Lewis and Clark State Park - Epping, North Dakota

If you’re looking for a little adventure, and a shot at perhaps seeing how famous explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark lived during their famous journey, plan a visit to North Dakota’s Lewis and Clark State Park, located on the upper bays of the Lake Sakakawea. You’ll find fun, adventure, and perhaps even a little history lesson.

The Lewis and Clark State Park was originated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and was turned into a state park by the North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department in 1973. Lewis and Clark camped near the area, about a mile south at Short Creek, in 1805.

In his journal, Lewis talked of the richness of the area as well as the game, that of the buffalo, elk, deer, antelope, and geese. Despite the fact that the two took different paths on their return trip, both Lewis and Clark spent time again in the area surrounding the state park. Archaeological surveys have showed that civilization existed here perhaps way before the expedition, as many as two to eight thousand years ago.

Today there exists a sizable trail system that winds through the Lewis and Clark State Park, moving hikers through the Missouri River area, up buttes, and through marsh and prairie. Blue grama and bluestem grasses, along with prairie rose, buffalo berry, and creeping juniper make up the largest mixed grass prairie of the state parks in North Dakota. Other plant life seen are gumbo and mariposa lilies, silver leaf scurf pea, and wild bergamot.

The wild animals observed are slightly different than that of the Lewis and Clark days, but many different types of birds can be noticed, along with white-tailed and mule deer, and smaller animals such as badgers, beavers, and porcupines. Rare fish such as the pallid sturgeon and paddlefish can be found, too.

Camping is available at Lewis and Clark State Park with a fee of $6 for each reservation, along with $14 a night for a modern site and $8 a night for a primitive site. Two sleeping cabins are available on site, but visitors must bring their own bedding, towels, and soap. Each cabin sleeps five and has lights, heat, fan, and a patio or deck, with a fee of $40 nightly. Outdoor grills are available as cooking inside is not allowed, and water facilities are available nearby. A large picnic shelter is also available for rental.

Lewis and Clark State Park, along with all other North Dakota state parks, participates in a Dakota Explorer program for children. After picking up an activity book from one of the state parks and doing the book’s activities in the park, the book is then presented to an interpreter, naturalist, or ranger in the park. Children are then entered into the program, and are separated by age groups. Six and under qualify for Roscoe’s Rascals, 7 through 12 as Roscoe’s Bandits, and 13 and over as Roscoe’s Rangers.

Outside of the program, there are also plenty of learning opportunities available, such as guided hikes and campfire programs. Schedules for these events are posted on the bulletin boards within the park.

Lewis & Clark State Park
4904 119th Road NW
Epping, ND 58843
Phone 701-859-3071
Reservations 1-800-807-4723
E-mail lcsp@state.nd.us