Cross Ranch State Park
Cross Ranch State Park encompasses a total area of 589 acres on the west bank of the Missouri River, 9 miles south of Washburn (a city in McLean County, North Dakota) and 22 miles east of Center (a city in Oliver County, North Dakota.) Adjacent to the Cross Ranch State Park is the Cross Ranch Nature Preserve, which covers a total area of about 6,000 acres and features a roaming herd of more than 200 adult bison.
To get to Cross Ranch State Park, you can travel via 12 miles of paved roads, southeast of Hensler (a rural village in Oliver County) or through 6 miles by gravel road for quick access to the park. To travel on the paved roads, follow the brown park directional signs located on Hwy. 200 or Hwy. 25.
The land where the park sits was purchased by the Nature Conservancy from Bob and Gladys Levis, in 1982. The Nature Conservancy later donated a substantial chunk of the land to the park in 1989. Most of Cross Ranch State Park is purposely left untouched to preserve the lands magnificent beauty.
Some of the amenities that can now be found at the park include the River Peoples Visitor Center, campground, picnic shelters, yurts, playgrounds, log cabins, RV dump station, electricity, showers, canoe and kayak rentals, boat ramp, snowshoe, and cross-country ski rentals.
Activities to enjoy at the park include over 16 miles of trails for cross-country skiing and hiking. During the summer, you can enjoy trails that provide access to 5,000 acres of dedicated nature preserve covered by woody draws, river bottom forests, and mixed-grass prairies. You could also enjoy camping, boating, and canoeing.
If you choose to bring your dog with you for the fun and relaxation at the park, you should expect the usual North Dakota state park rules with regards to dogs to apply. Some of the main rules include no access to buildings or in designated swimming areas for your dog. Your dog must always be attended to and must be kept in a secure enclosure or leashed (maximum 6 feet long leash). You should not tie your dog on plants or trees and you must immediately clean after your dog. Your dog is allowed entry at no extra cost.
