Ft. Stevenson State Park

Commonly referred to as the walleye capital of North Dakota, the Ft. Stevenson State Park has been a local hotspot for fishermen (and women) for decades. It gets its name from a 19th-century military fort that was named after Brigadier General Thomas Greeley Stevenson, a famous Union officer who died in a notable Virginia battle during the Civil War.  

Unfortunately, the fort itself lies under several feet of water. It was initially located on a northern bank of the Missouri River about two miles southwest of where the park now lies. However, a replica guardhouse from the original fort's designs houses an interactive museum where you can enjoy several exhibits that outline the full history of this piece of land. 

Once visitors enter Brigadier General Thomas Greeley Stevenson, they tend to want to go hiking. 8.13 miles of non-motorized, multi-use trails are available to guests throughout the year. During the winter months, cross-country skiing is another favorite activity on these trails. Canines are welcome to accompany their owners, provided they stay on a 6-foot leash or shorter. 

No dog stations exist for guests, so visitors should make sure to bring bags to take care of any dog refuse that might be left behind. Fishing is prevalent here, due to the two marinas that exist on the shores of the river. The larger of the two, Garisson Bay marina, offers 61 electric dock slips, as well as for four specialized jet ski slips. These are all available seasonally and can be reserved up to one month in advance. 

A gas dock is immediately adjacent so you can fill up before you depart. A concession store on the docks is open seasonally as well so make sure you get your fill of bait, snacks, and other necessities. Canines are prohibited from entering any of the indoor structures but are welcome to accompany guests on any of the outdoor structures. Make sure they stay on a leash no longer than 6 feet in length.