Review & Frequenly Asked Questions:

The McDowell Dam Recreation Area is situated just 5 miles from the city of Bismarck and offers an enticing green space where locals and visitors can spend a few hours relaxing and unwinding. There is a public beach where you can go swimming and the on-site concession offers canoe, kayak, and paddleboat rentals.

If you prefer land-based activities, you can go hiking or biking along the paved recreational trail or explore the nature trail that circles the dam. The area also offers a playground, picnic areas, horse-shoe pits, and modern restrooms as well as larger shelters which you can hire for group events.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

See the historic sites in Bismarck Visit unique museums in Fargo Go hiking in Grand Forks Step back in time in Medora Go on a scenic drive in Valley City Go kayaking in Walhalla Enjoy wildlife watching in Jamestown Learn about nature in Garrison Enjoy the scenery in Lisbon Take a tour of Theodore Roosevelt National Park Drive along The Enchanted Highway Admire the Missouri River Bike on the Maah Daah Hey Trail Have a picnic in Little Missouri State Park Go backpacking in the Little Missouri National Grassland Enjoy fishing in Grahams Island State Park Relax in McDowell Dam Recreation Area, Bismarck Have a damily picnic Turtle River State Park Go ice fishing in Devil’s Lake, North Dakota Hike on the Caprock-Coulee Trail Enjoy lake views in White Horse Hill National Game Preserve Go birwatching in Arrowwood National Wildlife Refuge See the World’s Largest Buffalo

Explore more: North Dakota > Places to Visit in North Dakota

Plan Your Trip

Get Ready to Go!

Need some more help?


Go to travel reservations.