Sakakawea South Shore

Riverdale

Built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1947 as a home for the workers during the construction of the Garrison Dam, Riverdale is situated on the southeast end of Lake Sakakawea. Residents and visitors enjoy the benefits of one of the lake’s most accessible boat ramps at nearby Government Bay. Take advantage of the outstanding fishing, camping, site-seeing, hunting and boating opportunities only a stone’s throw away!! Downstream and Spillway Pond Campgrounds

Riverdale has changed considerably since the days of construction. For years, only government employees and contractors were allowed to live in Riverdale. In 1977, several of the Riverdale homes were vacated because the Bureau of Reclamation personnel, who were working on the construction of the Snake Creek Pumping Plant, were transferred elsewhere. With the housing shortage in surrounding communities due to the booming coal industry, the empty homes in Riverdale were made available for rent to people working for the coal industry firms.

In September 1985, the town site was officially incorporated as a new municipality in the state of ND. The residents elected their first mayor and city council members in October, 1985. On July 26, 1986, the Corps of Engineers, who operated and maintained the city for 40 years, formally turned over the deed to the town to the new city government. The first order of business for the new government was to sell the homes. Priority was given to those who were currently occupying the residences. Since then, new homes have been constructed and many homes have been remodeled. Thus, Riverdale no longer has the appearance of a military town.

The residents and businesses of Riverdale welcome everyone to come into town, stay a while and have a great time! If you have any questions, please call the Riverdale City Hall at (701) 654-7636.

Things to Do
Tennis and basketball courts, 3 children’s playgrounds, picnic areas, RV dump, potable water in the City parks are available for lovely afternoons under a canopy of aging evergreens and deciduous trees shading manicured lawns.

Hiking
There aren’t any groomed “hiking trails” but there are many places around Riverdale that are spectacular for walking along the lake. Go to Government Bay, park your car and walk around the caves and up the shoreline all the way to the spillway. Just remember you have to walk back.

Biking
Riverdale, with its paved, low-traffic streets is perfect for inline skating, skate boarding, riding your scooter while watching the boats on the lake.