Painted Missouri River panorama with prairie bluffs, Fort Lincoln-inspired blockhouses, walkers, cyclists and a distant Bismarck skyline.
TRAILS & BIKING · MANDAN, NORTH DAKOTA

Missouri River Natural Area & Trailhead

Follow riverside trails through cottonwood woodland and look for birds along the Missouri.

Try this next Post to the Wire

What to expect

This Morton County natural area preserves river-bottom woodland near northeast Mandan. More than four miles of trails offer an outdoor alternative to manicured city parks, with river access and wildlife-watching opportunities. The trailhead also serves an area locally known as the Car Bodies.

  • More than four miles of trails
  • Cottonwood and riparian woodland
  • Public river fishing access
  • Bird and wildlife watching

Getting to Missouri River Natural Area & Trailhead

From I-94 Exit 153 in Mandan, follow the local route toward River Drive Northeast near Division Street and Missouri Drive. The county publishes 1472 River Drive Northeast for the trailhead.

The map pin is approximate. Use the street address and Directions button to plan your route.

Before you go

The county lists no camping and no campfires. Conditions change with weather and river levels; use established access points and check current notices before visiting.

Fees, seasons and conditions can change. Confirm with the linked website before you head out.

Browse trails & biking or explore all places around Bismarck or find local food and coffee for your day out.