Hike, fish and play in McDowell Dam Nature Park, a 271-acre park surrounding a man-made lake built for the sole purpose of recreation.

It is located about five miles from Bismarck and is one of the favorite local parks during the summer. The sandy beach offers a great spot for sunbathing and swimming, and kids love it for making sand castles. There are boats and paddleboats for rent, and the lake, stocked with trout, is popular among fishermen.

Picnic shelters and the kids’ playground are lively during the warm summer weekends and are available to rent for parties and celebrations. A horseshoe pit is also located in the park, not something seen in many other parks. There is a paved trail for hiking or running around the lake as well as another one through the wooded area of the park.

Find it at this Address: 1951 93rd St NE, Bismarck, ND 58501, 701-223-7016

Learn about local history at the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum Stop by the State Capitol Building Take the kids to The Dakota Zoo Best Free thing to do: Hike, fish and play in McDowell Dam Nature Park Best romantic thing to do: Visit Former Governor's Mansion and the lovely garden that surrounds it Visit Buckstop Junction Check out the interactive exhibits at Gateway to Science Ride the Ferris wheel at the SuperSlide Amusement Park Step back in time at Camp Hancock State Historic Site Camp at General Sibley Park & Eagles Park Play golf at Hawktree Golf Club Go on a dinner cruise aboard the Lewis and Clark Riverboat Go shopping and grab lunch at the Kirkwood Mall See a show at the Bismarck Downtown Artist Cooperative Go on a date at Pirogue Grille Order your favorites at Oahu Hawaiian BBQ and Sushi Bar Have lunch at Peacock Alley Keelboat Park Bismarck Visit Bismarck Art and Galleries Association Visual Art Center Cool off at Raging River Waterpark Play a round of golf on Riverwood Golf Course Enjoy fabulous comfort food at Space Aliens Grill and Bar Attend a concert by the Bismarck-Mandan Symphony Orchestra Taste unique brews at Laughing Sun Brewing

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