruction of the historical fort to interpret the military heritage of the area. Development has focused on water-based recreation, with two marinas serving boaters and anglers who flock to the renowned walleye fishery. The park celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2024, marking five decades of service as one of North Dakota's premier recreational destinations. Annual events including Frontier Military Days honor the area's historical significance.

Nearly 10 miles of trails traverse the park's varied terrain, including the Flicker Loop (2.32 miles), Northern Pine Loop (2.22 miles), and the educational Arboretum Loop (0.48 miles). Trails accommodate hiking, mountain biking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing depending on season. The park's two marinas provide the primary attraction for the many anglers pursuing Lake Sakakawea's famous walleye fishing. The swimming beach, prairie dog town, and reconstructed fort elements add to visitor attractions. Winter brings ice fishing access and groomed trails for winter recreation.

Fort Stevenson offers extensive accommodations including over 100 campsites ranging from primitive to full-service RV sites, plus seasonal camping cabins. The park's two marinas—Garrison Bay and de Trobriand Bay—provide slips, fuel, and boat launch facilities. Equipment rentals include kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, bikes, and motorized boats. Day-use facilities include the swim beach, visitor center, picnic shelters, playgrounds, and fish cleaning stations. Located three miles south of Garrison on Highway 200A, the park operates year-round with peak services from May through September.

Fort Stevenson State Park manages its resources to balance recreational use with environmental protection on the shores of Lake Sakakawea. Fisheries management in cooperation with state wildlife agencies maintains the healthy walleye, pike, and salmon populations that attract anglers. Native plant restoration in prairie and woodland areas supports wildlife habitat and prevents erosion on the reservoir's shores. Water quality monitoring ensures safe swimming and healthy aquatic ecosystems. The park demonstrates responsible stewardship of both cultural resources through fort interpretation and natural resources through habitat management.