About Sakakawea South Shore

Every summer the geese and ducks return to the South Shore of Lake Sakakawea. They come back for the peace, the quiet, the abundant water, and a great climate. Once you have visited, you may want to do the same. Cross the Missouri at Washburn, enter the scenic land Lewis and Clark first saw nearly two hundred years ago. Some things have changed, but much has remained as when they first set foot in Dakota Territory.

Along this stretch of the Missouri, the river still runs as it always has. You can make a short jaunt south and visit the Cross Ranch state park. This is your chance to drive past the sites of abandoned Indian villages, and walk among the cottonwood trees by the river, just as the Core of Discovery did. You might want to book a river trip with one of the local outfitters and float the river. Coming down the river by boat you are sure to see bald eagles nesting and fishing.

As you travel farther west on highway 200, you will pass the point where Bodmer sat and painted his landscapes in 1804, near the site of Fort Clark. A few more miles and you will see the first signs of the lignite coal fields that now dominate the local economy. Two lignite fired power plants sit along the Missouri near Stanton.

At Stanton, you will be in the heart of Lewis and Clark country. This is a good place to head north and get a feel for the land as the early explorers did. Take time to visit the Knife River Indian Village. After you refreshed your historical knowledge go out and walk in Sakakawea's footprints. At the site you can walk along the Missouri and see it almost in the same state Lewis and Clark found it. If you want to spend more time in the area select the Lodging that will meet your needs.

Equipped with new knowledge of the area you gained in Stanton, you can head north to the big lake. Lake Sakakawea State Park will give you the chance to see the vast expanses of water created by the Garrison Dam located near Pick City. The Dam offers an excellent vantage point to look down the river into the pristine area between the dam and the Indian Village.

Lake Sakakawea is the focus of many recreational activities from sailing to big fishing tournaments. You can follow the South shore of the lake for almost two hundred miles. As you travel West on 1806 your next public access to the lake will be at Hazen Bay. If you want to stay on the lake the bay is equipped to handle campers or you can rent a small cabin overlooking the lake.

The community of Hazen is twelve miles South of Hazen Bay. The town of three thousand has everything the traveler may want, including a nice RV park on the outskirts of town.

If you decide to go farther West along the lake your next recreation area will be Dakota Waters Resort, and Beulah Bay. This area will provide you with a wide variety of services. Dakota Waters primarily caters to fishermen and campers, and has a nice place to eat decorated in the tradition of Lewis and Clark.

South of Beulah Bay is the town of Beulah. You can head to Beulah for more choices of lodging and shopping, or you can continue along 1806 farther West. On the way to Beulah you will pass the largest industrial site in the area. This is your chance to see everything involved in turning lignite coal into natural gas and electricity. If you want to tour the mine or any of the plants, tours are available.

If you choose to stay on 1806 you will be treated to some of the beauty western north Dakota is famous for. You will enter the Forth Berthold Indian Reservation and can make a side trip to Twin Buttes. After you drop back down onto highway 200 you can return to Hazen and Beulah to explore these nice little prairie towns or go on to Killdeer. On the way to Killdeer you will have the chance to stop at Golden Valley, Dodge, and Dunn Center. Each town has something unique to offer, whether it is the sculptures made from hay or the fine little museum at Dunn Center. At Halliday you can go north and access the lake. This route offers more scenic vistas, and ends with a spectacular view of the lake encompassed by the badlands at Mel's Resort.

Killdeer is a decision point. You can stop in Killdeer and hike to the top of the Killdeer Mountains. You will be rewarded with a view that will remain in your memory for years to come. You can study the rich Indian history of the area or drive north on highway 22 to enjoy one of the most spectacular views North Dakota has to offer. The Little Missouri State Park will offer the opportunity to ride horseback and spend some outdoor time in the area while you enjoy the vista from one of the rustic cabins perched on the edge of the gorge formed by the Little Missouri River. Your trip up highway 22 will end at New Town where you can test your luck at the Four Bears Casino.

Perhaps you would rather stay on highway 200 and continue west from Killdeer. You won't be disappointed. When you turn north on highway 85 you will experience the sudden change from wide open prairie to beautiful badlands. As you drop down into the Little Missouri River bottom it will become clear how the Badlands earned its name. Take the time to visit the North Unit of Teddy Roosevelt National Park. One will quickly understand why it is rated in the top ten undiscovered National Parks. Continuing in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark, head on to Watford City and Williston from here. You will leave Sakakawea South Shore with memories of a land few people get to enjoy. We were glad to have you visit us.

As you make this trip you will discover all the places to stay, and things to do on the South Shore. Whether you want to golf, sail, hike, hunt, fish, camp, or explore our history we can accommodate you. Let us help you have a vacation you can remember.